How do we test and what standards are used for testing?

Virus and Spyware Recognition: Testing was conducted using approximately 1500 new Viruses, Rootkits, Worms, Trojans and infected web sites. All viruses were installed on a real harddrive and synchronized online.

Virus Database Updates: We evaluated how fast and often new updates were available. Fast reaction time in virus recognition is very important.

False/Positives: A false positive is when a good program is recognized as a virus. This should happen as little as possible. The fewer the false/positive rate the more points are being awarded.

Resource Usage: An Anti-Virus should tax your system as little as possible. Anti-Virus software should use as little RAM (Random Access Memory) because the main reason a system is impacted or burdened has to do with RAM size.

Scan Speed: We evaluate how fast any given Anti-Virus scans a certain amount of data. The faster the system is scanned, the higher the rating.

Boot Speed: Delays in computer start-up are measured. Ideally, there should be no delay at all. A good Anti-Virus delays the boot process for only 5-10 seconds.

User Interface: Evaluates the graphical user interface.  Is it clearly laid out? How easy is it to use?

Configuration: Evaluates how many levels of personal settings and configurations the Anti-Virus offers.

Ease of Use: Evaluates how easy it is to use the Anti-Virus and how intuitive the interface is.