This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bitdefender for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Bitdefender Total Security 2013 Review – Bitdefender has released the newer version of its key security products back in June. The Bitdefender 2013 version include Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2013, Bitdefender Internet Security 2013 and Bitdefender Total Security 2013. All the security products comes with several new and noteworthy features and better yet, Bitdefender 2013 now support the upcoming Windows 8.
Today, we are going to give a run-down of the new and exciting features in Bitdefender Total Security 2013 and tell you our impressions on those new features. Read on.
Introduction
Bitdefender doesn’t require any introduction, really! The security software company produces a lineup of top-rated security programs, that earned itself CNET Editor’s Choice and PCMag’s Editor’s Choice. Did we mention that Bitdefender is even ranked at the number 1 spot in commercial Antivirus Software category? Yes, talking about achievements!
Every version comes with new features and improvement to current features. Bitdefender’s 2013 lineup of security solutions are no different. They provide user-friendly state-of-the-art, proactive protection from e-threats including viruses, spyware, hackers, spam and phishing attacks. These security software also offer more advanced safeguards and essential features, including parental controls, online backup, social networking protection and more.
Installation
The installation process is rather simple and painless. It doesn’t cause us any headache because there is nothing to configure (really!) during the installation process. Simply click on the Install button to get the Bitdefender installer running. Don’t bother to choose custom installation. Standard installation will do just fine.
During our test, the installation process took slightly over 10 minutes to complete. During the installation, the installer will download the required installation files (make sure you are connected to the internet) and install it automatically to your system. Also, Bitdefender also run its first virus scan on your system’s memory and critical system areas.
On the first run, you will be prompt to register your product, configure product behavior (Autopilot and Automatic Game Mode), configure connection filters and set up MyBitdefender account.
Main Interface
The main interface of Bitdefender Total Security 2013 just get some minor improvements. There is no major interface redesign though, although we expect to see at least a design that matches Windows 8’s metro style as the product now supports Windows 8.
The interface looks the same as previous version, except for two things. First, there is a coloured indicator at the top left of the screen, that tells you the health of your system. Green means there is no issues to fix.
Second, notice the MyBitdefender menu at the top right of the screen. By registering an account at MyBitdefender, you can access all the status and licensing information about your software and services (Parental Control and Anti-Theft), in your MyBitdefender dashboard on the web. Also, you can control installed applications and Android mobile devices within the dashboard.
Bitdefender Autopilot
This is one of the essential (and smart) features in Bitdefender Total Security 2013. Autopilot lets you enjoy hassle-free experience while running the security program. With the Autopilot mode turned on, Bitdefender will run on its own and make optimal security-related decisions on your behalf. This includes automatically detect and quarantine malware for you.
Social Network Protection
With internet users spending more hours and sharing more details on popular social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, it is crucial for them to protect their Facebook and Twitter accounts from online threats. The Social Network Protection feature enables you to scan your Facebook and Twitter accounts for potentially dangerous links or posts that your friends shared online.
What’s New in Bitdefender Total Security 2013?
Bitdefender introduces a number of new and exciting features to its all-in-one computer security suite or rather known as Total Security 2013. This includes Bitdefender Safepay, Device Anti-Theft, Security Widget and USB Immunizer. Improvements are seen in MyBitdefender dashboard, Parental Controls and Bitdefender Safebox.
Bitdefender Safepay
The Safepay feature is one of the new but essential features in Bitdefender Total Security 2013. It gives you a total peace-of-mind while accessing online banking pages, credit card accounts or make purchases at online retail stores.
Safepay will automatically detect such hacker-prone pages or online transactions and open them in a separate and secure browser. This way, hackers should find hard time to steal your sensitive details. For users who regularly make online purchases, this is the feature that you are waiting for. You should definitely feel more secure than ever with Safepay around.
Bitdefender Anti-Theft
Misplaced your laptop or someone has stolen your laptop when you’re aware of it? Bring Anti-Theft into action! It can help you track your lost or stolen laptops directly from your MyBitdefender account. You can even lock your laptop or wipe out data within your device.
In Bitdefender 2013, the Safepay secured browser seals online transactions and home banking in a tamper-proof vault, Safebox offers the convenience of online storage secured by the Bitdefender name and Autopilot offers a mature, reliable technology that needs no babysitter. Parental Control, Anti-Theft and more tie a secure knot over the 2013 package.
USB Immunizer
Bitdefender has finally integrated this previously-standalone feature into Total Security 2013. USB Immunizer disables autorun-related viruses in removable devices (USB drives, external hard drives, CDs, DVDs and network drives) before they access your computer. It constantly watches for newly inserted removable devices and immunizes them on the fly.
Guess what, you never worry again about autorun-related viruses infecting your computer or friends’ computers.
Security Widget
In addition to the main interface, Bitdefender introduced a security widget that allows you to run several tasks without firing up the main screen. The widget sits above the taskbar on your desktop. It enables you to keep track of all of your security related tasks, plus lets you quickly and easily drag-and-drop files for quick scanning for viruses.
Parental Control
This is a must-have feature in any internet security software. In Bitdefender Total Security 2013, the Parental Control feature has just got better. It has improved interface and enables parents to remotely monitor their children’s online activities (web browsing, Facebook and IM), application monitoring, location tracking as well as phone activities (SMS and call).
Conclusion
Bitdefender Total Security 2013 provides top-notch protection against both online and offline threats, thanks to its huge range of features. Some of the essential features that we love are Autopilot, Social Network Protection and Bitdefender Safepay. It is good to say that nothing can possibly go wrong when you have Bitdefender Total Security 2013 installed on your system.
Given its top-rated security protection, Bitdefender Total Security 2013 does come with a slightly higher price tag. It costs $79.95 a copy with usage on up to 3 computers on 1 year subscription. For more information, you can visit the official page of Bitdefender Total Security 2013. For trial purpose, you can put Total Security 2013 a test drive for 30 days.
Last but not least, BitDefender is giving away a Dell Inspiron laptop pre-loaded with its Total Security software. Find out how to enter the giveaway contest here.