Defender Pro AKA Kaspersky AV/Firewall

[RAV]

My zonealarm security suite with AV was due for renewal but thought I would go for a change. I purchased Defender Pro @ Walmart for only $19.99 and it is licensed for up to 3 computers. Includes Firewall, AV, as well as a few useless utilities.

The firewall and AV are obviously Kaspersky AV Personal 5 and Antihacker 1.5 and come with a 1 year license key for each. Seem to run smooth on my WinXP SP2 machine although SP2 security center didn't recognize the firewall so I shut off monitoring in the security center. The security center did recognize the AV and that it was up-to-date. AV updates are advertised every 3 hours but you can also adjust the program to every 1 hr.

The firewall seems pretty good and light on resources without much fuss. Not bad for the price. Anyone else use this product- Defender Pro 5-in-1 ?

[bigc73542]

you can set it to update every hour if you want and it will also download and use the extended databases. The utilities really don't work that bad.

bigc

[RAV]

Where do I download the extended databases and how to install/turn on? Do you also run the included firewall? I also wonder about updates after the 1 year, but for the price I was willing to use it for the year and go from there.

[RAV]

I found the option to download extended databases and now have it working. I still can't believe the price for this program, but most people at Walmart have no idea about Kaspersky- the only go for Norton or maybe Mcafee. I don't really care for the "D" icon (rather have "K"), but this is the only difference that I can see is minor cosmetic differences to change the name of the program although it is now "powered by" Kaspersky.

[Firecat]

-{ Quote: "I found the option to download extended databases and now have it working. I still can't believe the price for this program, but most people at Walmart have no idea about Kaspersky- the only go for Norton or maybe Mcafee. I don't really care for the "D" icon (rather have "K"), but this is the only difference that I can see is minor cosmetic differences to change the name of the program although it is now "powered by" Kaspersky." }-
Don't worry Defender Pro is a rebranded version of Kaspersky. Defender Pro is an excellent product given the price. Even here in India, Norton, McAfee rule and PC-cillin is eating up lots of market shares...Panda has a very small appearance..and Kaspersky is scattered...Only NOD32, eScan, F-Secure and BitDefender are found in abundance.

[bigc73542]

Click on settings and then configure updates see screen shot

[bigc73542]

On the updates configure page just set yours like mine in the screen shot

[bigc73542]

Just in case you are interested the updates don't come from defender pro, they come directly from the kaspersky labs updates database. :D

bigc

Oh and let me know if you can't figure out where you can exclude files to have scanned. They are a bit tricky to find.

[Blackcat]

-{ Quote: " I still can't believe the price for this program." }-
Unless they have recently changed their policy, for this price you only receive definition upgrades ( not engine upgrades ) and support may not be the best. http://forums.useice.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?;act=ST;f=1;t=1707;st=0

So you have to balance these factors against the cheap price.

[Mr2cents]

-{ Quote: "Unless they have recently changed their policy, for this price you only receive definition upgrades ( not engine upgrades ) and support may not be the best. http://forums.useice.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?;act=ST;f=1;t=1707;st=0

So you have to balance these factors against the cheap price." }-
If you click on Blackcats link above.Go to page 2 and notice Lunte's comments. She stated she purchased" system mechanic 5 pro" and kav 5.0.277 came with it. System mechanic 5 pro retails for $69.95.

However you can purchase ithere (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/new-for-you/top-sellers/-/software/229672/software/0/0/2/ref=pd_ts_pg_2/102-9744986-1832951) for only $49.99. If you qualify for the rebate, it's only $19.95. Scroll down to item 33 here is system mechanics home page that describes the product better. click here (http://www.iolo.com/sm/5pro/index.cfm)

[Mr2cents]

Sorry, I got off topic a little bit. Everyone was talking about defender pro. I just happened to notice Luntes comments concerning kav coming bundled with "system mechanic 5 pro" Then I saw the low price at amazon if you qualify for the rebate. ::)

[Technodrome]

-{ Quote: "Unless they have recently changed their policy, for this price you only receive definition upgrades ( not engine upgrades ) and support may not be the best. http://forums.useice.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?;act=ST;f=1;t=1707;st=0
" }-
So BC what you telling here, Defender pro does not update these files at all.?
elfbases.klc
extr-cab.avc
extract.avc
kernel.avc
krndos.avc
krnengn.avc
krnexe.avc
krnjava.avc
krnmacro.avc
krnunp.avc
macro.avc
mail.avc
malware.avc
patches.set
script.avc
smart.avc
etc.

Last time I checked program version has nothing to do with engines. Program updates are carried out to fix bugs, holes etc.

The KAV engines are included into the signature updates. Every time you update your signatures you also update KAV engines (extract.avc –extraction engine, unpack.avc – unpacking engine.


tECHNODROME

[Blackcat]

Since KAV Personal 5.0 was launched, last April, there have been four version/program upgrades; v.121, .142, .156 and .227. The last of these was a maintenance pack, which was a major upgrade, including a new network protection module.

Therefore, as stated previously, Defender Pro, as far as I know does not update to these upgrades. However, as Technodrome pointed out, I should have referred to these as version/program upgrades and not engine updates.

[Mr2cents]

I would like to purchase defender pro. I can't find anywhere on the net to download it. It's not listed on wal marts website. I found "defender pro plus" at officemax.com for $10.00. My question is this. Is "defender pro plus" the 5.0 version of kav? Or the 4.5 Version? I found it Here (http://www.officemax.com/max/solutions/product/prodBlock.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&expansionOID=-536907367&prodBlockOID=537237076&moreInfo=yes)r

[bigc73542]

wal-mart doesn't list defender pro 5in1 or the defender pro 10in1 on their web site but they do carry it in the stores. I see it there all the time. 5 in 1 $19.95 10 in 1 $ 29.95

[JimIT]

Target also carries it. Look in their single jewel-case, budget software aisle. Look close! ;)

[dan_maran]

FYI the 9.99 Defender Pro is 4.5 @ Target, Walmart.

[Mr2cents]

Thanks for responding bigc, and JimIT. I'll see if I can find it next time I'm at walmart. We don't have a target store around here right now. However one is being built as I speak. I guess the only difference in the 5 in 1, and the 10 and 1 would be one would probably have a firewall, and the other would be just the antivirus?

I'm still curious about "defender pro plus" It is only $10.00. I just wish I knew if "defender pro plus" is based on kav5? Or kav 4.5?

[Mr2cents]

-{ Quote: "FYI the 9.99 Defender Pro is 4.5 @ Target, Walmart." }-
Thanks for replying likuidkew. I know if I purchase now. It will be at walmart. I don't want 4.5 ;D

[dan_maran]

Not a problem I purchased it for a family members PC, it is still a good piece of software. I think the Defender Pro 2005 is 5.0 though. Best of luck!

[bigc73542]

defender pro 5in1 has five apps and defender pro 10in1 has ten apps see screen shot of 5in1

[bigc73542]

10in1 screen shot

[Mr2cents]

Thanks for replying bigc. Looking at the screenshots, 5-n-1 would be the one I would purchase. Hopefully I won't have to install the firewall. I like kerio to much.

[bigc73542]

I liked kerio also until I started useing the kaspersky AntiHacker firewall. I like AH very much, it seems to do an excellent job. And you can install the programs seperatly. The utilities also seem to work pretty well.

bigc

[Mr2cents]

-{ Quote: "I liked kerio also until I started useing the kaspersky AntiHacker firewall. I like AH very much, it seems to do an excellent job. And you can install the programs seperatly. The utilities also seem to work pretty well.

bigc" }-
Thanks for the info bigc. It's good to know that one can install the programs seperately. I may go to walmart and purchase it in the next couple of days.

[randyoftheredwoods]

-{ Quote: "Since KAV Personal 5.0 was launched, last April, there have been four version/program upgrades; v.121, .142, .156 and .227. The last of these was a maintenance pack, which was a major upgrade, including a new network protection module.

Therefore, as stated previously, Defender Pro, as far as I know does not update to these upgrades. However, as Technodrome pointed out, I should have referred to these as version/program upgrades and not engine updates." }-


I could be wrong but I believe you can take the Defender-Pro key and use it with 'regular' Kaspersky products.

I had the DefenderPro antivirus(Kasperky Lite 4.5) from WalMart and the key worked .

Try using the DefenderPro key with the newest Kaspersky 5.0 and see if that works.

I hope thats not unethical...

[bigc73542]

I hope thats not unethical..." }- from randyoftheredwoods

Yes it is unethical to use a cheaper key to use a more expensive product, especially when it technically is a different product. It would also be illegal

bigc

[Caratacus]

Mr2Cents wrote

-{ Quote: "If you click on Blackcats link above.Go to page 2 and notice Lunte's comments. She stated she purchased" system mechanic 5 pro" and kav 5.0.277 came with it. System mechanic 5 pro retails for $69.95. However you can purchase ithere for only $49.99. If you qualify for the rebate, it's only $19.95. Scroll down to item 33 here is system mechanics home page that describes the product better. click here" }-

Following on from this: it seems like a good deal in that you get System Mechanic & KAV & KAH for 69.95, less than what KAV & KAH alone would cost from Kaspersky.

This tempts me if all upgrades are included.

BUT - what is the situation concering KAV & KAH renewals? Are they available at all through this deal, & at what price?

[Mr2cents]

-{ Quote: "Mr2Cents wrote



Following on from this: it seems like a good deal in that you get System Mechanic & KAV & KAH for 69.95, less than what KAV & KAH alone would cost from Kaspersky.

This tempts me if all upgrades are included.

BUT - what is the situation concering KAV & KAH renewals? Are they available at all through this deal, & at what price?" }-
Hi Caratacus. Your question regarding renewals is a good one. The only thing I could find is the antivirus definitions are good for one year. After that, I don't know. See screenshot. BTW, System mechanic is no longer item 33 on amazons page. It's number 50 now. So you'll have to keep scrolling down as it is constantly moving. I agree it is a good price at $49.99, with everything that comes with it.

To qualify for the rebate to puchase it for $19.95. I believe you have to be a former user of norton utilities, or something like that. I didn't read the rebate offer very closely.

[Caratacus]

Hi Mr2Cents -

I don't qualify for the Amazon cheap price or rebate anyway because I'm in Australia & it's only available in North America.

Even so, purchasing from Iolo at 69.95 might still be attractive given that at Kaspersky shop KAV personal costs $US41.50 & KAH costs $US32.50 = $US74.00, and you get System Mechanic (which I trialled once in the ordinary non-pro version & which seemed OK) etc thrown in as well. But of course it all depends on the subscription renewal which at Kaspersky goes for -30% for a full prog renewal. If you can't get that as part of the deal it seems less attractive.

[Caratacus]

If you are outside the US & thus not eligible for Amazon & other rebates on System Mechanic, this might be worth a go:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4384.html

Major Geeks gets a discount of $20 - ie you pay $49.95 for System Mechanic Pro with KAV & KAH.

[Mr2cents]

-{ Quote: "Mr2Cents wrote



Following on from this: it seems like a good deal in that you get System Mechanic & KAV & KAH for 69.95, less than what KAV & KAH alone would cost from Kaspersky.

This tempts me if all upgrades are included.

BUT - what is the situation concering KAV & KAH renewals? Are they available at all through this deal, & at what price?" }-
I sent system mechanic an email concerning the kav renewal after one year. See screenshot. I received a reply to this question in about 5 hours.The website states to give them 48 hours. I was impressed with the quick response. The email only states that kav renewals are through kaspersky. The question is still unanswered concerning renewal price.

I guess a email to kaspersky would be the way to find out. Now, about the antivirus product. It's "kav 5.0.146" . Updates are every 3 hours, directly from kav. There is a setting to update every hour. I left it on the default setting of 3 hours. The updates work fine. I've already received several.

This product also comes with "kav anti hacker firewall." You are given a choice during installation if you want to install the firewall. I chose not to install it. There is no option to prevent the ads tags from being installed. So, I guess I'm tagged :D

I downloaded directly from system mechanics website. The trial is for 30 days. Warning, the download is a huge 32 mb. Not an issue if you have high speed access. If your on dialup, it may take a while. If I choose to purchase. I will uninstall and purchase from amazon, and save $20

Now I have to make a decision between Nod32 and Kav, but that's another story. ::)

[Caratacus]

Good work Mr2Cents. I needed an AV & firewall for teenage son's machine, so I downloaded, installed & soon after purchased the System Mechanic bundle (I can't do the Amazon thing in OZ as I explained). After installation I uninstalled KAV & replaced with the latest version (the one bundled was 6 months old) & the same with KAH. That all went fine & the keys worked. All has been running well since then & System Mechanic has a few vaguely useful features eg registry cleaner etc to keep the younger Caratacus's machine under control: but the main point for me was getting KAV and KAH at a 30% discount. I'll bet Kaspersky applies their usual deal for updates to this one. Time will tell.

[Mr2cents]

-{ Quote: "Good work Mr2Cents. I needed an AV & firewall for teenage son's machine, so I downloaded, installed & soon after purchased the System Mechanic bundle (I can't do the Amazon thing in OZ as I explained). After installation I uninstalled KAV & replaced with the latest version (the one bundled was 6 months old) & the same with KAH. That all went fine & the keys worked. All has been running well since then & System Mechanic has a few vaguely useful features eg registry cleaner etc to keep the younger Caratacus's machine under control: but the main point for me was getting KAV and KAH at a 30% discount. I'll bet Kaspersky applies their usual deal for updates to this one. Time will tell." }-
Hi Caratacus. Glad to hear that you downloaded it for your sons computer, and are happy with it. Thanks for the link to majorgeeks for people that may be unable to get from amazon. Like you, I only downloaded it for the antivirus. I haven't even opened system mechanic to see what it looks like. Already have enough registry cleaners. :D

Kav is running great here. I had forgotton how lite kav is on system resources. Running it on windows me, 192 mb ram, 700 mhz processor. This is a good deal for anyone that wants to purchase kav and needs the system mechanic utilities to go with it. Purchasing from kavs website, kav 5.0 is $41.50. For $49.00 only $7.50 more, you get system mechanic bundled with it. That is if you need system mechanic. I'm attaching a screenshot so everyone can see the userface.

[ciumes]

I have read with interest the messages in this thread. I picked up Defender Pro 5-in-1 last week, and the first thing that caught ny eye was the prominent warning: "If you have any other anti-virus programs installed on your computer, it is essential that you un-install them BEFORE installing Defender Pro Anti-Virus. Failure to do so may result in an un-repairable and un-bootable operating system."

Now, is this just hype to ensure that Defender Pro is your utility of choice, or does Defender Pro insinuate itself into the OS, and then other virus scanners unwittingly mess up the system as they try to remove Defender Pro, or what? There has been no mention of this here in the forum, so it must not be a problem, but the warning is the first thing in the installation guide. How seriously should I take it?

Thanks

[Don Pelotas]

-{ Quote: "I have read with interest the messages in this thread. I picked up Defender Pro 5-in-1 last week, and the first thing that caught ny eye was the prominent warning: "If you have any other anti-virus programs installed on your computer, it is essential that you un-install them BEFORE installing Defender Pro Anti-Virus. Failure to do so may result in an un-repairable and un-bootable operating system."

Now, is this just hype to ensure that Defender Pro is your utility of choice, or does Defender Pro insinuate itself into the OS, and then other virus scanners unwittingly mess up the system as they try to remove Defender Pro, or what? There has been no mention of this here in the forum, so it must not be a problem, but the warning is the first thing in the installation guide. How seriously should I take it?

Thanks" }-
You should take it seriously, it's not recommended to use two AV's together, if you know how to and use two AV's that "like" eachother and run one as real.time & one for on-demand, then it can be be done. However Kaspersky (Defender Pro) is very protective of it's processes and generaly does not work well with other brands of AV's. :)