Product Details

Updated

An internet security tool specifically designed for Windows 8

Bitdefender Windows 8 Security is an internet security and antivirus package which has been specifically designed for Windows 8. Or adapted, at least (it's essentially Bitdefender Internet Security with some useful Windows 8-specific additions).

The program installs more or less as you'd expect: it runs a preliminary scan to check all is well, downloads the full package and installs it.

After a reboot, the feature set is also more or less the same as usual. Real-time protection keeps you safe from harm; a firewall blocks network attacks; a spam filter watches your inbox; you can manually run scans whenever you like; and Bitdefender SafePay provides a secure and isolated browser to keep your online banking and shopping details protected.

There are Windows 8-specific features, though. These include support for Microsoft's new Early Launch Anti-malware (ELAM) feature, which means the program is launched before other boot drivers and can vet them for safety. The program can also analyse your Windows 8 apps for security problems, and integrates with the Windows 8 Security Center to keep you in touch with your system's status.

And all this is wrapped up in a revamped interface. It's not a Metro/ Modern UI app - clicking the Bitdefender tile will still switch you to the desktop - but this then organises the program's functions into various areas, and you can view their status, change settings and more in just a click or two.

None of this is too revolutionary or surprising (perhaps the most important feature is ELAM support, and that's entirely invisible to the end user). Bitdefender always produce quality security suites, though, and this one is no exception. If you've upgraded to Windows 8 (or plan to do so soon) then it should be high on your security shortlist.

Note that the regular Bitdefender Internet Security 2013 and Total Security 2013 suites are fully Windows 8 compatible. This Bitdefender Windows 8 Security is a special product, specifically designed for Windows 8, with a Windows 8 UI and various Windows 8-only tweaks and improvements to benefit users of the latest operating system.

Includes a 3-PC, 1-Year license.

Review by Mike Williams.