BitDefender Total Security 2008 - 2 Years/3 Pc's [OLD VERSION]

Unfortunately this is the 2nd Bitdefender I'm using. It interferes with other programs. I prefer 2 watch DVD's that I copy onto my hard drive since the actual DVD's if watched from running in the DVD drive get very hot & will ruin them in a short time as well as wear out the DVD drive.
Bitdefender will often destroy the copy onto my hard drive. If I completely disable bitdefender prior 2 the copy I don't have this problem, BUT I often can't open the DVD drawer after disabling Bitdefender. I've all but taken a sledgehammer 2 my computer thanks 2 Bitdefender! Also if I burn a CD or DVD with BitDefender disabled, my computer completely locks up - I can't even restart or Shut Down. Disabling BitDefender is torturously difficult. DON'T BUY!!!

To be honest, my computer wasn't useless while I tried running this but it was unable 2 do basic tasks like burning data 2 a CD (wouldn't work with either Roxio or Nero). Trying 2 do so would freeze the computer up 2 the point that after a couple hours I would have 2 unplug the machine 2 get it 2 shut down. Bitdefender's support staff listened 2 my problems & were only able 2 tell me that they would fix the problem in a future version. And 2 top it off I managed 2 get 2 different malware programs on my computer while running this. A waste of money.

I've used Total Security 2008 on two computers 4 over three months. I never know what it's going 2 do next. I was working recently when systray status icon & the File & Network activity indicators quit & then stopped working. I couldn't tell whether it was still working or whether the computer was still protected. I rebooted. Within a week, the same thing happened 2 my son's computer.

I still don't understand all the security messages that pop up constantly. I switched 2 Bit Defender after using Norton 4 years. Norton just seemed 2 slow down my computers. However, Bit Defender seems 2 be a bigger distraction. I installed Norton IS 2009 on my new computer & don't notice it's there, so I'll probably replace the Bit Defender with Norton, since Norton is cheap on Amazon & Bit Defender was free with the rebate (I hate 2 loose a two year subscription, but I'm loosing a headache, too.)

Also if you have a rebate, make sure you pester them. I waited 10 weeks before calling & they brushed me off. I decided I'd call back periodically 2 remind them that it was overdue. I finally got someone 2 "escalate" it & the rebate came two days later, 3 months of waiting.

Not intuitive at all. Very limited built-in help. Hard-to-access service & no answer at their 800 number. All-in-all the 2 of 5 stars I'm giving is generous. The actual product isn't bad, but you need 2 be a BitDefender employee in order 2 figure it out. After 5 emails asking 4 help, I got a generic response with instructions 2 email them 4 help!

After setting up the software on each of the PC's in my home-office LAN, I was pleasantly surprised that the firewall ruleset(s) were fairly automatic & the other sections were easily tune-able as well. The really nice feature (for me) was the ability 2 automate backup 2 my NAS (LaCie) device. The software allows 4 a mix of full & incremental backups with a settable number of backup files 2 keep. So, if you want 2 do a full every month, & augment with incremental every week with 3 fulls & 10 incrementals - you can do that. (That gives you 3 full restore points with a 10-day incremental "window")

The overhead of the processes spawned by bitdefender is very low - & the systray clutter is minimal - just one icon 2 launch the software, two clicks 2 update. GOOD DESIGN!

I use layered defenses & this is one layer - but at the price I paid - & the associated features of this product 4 my whole family? I am super happy with this product.

BitDefender Total Security 2008 provides the ultimate proactive protection 4 your PCs. It combines state of the art protection against viruses, spyware, hackers, spam & other Internet security threats. Moreover, its system maintenance & PC backup tools keep your PC running fast & protected from data loss. Unlike most competitors, this Internet security software provides two (2) years of protection instead of one (1). Automated incremental backup - Backup copies your data 2 local or removable drives 4 safekeeping Tune-up module improves PC performance Licensed 4 up 2 3 users

BitDefender Total Security 2008 provides the ultimate proactive protection 4 your PCs. It combines state of the art protection against viruses, spyware, hackers, spam & other Internet security threats. Moreover, its system maintenance & PC backup tools keep your PC running fast & protected from data loss.

The ultimate proactive protection 4 your PCs.

Prevents different types of spam & scam e-mails from reaching your Inbox.

Protects your PC in real time against known viruses, spyware & other malware.

Control applications' access 2 the Internet while "hiding" your computer from hacker.

The Ultimate Proactive Protection 4 Your PCs

Antivirus & Spyware

• Protects your PC in real time against known viruses, spyware & other malware
• Blocks unknown viruses using advanced proactive detection techniques
• Monitors & prevents spyware threats in real-time
• Detects & removes the newest breed of hidden threats known as rootkits
• Provides a smooth gaming experience by reducing the system load 2 a minimum

Anti-Phishing

• Protects against phishing attacks by filtering all accessed web pages 4 fraud attempts
• Reduces the risk of identity theft by preventing personal information leaks via e-mail or web

Hassle-Free Hourly Updates
Hourly updates ensure that you are protected against the latest threats without pushing a button. Lost program files are not a problem either. In the rare event of file damage due 2 PC problems, BitDefender automatically repairs & updates itself.

Free 24/7 Support
Got a question? Our security experts are available 2 help you 24/7 via phone, email or chat at no additional cost.

Firewall

• Controls applications' access 2 the Internet while "hiding" your computer from hackers
• Alerts you 2 unauthorized access 2 your Wi-Fi network by notifying you when computers log in 2 the network

Antispam

• Prevents different types of spam & scam e-mails from reaching your Inbox
• Now responds faster 2 new spamming techniques with new adaptive engines

Parental Control

• Blocks access 2 inappropriate websites & e-mail
• Allows or blocks web access during specified time periods

Which BitDefender solution is right 4 you? Check this comparison chart (PDF format).

Backup

• Safeguards your data by creating backup copies 2 local & removable drives, CD-R/RW or DVD-R/RW
• Automatically backs up only new files, based on a pre-set schedule

Tune-up

• Improves your PC performance by removing unnecessary files & registry entries
• Completely erases files & "traces" of files from disk 2 prevent recovery

NewGamer Mode
The new Gamer Mode temporarily modifies protection settings so as 2 minimize their impact on gaming performance, maintaining a safe, fun gaming experience.