Kaspersky Labs, a leading information security software developer, announces the release of Kaspersky® Anti-Virus 5.0: next generation anti-virus software for Windows.
Kaspersky Lab presents the next generation of anti-virus programs for Windows
Kaspersky Lab, a leading information security software developer, announces the release of Kaspersky® Anti-Virus 5.0: next generation antivirus software for Windows. This version of the product combines extended functionality, a new interface, with a level of protection against viruses which has already become legendary. Overall, all these characteristics once again confirm the position of Kaspersky Anti-Virus as the most reliable anti-virus program on the market.
Natalya Kaspersky, Kaspersky Lab CEO, commented: 'Kaspersky Anti-Virus 5.0 incorporates the results of many years research by leading international experts in the area of protection against malicious programs. The unique technologies which optimize anti-virus program performance, the new approach to maximizing the ergonomics of program management, and also all the tools which combat current and emerging future virus threats are all reflected in the product.'
Three times faster
One of the main drawbacks of contemporary anti-virus programs has been practically solved in the fifth generation of Kaspersky Lab products: reduced PC performance due to the need to scan large volumes of data in background mode. Thanks to the integration of the unique file processing technologies iChecker, iStream and iCache, on average Kaspersky Anti-Virus now runs three times faster than previously, and requires 50% less system memory. This is notwithstanding the fact that protection has been increased and functionality improved. The tremendous boost in the scanning speed is made possible by the intellectual engine at the heart of these technologies which determines file integrity and interaction with the Windows cache manager. This avoids scanning of files which are known to be clean, thereby maximising the use of operating system resources to increase anti-virus performance.
A new interface with Expert Advice
Protecting against new virus threats is an extremely difficult task and the technologies needed to resolve this problem can only be understood by professionals. However, virus protection is now crucial for all users. To meet user requirements, Kaspersky Lab conducted extensive international market research into user preferences, and developed an ideal interface which combines ergonomy with clarity of design. At the same time, the interface expedites easy deployment of the whole arsenal of built-in protection methods with the help of the unique Expert Advice system.
The new Kaspersky Anti-Virus interface, in the style of Windows XP, is distinguished by its simplicity, intuitive structure and attractive design. All technical details of protection have been fundamentally adapted so they can be understood even by novice users, and are presented as a three component graphical menu. This menu makes it possible to manage all program elements simultaneously from a single centre, and the Expert Advice dialogue window provides, in real-time, appropriate recommendations on the configuration and updating of Kaspersky Anti-Virus.
In order to simplify working with the program as much as possible, during the configuration process the user is offered three pre-defined levels of protection: Maximum Speed (where only the main components of the computer are scanned), Maximum Protection (full scanning of the computer) and Recommended (optimal from the point of view of time spent and breadth of scanning). The level of protection can be chosen simply by moving a pointer, and the program then automatically changes all of the numerous internal configurations. This saves user time and means that no specialized knowledge is needed to use Kaspersky Anti-Virus.
Enhanced protection against email threats
Kaspersky Anti-Virus is an effective answer to the growing danger of email as the primary source of virus infection. The new version of the program contains a universal module, MailChecker Traffic Monitor, which fulfils two functions: protection and compatibility. The module concentrates the powerful scanning potential of Kaspersky Anti-Virus on email correspondence. This module also means there is no need to waste time and effort integrating protection into the email program installed on the computer. Once Kaspersky Anti-Virus has been installed, MailChecker Traffic Monitor integrates as a filter between the email server and the email client, and automatically checks all incoming and outgoing messages. This ensures maximum compatibility with all mail programs which use SMTP or POP3 protocol.
No way to hide from Kaspersky
The number of virus attacks carried out using malicious programs which are packed using archive and compression utilities is growing every year. The most effective way to combat them is to use unpacking technology to reveal the real contents of the object. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 5.0 contains a new function to combat this threat; now, not only packed files can be disinfected, but also archived files, including the most popular formats such as ZIP, ARJ, RAR and CAB. This makes it possible to delete malicious code automatically without needing to manually unpack and repack the archive.
New updates right on time
It is well known that the frequency of anti-virus updates release is a key factor in the reliability of protection. Kaspersky Lab offers users a unique service: regular updates are released every three hours, as well as unlimited urgent updates, designed to deflect attacks by the very newest viruses. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 5.0 contains unparalleled KeepUp2Date technology; a system for managing the downloading of updates, ensuring uninterrupted and easy upgrading of the program.
Updating can be done either manually, on user demand, or automatically using the built-planner. Any schedule can be set. Thanks to KeepUp2Date technology, the item being updated can be anti-virus databases or executable program modules (the anti-virus engine). Before downloading updates, Kaspersky Anti-Virus independently detects the fastest download server for the current computer. As a result, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 5.0 ensures the prompt and reliable downloading of all additions needed to deflect new information security threats.
And other useful features
Many other program components in Kaspersky Anti-Virus 5.0 have been modernized. Specifically, a new interactive help system has been introduced, which provides step by step instructions, and also access to the world's largest anti-virus information centre - Kaspersky Virus Encyclopedia. The quarantine and back-up modules have been significantly enhanced to ensure the reliable isolation of malicious code. The processing of infected and suspicious objects during scanning has been improved. Support for UNICODE, which ensures Kaspersky Anti-Virus efficient operation on a variety of platforms, including any version of Windows (in particular Chinese, Japanese, Korean and other Asian languages) has also been upgraded.
'We are pleased to present Kaspersky Anti-Virus 5.0 and are confident that the new version will not only meet user expectations, but exceed them,' said Denis Zenkin, Head of Corporate Communications. 'The high quality of our product sets new standards for anti-virus programs in terms of resource use and reliable protection, meaning that ultimately, the user is the winner.'
Registered users of previous versions of the product will be able to download and install a free version of Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal 5.0.
