Eset - NOD Review

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Written by Andrew J Lee (Updated May 7, 2001)

Version Reviewed:

Version: 1.84 (20010503)
Base module build: 1760
Virus database build: 1778
Environment version: 1.024 Reviewed on:

Operating system information
Platform: Windows 2000
Version: 5.0.2195 Service Pack 1
Common controls version: 5.81.4134

Brief Summary:

Though not all that well known, ESET's NOD32 scanner is one of the best performing in terms of speed and detection rates. It consistently does well in independent testing including a better record in VB100% tests than any other product. NOD32 is excellent for home or business use.

The only real drawback is that there is no support FAQ for the product on the web site, but in reality, it's so easy to install and use that there should be no need for support. Also when you register you will receive an email with contact details for support. The new POP3 scanner is a bit tricky but the manual is very good. It takes you step by step through setting everything up. If you use Outlook Express, settings can be imported automatically.

I couldn't get the scanner working for more than one account using Outlook Express on Windows2000, but it was fine on Win98. I would venture to say that further development will continue to improve the POP3 scanner but for now, it's quite adequate.

There was a time when NOD32 was a little "User Unfriendly", but that has changed recently and the installation and configuration is incredibly easy.

Where it counts is virus detection and ESET NOD has been consistently scoring high in independent testing. Because of a strong heuristic capability , it has been able to find many new worms and viruses that other vendors were chasing their tails to release updates for.

In these days of bloatware and huge footprints for software, ESET NOD32, for all its power, is probably the smallest scanner on the market. In fact, it is the only product I know of whose DOS scanner and full signature databases currently fit on a single floppy disk.

Pros:

Excellent Detection Rates

Very Fast Scanning

Low Spec. System Requirements

Excellent Heuristics Engine

Very Simple to use

Automatic Updating Scheduler

POP3 Scanning for email

DOS Scanner and full database fits on a single floppy

Cons:

No quick reference FAQ or Tech Support information on the Website (Hardly a con, but something that might help some users)

Features:

AMON - On Access Scanner for Win95, Win98, ME, NT4, Win200Pro

NOD32 - On Demand Scanner for Win95, Win98, ME,NT4, Win200Pro

NOD32DOS - Standalone DOS Scanner for DOS/Win3.1

NOD32 For POP - POP3 email scanner

NOD32 Control Center - Easy to use Configuration interface

(Also available are a Novell Netware Server Version and a LINUX version)

Use:

Home or Business

Pricing:

Single User $39 (US)

Volume Licensing options available

Discounts For Educational and NPO users

System Requirements:

CPU 386DX or higher

10MB of disk free space

8MB of RAM

VGA video-card