System Tests
Startup
When I first installed NOD32, my immediate impression was good. I was pleased with the software load-time. On my system, NOD32 was completely loaded in 1:43, while I recorded 1:37 without an antivirus software. The entire NOD32 program occupies about 19,000 K of my system memory – a very low figure for an ‘on-demand’ antivirus software.
Startup
Scan Speed
NOD32 is fast. In order to get a better look at its scan speeds, I decided to give it a run of my C drive.
Test System Hardware:
- Intel Pentium 4 2.8C Northwood
- Asus P4P800 Deluxe
- Corsair Value Select RAM DDR400 512×2
- Seagate Barracuda 80GB – Ultra ATA (ATA100), 8MB Cache, 7200 RPM
- Enlight 360W ATX Power Supply Unit
- Lite-On CD-RW 52/32/52
- Sony DVD-ROM 16X
- ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB AGP 8X
Operating System:
- Microsoft Windows XP Home with Service Pack 2
Of the total 74.5 GB, 53.8GB is used. I de-fragmented my hard drive before prior to the scan.
Scan Configurations
I note that a number of files created scan errors. Among these files include “pagefile.sys.” I didn’t really worry about it – since Windows keeps the file locked, they are very unlikely infected. While the scan was taking place, I checked the “scrolling” option which tells me which files NOD32 is current scanning.
82,178 total files were scanned in 550 seconds (9:10). For a full on-demand scan, that’s not bad. And for the record, NOD32 did not find any infections in my system.
Updates, Licensing, and Final Thoughts
Updates
ESET does a fantastic job in keeping NOD32 up-to-date. Updates are automatically sent to the software once or twice a day. Typically, NOD32 will automatically alert you of a download update on startup though it may update while the system is running. With the evolution and complexity of today’s malware and viri, you need to always have the latest software definitions – NOD32 makes life very easy in that respect.
Definitions Updated on Startup
I wanted to also point out the neat way in which NOD32 implements Scheduled tasks. By default, the software updates are repeatedly checked in one hour intervals on broadband internet access. For dial-up users, NOD32 may check for updates on connection.
Adding a new task was very easy – it was a step-by-step process. I clicked on “Add”. I selected the type of task, then labeled it and set the time interval. Now every time the selected time passes, the task runs. Pretty easy.
License and System Requirements
NOD32 costs $39.00 per user through NOD32.com with possibility of bulk purchase discount. A one-user renewal costs $27.30, again, online. In find that rather inexpensive as compared to its competition. McAfee’s VirusScan costs $39.99 with a $34.95 yearly update. Likewise, Norton AntiVirus is priced at $39.99 with a $29.99 yearly renewal.
NOD32 system requirements
- 300Mhz Pentium/Celeron/AMD Processor
- 128MB RAM
- 30MB Free Disk Space
- Microsoft Windows 9x/ME/2000/2003/XP operating system
What I find particularly surprising is the low level of system requirement. NOD32 on Windows 98 is almost every bit the same as the NOD32 for Windows XP. That shows me that it’s fairly resource independent.
Technical Support
ESET does a great job supporting their product. Outside of the database/FAQ, ESET offers help through the Wilder’s Security Forum and they offer free email support. Their email response time is excellent. When I was renewing my username and password on my desktop, I ran into a problem and so I emailed the folks at ESET. They responded to my message and fixed my problem within one hour’s time. Their support through Wilder’s Security forum is also notable. NOD32 experts and enthusiasts frequently stroll around and answer questions regarding the software. In all, ESET backs their product very well.
Final Thoughts
In all, NOD32 is a “hidden treasure” – a very effective, light-weight program. Here’s a summary of findings:
Pros:
- Very resource-independent
- Effective/ excellent credentials
- E-Mail Technical Support
- Loaded with features
Cons:
- Complex interface
I would give NOD32 a score of 9.5 on a ten point scale. Very versatile software, but the interface was slightly confusing. Not convinced? Head on over to NOD32 and download the 30-day demo. In today’s Internet-connected world, it never hurts to have a good layer of protection.
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“Of the total 74.5 GB, 53.8GB is used. 82,178 total files were scanned in 550 seconds (9:10). For a full on-demand scan, that’s not bad.”
I’m wondering why it took 2 hours 11 minutes on the very first scan NOD32 did on my hard drive? Second scan took 1 hour 45 minutes. I do not have nearly as much as 53GB of files. However, the files are spread across multiple partitions on a 60GB HDD. File types include self-extracting executable, zipfiles, html documents (I save webpages), etc. NOD32 scan log reported a total of more than 227,000 files scanned in the 2 hours and 11 minutes. I do have ALL on-demand scan options selected including archives, self-extracting archives, alternate data streams, heuristics, advanced heuristics, etc.
The program has locked up at 30% it has been setting still for over 16 hours and won’t let me click on anything in at bottom of the window. Please helpthe
Hey, Joe,
It’s the end of 2008 now… is it still locked up? If so, I’d consider a hard reboot
No, the problem is gone and the program is great, I have seen NOD32 work sending alerts and I’m glad to have this program running on my computer.
Totally agreed with every bit of the review. ESET’s NOD32 is great and I will be using it for a long time. It’s also an interesting fact to know that MICROSOFT’s release lab and CANON Japan is using NOD32. It makes a affirmed statement about the quality of the product. Bottom line is NOD32 is a great product which I have personally used myself for more than 5 years and it works really well. Fully recommended to anyone with the will to protect their PC from known and unknown virus, malware, spyware, spam and many more.
i have been using Nod32 faithfully for a few years now. I got all kids of warnings and stuff over this period of time I thought I was good to go still.
recently my lap top was used by some kids and they did something online they really jacked me up – Hijacked browsers – malware out the whaaaazooo and so on.
I loaded up a malwarebytes and began cleaning – it detected all kinds of crud and I was getting rid of the bad and thought I was on a roll – left he malwarebytes installed and running for added prtection against future attacks. well – it didnt take long to see that boat loads of IP adresses are trying to connect to my system constantly – i mean from all over the world!
I have a ongoing list now – so many in one day that I was just freaking out. I must have some program allowing this – running in the back ground or something.
I ran Nod32 over and over and occasionally it find something new, 1 or two detects and cleans.
I thought this must just not be working – I uninstalled nod 32 and put lapersky on.
BING! BING! immediatly pulled a combination of autoruns, trojan downloaders, and reg trojans and worms. I am getting sick from this , literally . I cant even sleep knowing one of my computers is on.
no matter what i do malwarebytes is collecting ip addresses and saying it’s blocking them. well the thing thats making me sick is i just cant ignore that they are attacking me! I run them to see where they are but i still have no explaination as to why they are trying to access my systems.
I have never been a paranoid person. But OMG> how the hell can I live like this? I am going crazy.
I decided to run these programs on my supposedly good desktop that I do all my buisness on. Holy crap! same shyt happens – over and over over.
what the heck is going on/ is it just me? is this new? Or have I just been not noticing all this in the past and now that I have i am doomed to this eternal worry?
here is a short list of ip’s attempting to connect –
212.117.175.43
65.45.88.234
58.241.135.165
94.96.195.224
94.96.76.57
219.146.143.218
59.34.29.59
94.96.198.182
58.241.131.138
224.64.22.79
89.28.35.136
174.37.231.4
94.228.289
94.228.209.171
83.128.61.70
The list could go on and on, I am tired of typing – these were all recorded in the last few hours and I didnt even catch them all becuase if you don’t write fast enough the next one will wipe the present one out. all tehse are blocked by malwarbytes but how annoying!!! how do I stop this?
antivirus review
In order to get rid of this particular virus, you need to be able to use a program known as an “anti-malware” tool. These are legitimate programs which are designed to remove the complete workings of malicious software infections, of which Virus Total 2010 is one. The problem many people have with this virus is the way in which it “embeds” itself onto your computer – in that it not only has the fake application, but also a series of hidden codes which accompany it.
It’s good post & I like the features.
Nic blog about the antivirus and threat protection.
http://www.antivirus-review.org/