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ESET is one of the top global players in the internet security game. Founded in 1992 in Slovakia, ESET started its journey in 1987 when it released its first antivirus.
Since then it went on to stretch to a global level and now features popular internet security products. So if you’re looking to change your internet security software or use one for the first time, read this ESET Smart Security review to find out how the program fares against its competitors.
RECOMMENDED REVIEW TO READ: Intrusta Review
ESET Smart Security – Features
Let’s take a look at what ESET can do, for starters. Then we can take the time to talk a bit about what it can’t do and how is it different from other popular internet protection software options.
ESET Smart Security offers antivirus capabilities as well, a personal firewall, antispyware, anti-theft, anti-phishing, parental control, antispam, an exploit blocker and a social media scanner.
Among these, the only side of note is the parental control feature which is not largely available among other antivirus or internet security programs.
It’s pretty well implemented and you can use it to keep things from your kids: from personal files to certain webpages and even limit their browsing time per day. The anti-theft feature is alright too, although it’s already widely popular with competitors of ESET as well and does not bring something new to the table.
One really neat feature that started spreading to other antivirus software options is the ‘Gamer Mode’. This is well worth mentioning in any ESET Smart Security review as it puts this particular software a bit above its competitors.
Basically, you can play games, stream videos and do other resource-demanding tasks without interference from the antivirus program. It’ll pause its scans and other internal processes and allow you to take advantage of your PC’s total performance capabilities.
Last, but not least, ESET has one of the best threat definition databases out there – held in the cloud, it is constantly updated in real time and new items the software will be looking for will be added.
This, of course, means that you’ll need an internet connection in order to take advantage of the feature. But we’ll allow this one on the ‘good’ side, as not many other options have this kind of definition updating capability.
ESET Smart Security Review – The Bad
Fact is, ESET is not one of the world’s most popular internet security programs, although it performs well in tests. However, other reviewers choose to ignore it due to its low popularity compared to competitor software.
ESET can and will use up more resources than some of the other antivirus programs out there. Sure, you get extra protection, including root kit and memory scanning, but it really depends on you whether or not you feel like you need that ‘extra’ punch.
The last thing you need to know about the ESET Smart Security suite is that it lamentably fails when it comes to a system already infected with certain types of viruses, spyware or malware.
While you should even allow your PC to get infected and should always have an antivirus program installed, it would be good if they made ESET capable of dealing with already infected systems. If you’re not already infected, you’ll be fine.
RELATED: ESET NOD32 Antivirus Review
ESET Smart Security – Review Summary
In the end, I would definitely recommend this piece of software for the sole benefit of making sure that your computer is safe and sound. While I would personally use it in ‘Gamer Mode’ most of time to save up on my PC’s resources, a good, complete and deep scan using the abundant threat definitions would go a long way in securing your system.
If you’ve tried ESET’s Smart Security (Internet Security) in the past whether it’s been the free trial version or paid, please take a moment to rate and share your experience with others below.
To Everyone at ESET ....You Go Guys/Gals! I love you!
I love your immediate warnings and choice to block/allow communications on dangerous/shady websites! Outstanding work!
Never had a problem
No problems in 3 years, Easy to install and doesn’t interfere noticeably with other programs.
ESET Smart Security is a solid program
ESET is a solid internet security program. I haven’t gotten any viruses or malware on my computer while using it. The price is a little high, but I suppose that is because it is not a big-box, well known name and so they don’t have as many customers as the Norton’s and McAfee’s. That also makes them more desirable to me, as they are less likely to be a target for hackers. I also feel they put the money into their product, not a ton of advertising, like the big companies. The program is a little intrusive, but I think that’s the point – it’s protecting your computer. So there are a lot of pop-up questions whenever a new program is installed or you plug in a flash drive. Overall, it is worth the money.
Smart Security is hands down a 5 star product. 6 YEARS
ESET has never done me wrong, as in the past I have had problems with a different popular anti-virus program. One antivirus program didn’t prevent me from getting a virus, and another one would interrupt me especially when using a presentation application and I was not online, and it also slowed my computer noticeably. Maybe those others have gotton better since then, but ESET has done so good by me for the last 5 + years that I will not even try another antivirus software!
Never failed me
I have never been let down concerning my computer security using ESET Anti virus
Loyal ESET NOD 32 Customer for 8 Years…
I’ve been a loyal ESET NOD 32 customer since November 2010, upon the recommendation of technology reviewer and broadcaster Leo LaPorte on KFI AM Radio. In my (almost) 8 years of using ESET on my PCs, I have been very happy with the software. It is easy to download and set-up. The ESET default settings have worked well for me and my PCs have not encountered any problems. It’s true that ESET NOD 32 is very lightweight, fast, and reliable, and I haven’t experienced any disruptive issues with the operation of the software. If I have any point of criticism, it’s that at times, upon waking my PC from a state of sleep, I must launch the software and manually update the virus signatures instead of the software automatically updating the virus signatures. Not sure if this is a significant or trivial issue with respect to NOD 32’s ability to immediately detect and block newer strains of harmful malware. But like I mentioned above, I’ve encountered no problems with my PCs since using NOD 32. Highly recommended.
ESET is the only game in town...
ESET is the only game in town for a safe ecosystem. It is the easiest to use and the best in my opinion. Upgrading this time was easy, it did it automatically after purchase. The only thing I did not like was… I ordered the backup CD, which came on an old scratched up disk of an old ESET CD, (which was disappointing and unprofessional looking). I wrote them and they said they would send me another one, but it was not right for a company that has been nearly flawless. Also, it should be a flash drive at this point, not a CD.
Better than Webroot
Used to use Webroot, switched and I have used E-SET for a few years now and have had no instance of virus or any problems. Love it
ESET Smart Security is easy to use and comprehensive
ESET installs easily and is not overwhelming to set up. The price is very reasonable especially for multiple machines. It has a nice feature where you can report a machine stolen and it will track where that device is. It has also notified me when Google wants to use my camera. Think I shall renew now, great review Jimmy!
ESET has always been helpful
Especially upon renewal.I trust ESET implicitly. 3 years strong baby!
ESET is a reliable and effective…
Their customer support tho, could use a morality check, otherwise, great product!
My computer runs virus free with ESET
I would recommend you get it!
Fantastic company
They have been protecting my computers for years. The only company I trust with it.