VirusBarrier X6, the highly anticipated latest version of Intego’s security package for Mac was released in early 2010. Intego has been pretty successful in establishing itself as the leading specialist in Mac security software development, mainly thanks to the strong performance of the VirusBarrier series. Claiming over a hundred new features, VirusBarrier X6 promises to be the most comprehensive Mac-only security utility yet
The Basics
For all its features, VirusBarrier X6 is a pretty compact package. It requires an Intel or PowerPC-based machine with Mac OS X 10.5, or an Intel-based system running OS X 10.6, and a paltry 40 MB of hard disk space. It is slightly more expensive than most comparable products, though. You can get 2 licenses for $49.95 US, or a 5-computer license for $69.95.
VirusBarrier X6 offers more central features than most other antivirus programs for Mac, including – in addition to basic virus protection – spyware and phishing detection, a firewall that manages incoming and outgoing transmissions, and various system monitoring tools.
The Pros
The sheer comprehensiveness of VirusBarrier compared to other products in its price range is its primary strength. Simple antivirus protection, after all, is no longer really sufficient, and VirusBarrier X6 protects against all common and uncommon types of threats. It detects Windows-based threats as well, so you won’t have to worry about passing them on to Windows users (and you can have the satisfaction of notifying a Windows-using colleague when they’ve unwittingly sent an infected file to you).
The automatic scanning and updating features in VirusBarrier work well and don’t tend to hog resources. Manual scans take up a little bit more of the CPU’s attention, although they’re not crippling like those offered by ClamXav, for example.
VirusBarrier doesn’t just protect based on established definitions. It can also monitor suspicious activity by otherwise apparently trustworthy applications. It also has a well-implemented quarantine function.
The Cons
VirusBarrier X6’s unconventional interface can be a bit hard to get used to. Intego has used the same visual style for a couple of versions now, and previous users will certainly find the latest interface familiar, but it is a bit jarring and can be a bit of an eyesore for style-conscious Mac users. This is one thing that Intego may want to consider changing in the future.
At the same time, VirusBarrier can be used effectively in a fairly hands-off manner anyway, so the interface may not necessarily be a problem. Otherwise, there are no real weaknesses in the package to speak of.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for superior Mac security, VirusBarrier X6 provides that. The more expensive Norton Internet Security for Mac is a more powerful overall package with more features, but for many users, VirusBarrier should represent a more attractive value, with its more than adequate protection. The slight jump in price from some of the other options in the Mac security category to VirusBarrier is worth considering, but VirusBarrier justifies its cost with a wider array of useful features and its unobtrusive performance.
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