Set up
Bitdefender antivirus installation on a computer system requires the user to create a central account or use an existing one. It gives the user the option of installing the 360mb program in a custom location. On downloading the complete software, the installer does a quick system scan, loading the rest of the program which the user can monitor through a progress bar.

The 2018 edition takes up half the screen of the desktop, compared to its previous versions. Similar to other antivirus software, the user cannot resize the Bitdefender interface screen. However, it can be moved around. The main screen is dark themed whereas, subsidiary screens are a bit brighter. The home screen has an on/off switch, for putting the program on autopilot. It also has buttons for full system scan, vulnerability, and quick start. The user can also view recent activity regarding their apps, files and website usage on the application’s main screen.

Features
There are three types of antivirus software offered by Bitdefender- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Bitdefender Internet Security, and Bitdefender Total Security multi-device. All these variants are supported by Windows 7 through Windows 10. The basic version offers features such as password manager, secure browser, ransomware immunizer, file shredder, virtual keyboard, Wi-Fi scanner, and rescue partition. Bitdefender has a renewable single license and is currently priced at around $19.99 for a year.

The Bitdefender Internet Security offers everything that is included in its basic version with extra features such as parental control, 2-way firewall, file encryption, and webcam protection. This antivirus software is a multi-license software, which is currently priced at around $40 annually.

Combining all the features from Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and Internet Security, the Bitdefender Total Security antivirus offers added features such as anti-theft and system optimizer. Moreover, this version of antivirus supports Mac and Android devices. It is currently priced at around $44.99 per year and offers multi-license for up to 5 devices.

Antivirus Protection
The application starts with a file scanning engine, which scans the system for known and unknown exploits. Signs of system attacks that might be underway are scanned by the heuristic scanner. The application blocks the attack if it comes across anything malicious and uploads it on to the company’s cloud center lab for quarantine. The central system of Bitdefender updates information about the same sending it to the nearly 500 million users across the globe. One of the unique features of the software is that it allows the users to opt out of data collection program.

The ‘autopilot’ feature of Bitdefender adjusts defensive posture automatically. It also allows the user to whitelist applications reducing the interruption by setting the program on game or movie mode.

Its ‘safe files’ feature helps the user immunize ransomware attack on the files. Bitdefender also allows the users to schedule and scan the system in just two clicks. The users can set nightly, weekly, and monthly scans, which can be done by using the ‘manage scan section.’

The latest line-up of the antivirus software adds up new privacy and security features. The Internet Security and Total Security variants of the software offer webcam protection allowing the user to restrict the number of programs to access the webcam. The user is required to add approved apps manually.

The antivirus also provides tracking features in case the user loses his or her laptop. The Bitdefender Total Security helps in locating the misplaced computer system on the map and allows the user to remotely wipe the drive only when it is turned on. The software also helps the user keep their files hidden with the help of the three-pass file shredder. The Internet Security version does the same using the 256-bit AES file encryption tool.

It takes the software an hour and 22 minutes on installing the software for the first time. After three consecutive scans, the software learns about the importance of files. This takes the software an odd 35 minutes to complete a full system scan and find if the system is infected. Bitdefender quick scans are fast when compared with its counterparts. It takes roughly 15 seconds to complete a single quick scan.

Bitdefender also offers 24/7 tech support, letting the users contact the support team through their antivirus interface. The users can also email the technicians, ask queries or simply read support forums. Although, a low-end antivirus, Bitdefender is one of the best choices for single or multi-license PC protection. The user can set up a 30-day free trial after which they will have to pay to get a licensed version to get access to all the features.