Downloads

System Protect adds a feature that every OS should have, and one that can obviate the need for other proactive malware protection: the ability to prevent changes to your files. Think of it as a more polite, more configurable Vista User Account Control. Basically, System Protect locks files so they can't be deleted or altered, at least without your permission. There are three modes of operation: Deny (silent denial of access), Deny and Report (denial actions are reported), and Ask (you're asked if you want to allow changes). System Protect sits in your system tray so you can easily change modes or disable protection with a simple right-click--far more convenient than Vista's UAC, which requires a reboot when enabled or disabled.

What's the catch? The only problem with this method of protection is that it requires user knowledge and interaction. In other words, you have to be involved--and to be honest, it can be a pain. If you want to install a program, you'll have to temporarily disable System Protect or allow access via popup dialogs (if you're in Ask mode), or the install will fail. By default, System Protect only watches system files but you can also put a watch on any folder you choose. Personally, I think it stops a bit short in this regard--I'd like the ability to completely write-protect folders as well. Now that would be protection.

Though I didn't like its attempt to install a toolbar (don't blindly click through the install!), System Protect did a good job in my anecdotal testing. And I did some extra malware homework--after all, who gives away a program like this for free? Its GUI is excellently rendered, it's extremely easy to use, and it seems to perform as advertised. I subjected the program and post-install system to every scan I could find--including Bitdefender's online scanner, AVG, and HijackThis--and all gave it a clean bill of health.

Therefore, your only question should be "Do I really want to be personally involved in safeguarding my computer?" Or for those with safe surfing habits who always scan downloads, "Do I really need this much security?"

--Jon L. Jacobi