The McAfee VirusScan Plus 2007 bundles anti-virus software into a well-integrated security suite that includes anti-spyware tools and a personal firewall.

When we installed the VirusScan Plus 2007, we discovered an additional bonus. The suite also includes SiteAdvisor, an anti-phishing tool that can alert you to web pages that may be phishing sites or contain dangerous tools. Rounding out the package is a small collection of system tools, including network monitoring tools and McAfee QuickClean, which deletes temp files, clears caches, and makes quick work of the cookie files that seem to gather like dust bunnies in our computers.

Installation is fairly simple, although it takes a while to complete because it's a multi-step process. VirusScan Plus first performs a very basic scan for viruses that may already be present in important system files. Then it installs the Security Center, the anti-virus and anti-spyware tools, and SiteAdvisor -- this last tool is an optional install. When installation is complete, VirusScan Plus automatically downloads any necessary program and virus definition file updates, and then finishes up by rebooting your computer.

A standard two-pane interface displays objects in the left pane and the results of the objects you select in the right pane. The interface is a bit of a hybrid; some functions open additional windows. An Advanced option provides access to additional features. In its basic form, the interface is easy to navigate, but getting the most out of the program requires accessing the advanced user interface, which is a bit more complicated.

VirusScan Plus performed well in our tests, with average to good scanning speeds. When scanning large files, the scanner seemed to pause for unusually long times, giving us the impression it might be stuck, but this didn't turn out to be the case. The program kept us well informed about its progress, with messages that appeared above the System Tray. Information also displays in the Security Center if it is open.

McAfee VirusScan Plus 2007 antivirus software offers a well-integrated set of security tools, including antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-phishing and a personal firewall.


Pros: Includes anti-virus, anti-spyware, personal firewall, and anti-phishing tools
Cons: User interface is not consistent, most features are only available through the Advanced interface