Introduces Plus version, more frequent updates

Intego today updated its free VirusBarrier Express anti-malware program to version 1.1, improving and simplifying the program's malware definition update system. The company will now update malware definitions at least once a month, and without charge (a change from the previous system) and will now limit itself to Mac malware definitions (another change). The company also introduced a new product, VirusBarrier Plus, also sold exclusively through the Mac App Store, that guards against both Mac and Windows malware so that Mac users don't pass on Windows viruses or malware (which won't affect the Mac) on to Windows-using friends accidentally.

The free VirusBarrier Express lets users run manual or scheduled scans of designated folders, files or volumes, detecting and repairing OS X malware even if found in Microsoft Office documents or Java software. It boasts no impact on performance and can even scan zip archives. Users can also scan specific items on demand through a contextual menu item. It is distributed exclusively via the Mac App Store, and supports English, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish languages. It requires OS X 10.6 or later, and thus requires an Intel Mac.

The new VirusBarrier Plus (on sale for $8 for a limited time, normally $10) has all the same features as VirusBarrier Express, but with added protection against both Mac and Windows malware, and more extensive protection including being able to find and delete infected Flash and PDF files, Windows executable files, Linux malware and malicious scripts (shell scripts, PHP, Java, Javascript and others). The Plus program updates its malware definitions at least twice a week, and users can also update manually.

VirusBarrier Plus distinguishes itself from the company's full VirusBarrier X6 by lacking Intego's two-way firewall, anti-vandal protection for websites and full protection from network attacks. VirusBarrier X6 retails for $50, which includes two licenses. Like VirusBarrier Express, the Plus version is only available via the Mac App Store and thus requires an Intel Mac and OS X 10.6 or later.

by MacNN Staff