Features

One potential security loophole that is frequently overlooked is access to removable media. Many access control products will bar your way into the file server, log your attempts to look at the payroll database, and prevent you from using certain applications, but this is all at the system level.

If you think Unix houses have been ignored in this test, Symark's PowerBroker is just for you. Supporting multiple flavors of Linux and Unix - including IBM S390 Linux - PowerBroker ensures Unix administrative privileges can be safely managed and delegated.

This solution is probably more suited to the smaller business model as it requires separate installation at every workstation, unless you utilize the separate deployment console BitDefender Enterprise. This allows the installation, scanning, uninstall or the change of settings on all machines in the network. It can also be deployed across the larger network using wireless application protocol (WAP).

For the larger SME that requires server protection which also covers workstations throughout an organization, eTrust AntiVirus can be called upon.

Most vendors deliver a variety of packages for different needs, but F-Secure puts one solution into a host of business models. Whether you are looking for a single user license, SME or enterprise, F-Secure AntiVirus version 5 delivers the whole shooting match.

I suppose this review may be thought of as two. The SecuGen EyeD Hamster fingerprint biometric reader and the SecuIBAS 'internet' authentication suite software.

Building scripts for testing software can be an arduous task, beset by pitfalls, but QA Wizard surrounds you with safety and simplicity as you move your product out of development and into the real world. Now QA Wizard makes it easy to incorporate thorough testing of a software suite, whether Windows, web or Java based. Other supportive suites are available that dovetail into the automated operation of QA Wizard, such that software is not only tested, but anomalies are tracked and flow optimized.

OfficeScan gives the administrator some real choices when it comes to network deployment, from centralized roll out to imaging, remote installation and an uninstall of other anti-virus products to facilitate an OfficeScan install. These are not options that many of the other solutions are offering, and for the larger SME or it may prove a real boon.

Panda AntiVirus Small Business Edition provides just the right kind of solution for the smaller SME network.

Installation can be for one PC or a network system, take your pick. But when it comes to updating your anti-virus protection RAV Desktop has a neat trick - instead of every machine downloading the same updates it allows one networked computer to act as the update server and collect the new virus definitions. The workstations can then collect them from a set directory. This saves bandwidth, and for the smaller office model that is important. A deployment tool is also available to allow one central installation to be rolled out across your network.

Sophos AntiVirus allows you to either install it on each workstation or deliver it from the server. You can designate a PC as your server, but it will only be able to administer 10 PCs in a workgroup and therefore each time you require multiple installations a new 'server' must be assigned for the new workgroup. This means it is ideal for the smaller business model, but although scaleable may not prove ideal for the larger SME.

Symantec Anti­ Virus Corporate Edition is an enterprise level solution that resides on your network servers and workstations. It provides a centralized management console, which gives the administrator the means to install the anti-virus protection across the network, update virus definitions and simply manage the solution from the Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition server down to the clients.

Vet AntiVirus covers most Windows operating systems so that you can protect this type of environment with relative ease. Making up a reference disk, as Vet calls it, for a boot disk if you are doing a completely new installation is a prerequisite. But the documentation is pretty thorough and walks you through the process with ease. Where you already have a resident anti-virus solution in place this must be disabled prior to starting your Vet AntiVirus installation.