The version of this application reviewed here is for Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP workstation and file NT/2000/2003 server.
Setting it up was relatively straightforward and quick. As advised, we installed the Kaspersky Anti-Virus Network Control Center and Windows File Server software on the same Windows 2003 Server machine and then rolled out the workstation clients. The software suite features tools to remotely install and manage the products over a TCP/IP network.
The management interface offers a straightforward method of scheduling updates as well as scanning options. Module updates can be downloaded either by connecting straight to Kaspersky servers online or by setting up a local network server as the central repository.
The software can scan most types of compressed and archived files, including an on-demand feature, and scanning times are kept short because files are only analyzed if they have changed since they were last checked. Quarantined files can be moved to the central server, rather than being kept on individual machines. A basic but comprehensive alert system can be used to enforce policy, as well as trigger email alerts in the event of infection.
All network events are logged into a cumulative report, while the administrator can customize the response to attack or infection.
This package only allowed for management of Windows-based machines, which could pose a problem for multi-platform networks. However, Kaspersky does also develop software modules for Linux and Novell.
The product now offers an impressive scanning time, which minimizes the impact of the software on other applications. It is a well-rounded corporate offering, with an easy-to-use, if basic, wizard-type interface to set up tasks, alerts, and so on. However, more security-conscious enterprises might notice they do not have the option to send viruses back to the Kaspersky labs for identification automatically.
