Category Archives: PC Security

CleanMyMac X Review: As good as new?

Is CleanMyMac worth it? When searching for a reliable, safe Mac Cleaner that is worth it, balancing the cost and value can get complex. Especially, when there’s so many softwares with bloatware and malware out there.

When it comes to CleanMyMac, users find themselves weighing the pros and cons for hours… 

That is, deciding if CleanMyMac really works, how the features differ, and if there are free alternatives that will perform the same optimization.

What is CleanMyMac X?

Well, first thing first, what is CleanMyMac X? CleanMyMac is an app that monitors your system and recommends data to purge. With one click of the Scan button, you can dump gigabytes of built up caches, unused apps, mail attachments, temporary memory, and a whole lot more.

The CleanMyMac X update completely changed the interface, added a few awesome new features, and continues to provide an easy way for you to clear out your Mac’s junk. It’s a great option for keeping a Mac in tip-top shape if you’re not completely familiar with Terminal options, or want a one-stop solution for all the maintenance tasks your Mac may need.

Cleaning with CleanMyMac

Over time your Mac will gather more and more files, logs, system files and other stuff you may not need but that does take up space on your hard drive. And as a Mac user you will know that drive space comes at quite a price on a new Mac. The software looks at drive space in 3 categories: system files, mail and attachments and your waste bin.

Using the cleaning function the first time cleaned up about 30Gb of files, so that is impressive. Most of that were cache files, log files and language files of languages you don’t use. The mail function cleaned up attachments that are also kept in your mail server so don’t have to be kept offline on your harddrive. And the waste bin function keeps your waste bin clean. That isn’t something you can’t do manually, but doing it in CleanMyMac while you are at it is just as easy.

Malware and antivirus scan

When you look at the CleanMyMac X interface, you’ll see the Smart Scan option in the upper left corner. We expected to find quick and full scan options, but the way this program seems to work is a bit different.

The Smart Scan is where the magic happens. You’ll watch while it flies through your files and looks for anything suspicious.

It’s also considered the starting place for optimizing your Mac. When you run a Smart Scan, you’ll get a list of the files that could be unnecessary junk or worse, malware. The malware scan looks at potential threats and also suggests optimization tasks to increase your device speed, like emptying the trash bin.

The Malware Removal feature is the deep scan that checks every nook and cranny looking for bugs that may be hiding.

Even though viruses are not a significant problem on Macs, scanning for malware regularly is part of being a good internet citizen. You may have a Windows virus in an email attachment, and could unknowingly pass it on to your Windows-using friends.

CleanMyMac’s Privacy Scan doesn’t intrinsically make your computer any more secure. But it does delete sensitive information like browsing history, autofill forms, and chat logs, so that if your computer is compromised by hackers, they’ll get access to less information that can be used for identity theft.

Speed and Optimization

Over time, apps may start background processes that run continuously, taking up your system resources and slowing your computer. You may not even be aware that some of these processes are happening.

CleanMyMac can identify them for you, and give you a choice of whether they run or not. Also, any apps that have crashed may still be using system resources and slowing your computer.

In the maintenance section you can scan for other problems. Like cleaning up RAM memory by closing apps and modules that aren’t used. It will also clean up DNS cache, re-index spotlight for faster search results and several smaller scripts to speed up your system.

App Management feature

CleanMyMac X can help you manage your apps. It can help you update all your installed apps at once, to make sure you are on the latest versions of all apps. This is a good idea for security and stability in most cases, but you can also choose which ones you want to update. So you are still in control.

The app delete function is als very good. In some cases apps will come with a delete function, but most MacOS apps don’t have that option. So you will delete the files from your App folder and hope for the best. But many apps will still leave traces in other folders you will miss using this method. CleanMyMac will help you by finding all related stuff and cleaning it all up in one go.

CleanMyMac X cost

CleanMyMac X offers a free and paid version of its antivirus. Like most software, there are limitations to the features you’ll get without a paid plan. The paid plan costs $34.95/yr and covers one Mac, which is cheap compared to MacKeeper, another Mac-specific antivirus.

CleanMyMac X recently modified their free edition to offer customers a 7-day free trial without any limitations.

License Coverage

For instance, if you plan on using it for a year, the CleanMyMac license costs:

  • $34.95 for 1 Mac device 
  • $54.95 for 2 Mac devices
  • $79.95 for 5 Mac devices

However, if you’re looking for a one-time purchase, you’ll have to shell out 89.95 bucks for one machine, $134.95 for 2, and $199.95 for 5 Mac devices. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, in case you change your mind or are dissatisfied with their service.

Conclusion

CleanMyMac X offers a variety of easy-to-use tools that can quickly free up space on your device and get rid of suspicious files. All its features work as they did since their inception, providing a great combination of functionality, design, and user experience. To top it all, it also supports Macs with the M1 processor as well as the older models with Intel chips. 

If you’ve always managed your files yourself and know-how and why (if ever) your system lags and you know how to fix it, that’s amazing! For others who want the ease of use and functionality over everything else, CleanMyMac is the way to go.

>> Try CleanMyMax X (Free Trial)

Guide to Latest and Best Antivirus Solutions 2023

Long gone are the days where “being careful” was enough to protect your computer from virus threats. Nowadays, simply logging onto the internet can put your computer at risk for infection. That’s why it is important that you install PC antivirus protection capable of defending against all modern threats.

Based on numerous antivirus tests and user reviews, we have put together a list of top antivirus solutions for Windows computers and Android smartphones and tablets. The list includes the best free antivirus solutions as well as several premium products, and we hope that it can help you find the right antivirus product for you.

BullGuard Antivirus

>> Visit Official BullGuard Website <<

Excellent antivirus protection with added home network protection for all digital appliances.

  • Protects all devices: Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
  • 30-day money back

Kaspersky Total Security

>> Visit Official Kaspersky Website <<

Kaspersky Total Security is the best layer of protection whether you’re PC user or a Mac user. It comes with a System Watcher which complements your other protective layers with behaviour-based detection. This feature shines when it comes to ransomware, as it can detect and fight against any new variants of the ransomware!

Webroot Secure Anywhere

>> Visit Official Webroot Website <<

Want to spend more time playing your favourite games instead of worrying about the security of your PC? Well, you can do just that with Webroot Secure Anywhere.

It also uses little storage space and RAM – less than 15% CPU when it’s scanning and only 5MB of RAM when it’s idle. Simply put, it is a lightweight antivirus that protects your PC without slowing your PC down. Game on without any interruptions!

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

>> Visit Bitdefender Official Website <<

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus consistently ranks in various publications as editor’s choice. The 2018 offering by the company is no different. There are a number of reasons for this. One fact to argue with is Bitdefender’s consistent exceptional results in third-party lab tests. The offering generally is one of, if not the best all-round performer in those tests. Another reason many editors will choose Bitdefender as a top performer, or at the very least highly recommend the offering is the sheer amount of features available in the basic package, features often included only in other companies top of the line products.

Panda Dome Complete

>> Visit Panda Official Website <<

Panda has released Dome, a new concept of cyber-security for home-users. Panda Dome Complete is the evolution of Panda Global Protection but with a new design, enhanced protection features, and (new) VPN connection.

The features include:

  1. Powerful Antivirus engine blocks viruses, spyware, malware.
  2. Rescue kit helps to disinfect your PC in critical situations
  3. Wi-Fi protection lets you surf safely, keep the intruders out of network
  4. Data shield prevents confidential data
  5. Parental control keeps your children away from inappropriate websites.
  6. Online backup function will back up and retrieve your files quickly and simply
  7. Password manager tool lets you forget about having to memorize all your passwords
  8. File encryption, File shredder and PC Tuneup
  9. Cross platform protection : Android, Mac and Windows

Overall, Panda Global Protection covers just about everything you can think of regarding security and backup. It’s packed with features and provides adequate security for your PC.

Sophos Home

>> Visit Sophos Official Website <<

Sophos Home Free gives home users much of the antivirus protection found in business security tools from Sophos, including remote management of up to three installations.

Pros

  • Allows scan customization
  • Detects malware and automatically quarantines it
  • Good at detecting phishing, viruses
  • One of few free programs for Macs
  • Website support

Cons

  • Causes slow down at startup

Avira AntiVirus Pro

>> Visit Avira Official Website <<

The starter package Avira Antivirus Pro has interesting bonus features, such as parental supervision and a personal firewall. The affordable Avira Antivirus Pro is not the quietest antivirus software, but overall it works quite well. With its own firewall and parental supervision for social networks you get extra value for money.

Pros

  • Handy bonus features such as a personal firewall and parental supervision
  • Fast QuickScan
  • Free technological support

Cons

  • Uses a lot of memory
  • Slow full system scan

iolo Phoenix 360

>> Visit iolo Official Website <<

Introducing iolo lastest product the Phoenix 360 that includes 7 products all in one easy to navigate programs. The new iolo Phoenix 360, is the most comprehensive performance, protection, and privacy package to help safeguard, speed up and simplify your digital life.

Features include:

  • Optimize PC speed
  • Shield your online habits from spying eyes
  • Stop browser tracking cookie cleaners miss
  • Block and remove malware
  • Enhance identity theft protection
  • Secure and manage all your passwords

360 Total Security

>> Visit 360 Total Security Official Website <<

360 Total Security uses a multi-virus detection engine to shield you from the latest security threats. This antivirus app will effectively protect your PC from the latest malware, phishing, backdoor and new threats via ‘intelligent cloud’ technology.

Main features include:

  • “Virus Scan” integrates award winning antivirus engines from 360 Cloud Scan Engine, 360 QVMII AI Engine, Avira, and Bitdefender to provide you the ultimate virus detection and threat protection.
  • “Speedup” optimizes your system services and boot up items to start up your PC faster.
  • “Cleanup” frees up your disk space by removing junk files and unwanted plugins to maximize system performance.

Everyone needs Virus Software

Think of antivirus software like a seat belt for your car. You would never drive somewhere without buckling up right? The same goes for using a computer in the modern digital world. If you use a computer, you need virus software.

Disclaimer: We do our best to keep all information up to date and accurate but cannot guarantee it due to the constantly changing antivirus landscape. In order to keep this information service free, we receive monetary compensation from some of the companies featured on our website.

Mackeeper Review

MacKeeper is a one-stop shop for optimizing your Apple. It’s an app that automatically cleans your computer, runs anti-virus software, and offers additional services to keep your Mac running efficiently.

At a glance:

Best for all-around protection

  • Cleans out junk files
  • Protects from viruses, phishing scams, malware, and more
  • Encrypts data
  • Acts as anti-theft protection
  • Optimizes memory
  • Offers live customer support

Main Features:

Antivirus

Antivirus is one of many MacKeeper’s features that detects not only Mac OS but also Windows viruses, and this can interest the Parallels Desktop users. A huge advantage of MacKeeper Antivirus is real-time protection of the system from malware, phishing attacks, identity thefts etc, with the daily updated virus database. As this antivirus has the Mac OS-based engine, the real-time protection does not impact your Mac’s performance.

Anti-Theft

MacKeeper’s Anti-Theft service will track your Mac’s location in case it’s stolen and take a pic of the thief using iSight. This pic plus the detailed location report will be emailed to you with instructions on what to do next. You can hand this information to the police when searching for your lost computer. A huge benefit is that MacKeeper support should call you right away after your Mac is found – even at night!

Hard Drive Cleanup

MacKeeper’s Fast Cleanup tool unites four cleaners that scan your Mac for specific types of junk such as binary files, language packs, cache and log files. Fast Cleanup gives you just one click to scan your Mac for all of these files and another click to remove them. Apart from the Fast Cleanup functionality that can be found in most Mac utilities, MacKeeper offers such unique features as Duplicates Finder and Disk Usage.

Pricing Options

Mackeeper comes with three different license versions:

  1. The lite version
  2. A standard license
  3. Lastly, mackeeper premium

The higher the pricing the more the features unlocked for use. For instance with the premium license, you enjoy;

  • the full bundle of 16 apps
  • full system fix
  • live chat
  • round-the-clock call support
  • priority support
  • personal technical geek
  • Free PCkeeper license

Help & Support

Support can be accessed via the website or the interface. On the website, anyone can view the FAQ and the tutorials. You can also call or email the support team at any time. Additional support is offered directly from the MacKeeper interface, which includes 24/7 chat and the “Geek on Demand” feature where you can ask technical questions about your Mac and get a professional answer from Apple-certified experts.

Conclusion

MacKeeper covers the spectrum from cleaning to security and optimization. They blow competition such as CleanMyMac clear out of the water with additional features, beefed up system security, anti-theft protection, and file cleaning tools like their shredder. With so many tools being offered at a competitive price and packaged in a user-friendly wrapping, MacKeeper is an obvious choice for anyone who is currently using an Apple device. Install this important security feature today, and keep your devices protected.

>> Click here to get promotional price for MacKeeper Premium