G-Data 2015 is an anti-virus software that is available for Windows, Mac and Android systems. It is equipped with real-time and idle protection as well as BankGuard and exploit protection. This is to protect the system from attacks of any kind. At the same time, it should work in a resource-saving manner and be easy to use, even by newcomers, thanks to its clearly structured user interface. Whether the G-Data 2015 anti-virus software for the PC lives up to the developer's promises was examined more closely in the following test.
G-Data 2015 anti-virus program under test
Operation
The user interface of G-Data 2015 is very clearly designed and clearly structured, so that all important functions are directly visible at first glance. Installation is also quick and easy. Here the developer has done a good job compared to the previous version. So newcomers to this area should find their way around quickly. The annoying working through numerous menus is fortunately not necessary. In the same way the advanced settings can be accessed by experienced users. Thanks to the advanced settings options, the G-Data anti-virus software can be individually adapted to your needs and extra functions can be switched on or off as required. However, these adjustments are not absolutely necessary. Newcomers can also rely on the standard settings without any loss of security.
Scope of functions
First and foremost, of course, the range of functions includes the highest possible protection against viruses, malware and other pests. This is made possible on the one hand by instant protection for e-mails, which not only checks all incoming e-mails but also instant messaging traffic for dangerous attachments or links. Thanks to this innovative technology, even SSL-encrypted e-mails can be checked for malware. Then there is an exploit protection, which is responsible for detecting and eliminating security holes in installed programs on the PC. Additional features include a BankGuard, which gives users the best possible protection when shopping and banking online, and protection against manipulated USB devices. G-Data's real-time protection is provided by the Outbreak Shield. This function ensures that no malicious code can get onto the system and into operation. No matter what application is being used, whether it is downloading files, surfing the web or opening a file. Even before files are executed, the Outbreak Shield checks the code. This happens so quickly that the user himself does not notice anything.
Additional features
In addition to the additional features in the form of phishing and web protection, there are also other useful additional functions. These include the idle scan, for example. When this is activated, a virus scan is automatically performed if the PC has not been used for a long period of time. Also worth mentioning is the proactive protection explicitly against online banking trojans. This feature is particularly useful for users who use online banking. In combination with anti-phishing, this tool ensures secure online banking.
Performance
In the area of performance, a so-called hybrid protection is used. This replaces the two independent engines that were otherwise used, but which swallowed a lot of resources. The new technology is in turn very resource-friendly, so that the system is only used lightly, so that no disruptions should occur. This is also reflected in the system requirements. All that is needed is a PC with 512 MB RAM if it is an older operating system such as Windows XP and 1 gigabyte RAM for Windows Vista and Windows 7. There is also nothing to complain about in terms of CPU usage, so that G-Data can be used on older systems without any loss of performance.
Recognition rate
Of course, the detection rate is always in the foreground with an anti-virus program, only if this delivers good results can a good all-round protection be guaranteed. At G-Data 2015 this rate is 99.8 percent according to current tests, which means that the software can definitely be counted among the virus detection professionals. This allows the software to be used not only on private PCs but also on business PCs. The high virus detection rate is achieved by the G-Data DoubleScan technology.
Customer support:
G-Data's customer support is perfectly positioned. Visitors to the website have access to an extensive FAQ area, which should solve all questions and problems. Then there is also a comprehensive download portal with data sheets and test versions up to further tools for fighting viruses. Of course there is also a customer hotline. The highlight is the callback service. The time of the callback can be determined via a self-selected time window.
Advantages:
- innovative G-Data CloseGap technology and outstanding exploit protection
- very resource-saving, so that it can also be used on older systems
- very high detection rate
- simple service
Cons:
- Live chat and community are missing
Bottom line:
The G-Data anti-virus software is convincing in many areas. On the one hand, it offers excellent real-time protection in combination with useful additional options in the form of BankGuard, exploit protection and idle scan. The virus detection rate of 99.8 percent is at the highest level. Also convincing in the test was the ease of installation and operation as well as the overall handling of the program, so that even PC novices should be able to get started quickly. Professionals can benefit from the numerous setting options on request. All in all, G-Data is absolutely recommendable as it provides perfect all-round protection against viruses of all kinds thanks to innovative technologies.
