Returnil System Safe Free 2011 3.2.12918.5857-REL14

Computer protection is an important matter that should be addressed by all users as realistically and seriously as possible. With so many malware threats out there, one should get the best protection available to keep viruses at bay.

Usually it's recommended to have more than one security product onto your PC, to be more precise, you should install, besides the main antivirus, a firewall and /or an antispyware utility. In doing so, you will enlarge the protection spectrum and target several types of threats in the same time.

A combination of the above can be found, nonetheless, under the same umbrella and this is the case of Returnil System Safe. The free version is designed for non-commercial, personal home use and packs quite a punch when it comes to repelling a variety of menaces.

The installation procedure is easygoing so you'll be facing the really nice and well organized GUI in a few moments. The software provides you with three weapons you can use against malware assaults: a powerful and easily configurable antivirus module, a virtual mode, similar to a sandbox that allows you to run applications in an isolated environment and, finally, a facility for restoring your system with a few clicks.

Besides the user-friendly interface, there is a handy desktop toolbar (that can be easily deactivated) offering quick access to the main features of the application. All the components work together to ensure you are working in a secure environment and in case a virus infection does occur, it will be promptly identified and removed.

The first component, called 'Virus Guard', is designed to offer real-time detection and block any suspicious activity, but you can also use to scan specific areas of your computer. The detection is pretty accurate, as we noticed during our tests, the application instantly detecting the virus samples we used. The recommendation is to perform regular scans, especially after the antivirus module receives an update.

Enabling the 'Virtual Mode' will allow you to work in a clone of your operating system and any changes you make while in this environment can be discarded by restarting your PC. An interesting feature we found in this module is the ability to save 'trusted' files and even directories to the real disk using a dedicated 'File Manager'. However, in the free version of Returnil System Safe this is disabled, just as the entire 'System Restore' module is, both requiring a purchased Pro license.

The configurations you can perform are detailed, enabling you to quickly select the 'Virus Guard' scan sensitivity and parameters, 'Virtual Mode' protection and behavior functions. The 'Preferences' window will give you instant access to GUI-related customizations, password protection options and even remote control settings.

As a supplemental layer of security, Returnil System Safe does a very good job and is easy enough to understand and use, so less-experienced users can really enjoy it.