Computer Associates (CA) is one of the biggest names in the software industry, even compared to Microsoft. Most of its business is done in the enterprise and corporate field, and this heritage shows in eTrust Antivirus.
 
Although the program sells for a consumer-friendly $59, it is loaded with high-level capability and options for the network administrator. The software pack comes with versions for Pocket PC, Mac, NetWare, Solaris, Linux, Lotus Notes, and Exchange Server as standard. Plus, if that isn't enough you can download a Palm version from the Website.
Originally developed by Aussie firm VET, eTrust offers two separate scan engines for antivirus and inoculation, plus the usual Web-based updates for new signatures. CA says this avoids the increasingly common situation where smart viruses cripple or infiltrate the AV engine. In addition, the program allows for remote installation and management of virus scanning, making it ideal for large networks. eTrust also incorporates some high-strength user conformance utilities that help stop the most common virus entry point – the irresponsible user at the desktop. These options offer enforcement of policy restrictions over floppy access and Web usage as well as configuration of scan and updates (which incidentally are sent at the same time as they are added into the CA database, not just on a daily basis).

The initial scan performed on our test machine took a swift six minutes, and identified existing infected files with no problem. Scanning the PC is initiated from a simple Explorer-like interface, which allows selection of scan routines down to individual file level if required. A right click ‘Scan directory' option is also available from the standard Windows Explorer window, and a realtime monitor in the System Tray checks all incoming and outgoing Net traffic for potential threats. In use eTrust was fast and recognised all connected devices.

Overall, eTrust is a thorough and highly configurable AV option suitable for standalone and power/network users.