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Intego VirusBarrier X6

*Est. $50

Reviewed

January 2012

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Finds Windows and Mac malware
Excellent interface
Unobtrusive operation

Cons

Software disabled without subscription
Only for Mac

Where to Buy

for $76.00

Our Analysis
Specs
21 Amazon Reviews

Although the majority of malware is designed to compromise Windows operating systems, experts warn that Macintosh computers are also vulnerable. Macs can pass along viruses when networked to Windows computers, and Macs that run Windows also need protection. Intego's VirusBarrier software has long been praised for Mac-native virus protection, catching plenty of viruses while taking up very little space or processing power. VirusBarrier X6 includes a two-way firewall, phishing and spyware protection, and "dynamic code monitoring" to identify new kinds of malware, as well as cosmetic improvements over the previous version. Users and reviewers are also glad to see a price drop for VirusBarrier X6, but this is balanced by a more restrictive subscription policy that disables the software in trial or expired versions. In addition, at least one reviewer says the software is overly complicated.

Because VirusBarrier X6 is for Macs only, it has a limited amount of reviews. Macworld reviews the earlier version, VirusBarrier X5, and provides a preview of the X6 program. Download.com's editors don't cover VirusBarrier, but users contribute their own comments on both the X5 and X6 versions. As a result, TechRadar.com is the best source of information on Intego VirusBarrier X6.

Where To Buy

VirusBarrier X6 2-User
(21 reviews) Buy new: $49.95 1 New from $76.00

Our Sources

1. TechRadar.com

TechRadar.com, a British site, gives Intego VirusBarrier X6 a 3-star rating. Although Trevor Middleton says the installation process is easy and the software effectively blocks malware, he says VirusBarrier X6 is too complicated for the average person.

Review: Intego VirusBarrier X6 Review, Trevor Middleton, Feb. 28, 2010

2. Download.com

More than 80 users weigh in on Intego's VirusBarrier X6, giving it an overall 3.5-star rating. A few also comment on the earlier version, X5. Users are pleased with its virus detection, although some say it has too large an impact on system resources.

Review: Intego VirusBarrier X6 10.6.11 for Mac User Reviews, Contributors to Download.com

3. Macworld

Macworld's Scott McNulty reviews an earlier version, calling Intego's VirusBarrier X5 "the gold standard" when it comes to finding and eliminating viruses and other malware on Mac operating systems. McNulty is especially impressed by the program's speed and light footprint, though he does critique the odd interface and somewhat expensive price.

Review: VirusBarrier X5, Scott McNulty, July 8, 2008

4. Macworld

Nicholas Bonsack previews VirusBarrier X6 in lieu of a full report. He says that the new version combines another Intego program, NetBarrier X5, to create an Internet security suite; at the same time, Bonsack is pleased to note that the price of both the software license and subscription has dropped for the X6.

Review: Intego Releases VirusBarrier X6, Nicholas Bonsack, Jan. 13, 2010

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