The G Data Total Protection suite includes version upgrades, mobile phone protection, hourly updates and image backup. Although this premium security suite has proven to be able to provide adequate malware protection, it lacks expected premium features such as free online backup, centralized management, a startup manager and identity protection. G Data also provides insufficient online support documentation, and their product feature explanations are brief.
G Data tests well; the majority of their test scores are above the industry average. AV-Test, a respected independent IT security institute, tested the G-Data internet security suite three times in 2011 and in 2010. They passed all six tests with most of their scores rating above the industry average. The July/ August 2011 AV-Test score rates them 96% in protection against zero-day threats, 100% in detection of malware released within three months and 100% in detecting known malware. Similar to other security suites, this software is better at detecting malware than repairing damage caused by it. However, their repair scores are above average, which is commendable. In the July 2011 AV-Comparatives report, they rated G Data protection at 98.9%, which placed them in the top quarter of the suites tested. In the past two years, they passed nine of their 11 VB100 virus tests; however, the two they failed were for their business edition, not their home versions. Based on our testing and third-party tests, we can confirm that with G Data you can anticipate to receive above-average internet protection.
Although this is G Data's "total security" version, it is missing many of the premium features, such as free online backup, centralized management, identity protection, a registry cleaner and more. The only tools this security suit includes to make it a premium suite are PC tuneup tools, automatic backup, mobile phone protection and a file shredder. However, the file shredder, though free, is an additional download; it is not included with the initial installation of the security suite.
With G Data you can utilize standard tools such as scan and update scheduling, email filters and application control. Parental controls allow you to filter objectionable content and monitor computer and internet usage. You can also manage website allow and block lists for all users. It has the ability to run customized scans. Our initial full system scan scanned nearly 93,000 items in just over 15 minutes, which is about average. It does not include laptop-specific tools, but G Data does offer a notebook version.
G Data provides generous 24/7/365 telephone and email support; however, we found their online support documentation lacking. Their support center solely consists of a telephone number, an online form and a link to their support tools. Their support tools include security application downloads but no tutorials, FAQs or useful product manuals. Even basic product descriptions are limited on their website. Other than the embedded help files, they do not provide self-assisted support. If you have an inquiry, you have to call or email G Data to request assistance.
We commend G Data for striving to maintain competitive and combat the onslaught of emergent malware. G Data Total Protection can be relied on for above-average security; however, this security suite lacks many premium features and their online support documentation is limited.
