
Sophos appears in the latest reports from just one of these labs. These labs are major operations, and their reputations depend on accurate testing, so I take their results seriously.

I closely track reports from four labs: AV-Test Institute (Opens in a new window), AV-Comparatives, SE Labs, and MRG-Effitas. Researchers at independent antivirus testing labs around the world put products through grueling tests and regularly report on their effectiveness. By observation, Sophos uses this first scan to optimize subsequent scans. The scan took an hour and 15 minutes, a bit longer than the current average of an hour and four minutes. On our standard clean test system, the scan quickly reached 96% completion, but it then slowed precipitously. Norton’s latest antivirus ties in with AMSI in a similar fashion. Briefly, this lets PowerShell, Windows Script Host, and similar applications call on a registered antivirus for help when they detect a scripting operation that might not be on the level. AMSI Protection, turned on by default, ties Sophos into the Windows AntiMalware Scan Interface. There’s one new feature for the free edition that you’ll only see as a Dashboard setting. It’s quite a different setup from most antivirus utilities. You can even launch a scan of the remote computer if necessary. Since all configuration happens in this online dashboard, your friends and family members can’t mess up their antivirus installation. The Web tab (also reached by clicking Web Protection on the Status tab) similarly contains settings that you shouldn’t turn off.
#Sophos home full#
The one exception is the scheduler-if you like, you can set Sophos to run a full antivirus scan on any days of the week. Most users shouldn’t touch the controls on this page, as doing so would turn off various protective features. You can also reach the General tab by clicking Antivirus Protection on the Status tab. With a Sophos Home Premium subscription, you can manage up to 10 installations. There is a limit of three installations per subscription, but of course you could set up another subscription on a different email address if necessary.
#Sophos home install#
In a consumer setting, this lets you install protection for any friend or family member and take care of any problems without paying them a visit or trying to talk them through it over the phone. That makes perfect sense, given that in a business setting the IT department manages security remotely. With Sophos, you install a small local agent on each PC or Mac that needs protection and manage all the settings from an online console. And, of course, it doesn't cost you a cent. It’s an especially good choice if you manage antivirus protection for family members or friends. This no-cost product earned perfect scores in two of our hands-on tests. Consumers can get that same high-end antivirus protection in the form of Sophos Home Free.

Business-level antivirus is all about central management, and Sophos is a big name in that realm. When a big company’s CISO deploys an antivirus system, they don't want every random employee to meddle with it.
#Sophos home for free#
For our top recommendations for free antivirus protection, please see our roundup of the best free antivirus utilities.
#Sophos home how to#
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