Bitdefender launches improved Total Security 2011 beta

A new beta version of Bitdefender's security software is available to download free of charge.

The security company said version 2 of its Bitdefender Total Security 2011 software has improved basic, intermediate and expert interfaces to suit users' differing security needs and expertise.

Bitdefender has also included parental controls so one PC can be used to remotely manage the settings on all networked computers within the home.

Performance tools have been updated and the Performance Optimiser reveals which applications are slowing the PC down and suggests corrective actions.

The Smart Schedule can suspend tasks such as scanning if they are stealing resources from other activities such as media playback or gaming.

Bitdefender has also included surfing security to combat the threat of drive-by downloads and malware embedded in web pages. The Search Advisor tool checks the web address of each page against the company’s online URL database and warns users if it suspects pages are unsafe.

The company has also improved its network-management application so users can make changes to the software installed on other PCs connected to their network. This is done by using the licence keys provided in the Registration Test Cases.

There is no need for people using the beta 1 version of the software to uninstall this application as the download will automatically upgrade the so ftware as well as install the latest files.

The software can be installed and configured without needing to restart the PC and users can install and configure the software without having to reboot their PC.

Bitdefender has published more information about the latest version at Malware City.