Considering the present status of informatics, it is not worth using a computer without running some basic security programs. The issue of security even more pronounced in the case of complex systems. The main point is that even the smallest IT system component is practically useless if you do not use some security solution. In other words: in practice, IT systems and workstations will prove equally useless without anti-virus protection. In this article we will review the current status of 64-bit anti-virus protection.

You need three basic softwares to provide IT security on your computer:

You can find a lot of documents about IT security. We do not intend to clarify basic concepts here, nor do we want to take any position regarding this matter. We accept it as a fact that every computer user needs anti-virus protection, a firewall and an anti-spyware program.

Each 64-bit Windows release includes a firewall. This provides a certain level of protection but will probably be found insufficient if the computer is used continuously. Currently, the Tiny Firewall 64 program can offer a good solution. We do not have a wide range to choose from, but it is also worth taking a closer look at XP firewall control and ZoneAlarm 64-bit programs.

In the field of anti-spyware programs the Windows Defender Beta 2 build 1051 x64 offers the only solution. This software is maintained on a continuous basis, and is updated online. It properly performs its tasks, and is suitable to provide basic protection in this special field.

In the field of anti-virus protection you can choose from more options but it is by far not certain that each of the programs discussed here can actually provide that level of security which their 32-bit counterparts offer. Understandably, quite a number of opinions, technical and business aspects may clash in this regard, too. In my opinion, it is especially important with anti-virus software that any given program would operate not only in 64-bit-compatible mode. It is very likely that only native 64-bit software can offer true protection against viruses. The reason for that is very simple: viruses do not or do not always run, infect, operate on the highest layer from the operating system’s point of view. It is obvious that an anti-virus program can grant protection against viruses only ‘down to’ that level where it is still compatible with the given operating system. And 64-bit programs are the most compatible ones. Today there is but one company, Computer Associates, which offers overall native 64-bit anti-virus protection. There are two programs available:

• eTrust Antivirus r8 - offering a 30-day trial period
• eTrust Antivirus r7.1 x64 - offering a 90-day trial period

It is quite obvious that if you want to buy the software you should choose the r8 release, but if you are still in the pre-migration phase and running a test environment, the r7.1 release could be more suitable due to its 90-day trial period. Both solutions are supported on a continuous basis. 

Your next option is the Symantec AntiVirus for 64-Bit Windows Clients. This is not a standalone COTS solution but part of the Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition suite. Symantec recommends this software to be used specially in 64-bit environments. This release cannot be installed on 32-bit systems. The larger part of the program is 32-bit but it also contains some 64-bit component running in the deeper layers of the system. Probably, the 32-bit code segments have not been modified too much but only supplemented with some 64-bit codes. Nevertheless, Symantec states that this program is suitable to provide 64-bit protection, and this must be true if they say so.