Dr.Web is a Russian-based antivirus and computer diagnostic that helps keep your computer safe from the latest threats on the world wide web. It was first released in 1992 in Russia and then spread from there through popularity. Dr.Web offers an antivirus as well as anti-spam program for users, along with Firefox extensions to help keep you protected no matter where you go or what you do online.
Our guide will show you how to get started and use Dr.Web to keep your computer safe.
How to get started with Dr.Web
After downloading Dr.Web, you want to begin the installation process by double-clicking the icon where you saved it.
The Dr.Web installer will start, click “Next” to continue.
Read through the licensing agreement, then click “I accept the terms in the license agreement” to move on. Click “Next.”
The reason why our guide is touching on the installation process for this software is simple. Dr.Web requires your computer be free of any other antivirus program to work properly. Ensure that you have no other antivirus program installed, then click “I confirm that no other anti-virus software is installed on this computer” to continue. Now, click “Next” again.
Now, you have the choice of whether or not to install the Dr.Web Firewall as well as the anti-virus program itself. If you already have a firewall installed, you can opt not to install Dr.Web’s, too. Otherwise, click “Install Dr.Web Firewall” and click “Next” to move forward.
Dr.Web will prompt you for a license key. You can use Dr.Web as a trial before purchasing a key to get the full features of the program opened to you. Select “Receive key file later” to continue, then click “Next.”
Simply use Default installation to get started with the actual installation. Click “Next.”
Now, finally, click “Install” to get started.
Dr.Web will start installing its software on your computer.
During the process, Dr.Web will scan your system for any problems. Depending on the size of your system, this could take awhile.
When the scan is finished, you will be given the results to work with.
After this, Dr.Web will be fully installed and you can begin to take advantage of its protection.
You will want to restart Windows before continuing to use Dr.Web
How to use Dr.Web
After restarting your computer and opening Dr.Web, you will be given the opportunity to utilize different types of scans: Express, Complete and Custom.
Express scan takes care of the basic files, folders and most used processes. Complete scan pretty much every area of your computer. Custom scan lets you choose where and what Dr.Web focuses on.
At the top right hand corner of Dr.Web, you will see three icons: Star, Wrench and Question Mark.
Click the “Wrench.”
This will open the settings for Dr.Web.
The Main area of settings lets you set up some of the basic features of Dr.Web, such as sound notifications, automatically deal with threats and how many system resources Dr.Web uses.
The Actions area allows you to set the defaults for what Dr.Web does when a certain type of threat is detected.
The Exclusions are tells Dr.Web what to ignore on your computer, such as a software title or process that might flag as fishy but is not.
The Log area lets you see the results of previous scans. This can be useful to help find patterns and infections you may have missed.
The Restore defaults area lets you restore Dr.Web to factory install.
If you click the Question Mark at any time, this will open the help files to guide you through different processes in Dr.Web you are having issues with.
Now, click the “Star” icon.
This will let you turn on and off basic settings for Dr.Web.
Now, click “Custom” scan.
This will let you choose the options you want to custom scan your system. Use this if you have an idea where a threat might be lurking to avoid having to scan your whole system.
Anytime you choose a scan, simply click “Start scanning” to begin.
The scan will run similar to what happened during the installation process. When it is finished, you will be given the option to what to do or if you set up your actions, Dr.Web will take care of the threats on your behalf.
Dr.Web is a customizable antivirus program that allows you to walk away from your computer without having to worry about solving issues yourself should something come up.
Pros of Dr.Web:
- Every action Dr.Web takes is customizable by the user
- Simple UI lets even basic computer users take advantage of advanced antivirus protection
Cons of Dr.Web:
- Requires license to get full value
- Can only use Dr.Web for antivirus, cannot rely on other programs to help
Is Dr.Web your family’s computer doctor?
If you are looking for a simple way to get started protecting your computer from the threats or viruses, Trojans and other infections, Dr.Web is one way to get started. It’s simplistic UI and customizable settings allow even the most computer illiterate to keep their computer safe from harm.
As users get more familiar with Dr.Web, they can take advantage of customizing how it responds to threats so you can stay safe when you are away from your computer. Dr.Web is a powerful tool for anyone looking to keep their computer protected from the threats of the Internet.
