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Bitdefender Antivirus Review
Sometimes when we go home to visit our parents, they borrow our computers. Is that normal? Anyway, they’ll think they’re downloading a new stage version of annie: the musical when actually they’re inviting a host of viruses onto our computers. So, software like bitdefender antivirus for mac, which has been around almost as long as the internet itself, was exactly what we needed. We tested bitdefender antivirus for mac on a 2019 macbook pro to see just how well the software could keep a device protected.
Testing the Relationship: How Bitdefender Measures Up
While most malware targets windows operating systems, apple users certainly shouldn’t use that as an excuse to get too comfortable. And the first thing we liked about bitdefender was that it detects and removes malware targeting macos and windows devices so that we know if any files we share with windows users are compromised. Bitdefender scans for viruses, ransomware, zero-day attacks, and rollbacks.
The dashboard for bitdefender’s app for mac is relatively intuitive. There are buttons to do a quick scan or a system scan. There’s also a notifications tab where you can easily see all of the updates the software is doing so that they’re constantly up to date on the latest malwares that are out there. When we used it, the app performed these updates as much as four times in a day. That’s certainly more preferable to antivirus software with outdated virus definition databases.
Bitdefender offers both on-demand scans (meaning we can perform one whenever we’re feeling a bit anxious) and on-access (whenever the app is open, even in the background). Bitdefender continuously scans the device for any suspicious files that it compares against a list of daily updated security threats. We love the way bitdefender is constantly updating its intelligence on the latest viruses. And to even further cater to our anxiety, bitdefender allows users to run multiple scans at once. Even if a full system scan is in progress, we could launch an on-demand scan of anything suspicious, such as a recent download or other specific file.
During our trial with bitdefender, we first performed a quick scan, which just looks at the critical areas where malware can usually be found lurking. It was done in just 13 minutes, and we were able to continue using the computer the entire time without any interruption in our network speed. After the quick scan, we settled in for a deeper cleaning: a full system scan. This did take about one hour and 40 minutes, but again, it never interfered with our regular usage. We were even able to do the whole scan without our laptop being plugged in, no problem; although because of the extra background process, our laptop performed a bit slower than normal.
Neither of those scans detected anything, and we were proud that our computer had been spared from malware. But we know that’s not quite useful for our readers, to whom we are eternally devoted. So, we downloaded (but didn’t open, we swear!) five different files containing everything from adware to spyware to even trojan malware. We know viruses come in a variety of forms, so we wanted to use these files across all of the antivirus software that we tested to see how they performed.
To our delight, bitdefender detected all five viruses, which we were super impressed with since the average is closer to around 60 percent detection. In fact, of the roughly 40 top antivirus software that we’ve tested, only two detected 100 percent of the viruses, and bitdefender was one of them.
Aside from our own extensive testing, we also looked at independent lab data from av test to see their results for bitdefender. And when it came to the detection of widespread malware popular in the past four months, bitdefender could detect over 97 percent of it, which, if we remember how school works, comes out to an a+. (we’re not still obsessed with grades even though we’re adults, you are!). That means bitdefender is already part of a pretty elite crew in our books, but if you’re interested in more general information about antivirus software, read our antivirus guide
The Basics: Viruses, Ransomware, Malware, Oh My!
Now that we know bitdefender can pass our test measures, let’s break down some of the more specific features that come with a bitdefender antivirus package.
- Phishing: try to convince us that phishing isn’t the most embarrassing way to get infected with malware. You can’t! Luckily, bitdefender uses a feature they call a “web shield” that protects against phishing and access to malware and other dangerous sites, safeguarding all network activities.
- Behavior monitor: no, this isn’t a new socialization program for disciplining brooklyn toddlers! It’s a bitdefender-specific program that stops ransomware from encrypting any files. It can run at the same time as the ransomware remediation feature, which helpfully backs up any targeted files that bitdefender thinks are suspicious.
- Bitdefender autopilot: this is a highly personalized service that bitdefender offers, working to a user’s specific security needs, which we really appreciate. Autopilot is designed to act as a “security advisor”. It gives deeper insights into our security posture, recommending security actions in the context of our system needs and usage patterns. We love a software that listens to our needs!
- Behavior-based detection: the more we think about it, the more that all these personalized, individual antivirus features sound like parenting techniques. But no, behavior-based detection is actually a very cool tool: for anything that comes into the computer, it evaluates the object’s behavior, or in some cases its potential behavior, for suspicious activities.
- Firewall: bitdefender didn’t always have a firewall, but we’re so pleased they do now via their total security plan. Firewalls provide protection from outside cyber attackers by shielding a computer or network from malicious or unnecessary network traffic. They can also prevent malicious software from accessing a computer or network via the internet.
- Apps: we downloaded bitdefender’s mac app, of course, but they also have apps for windows, ios and android devices. The app in the apple store has a much worse rating than in the google play store—2.6 compared to 4.7. We found the mac app to be fairly intuitive, but we haven’t yet tried the ios app to see if perhaps that’s where the problems lie.
Privacy, Please!
We always like to highlight a software’s privacy policy, as it’s such a critical part of understanding how well we’re going to be protected. Bitdefender’s policy notes that they collect user information provided in a few main ways:
- Directly provided by a user or a bitdefender partner
- Indirectly provided by its products or other sources, such as:
- Technical data sent by the bitdefender products and installed by users
- Publicly available information from data leaks
Bitdefender claims that they only share information with specific contracted partners in providing the antivirus software, and that those partners are under strict agreements to also not share our information. That being said, there was a data breach in 2015 that exposed some users’ usernames and passwords. It only affected about 250 customers—less than one percent of bitdefender’s users—and the company was able to resolve the issue with the affected server. They quickly let customers know about the breach and to change their passwords. So, not great, but at least they responded actively.
There’s one more thing, though. In addition to the 2015 breach, bitdefender had an even more recent offense. In 2019, there was a security flaw in their free version for windows, allowing attackers to fully take over a windows machine. This didn’t affect apple products in any way, but it’s important to note when looking at a company’s successes and failures in privacy protection. Keeping up with your digital security is no joke!
The Deal: Costs and Subscription Info
First off, if you’re looking for a free version of an antivirus software, you’re in luck. Bitdefender antivirus for mac does have a free version, which comes with many of the best features that the paid options offer. The free version has antivirus scanning, real-time protection, web protection, and anti-phishing and fraud protection. Of course, there’s no such thing as a free software lunch. We needed to splurge for a paid version in order to get extra features like ransomware protection, a password manager, and the safe pay feature. For the paid versions, there are a few tiers, where users pay for a full year of protection upfront.
These tiers don’t only differentiate the strength of protection that users will receive. All three plans are similar, but definitely with a few more features in total security and the family pack. We each have roommates, so we went with the total security package so we could make sure that everyone in the household was covered. The tiers also differentiate how many different devices we could have on the plan at the same time. To learn more about the specifics of bitdefender’s offerings, check out our bitdefender costs and subscriptions breakdown.
Call Customer Support, Maybe?
You know we have high standards for customer service. It’s frankly just annoying when software companies only have one or even two ways to get in contact with them if we have a question. So we were pretty pleased to see that bitdefender has a ton of ways we can reach out to them: online help center, email, call, live chat, or their expert community (like a combination of reddit and news, but about bitdefender). When we had a question, we tried an old fashioned phone call because sometimes it’s cute to be retro, and we were talking to a real live human astonishingly quickly.
The Bottom Line
While we don’t appreciate how Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac tracks our data without a super clean record of keeping that data safe, their defense skills are unmatched. Out of 40 different antivirus software that we tested, they were one of only two that detected all five malware files that we planted for them to find. If that doesn’t pique your interest, we don’t know what will!
It’s so important to protect our computers from viruses and malware. There are dozens of reliable software providers out there, and Bitdefender is certainly among them. At the end of the day, we’re always happy for them to have our back
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B&H Photo Video Review
About B&H Photo Video
B&H Photo Video is an American photography and video equipment retailer. It was founded in 1973 and is based in New York City. The company operates a large retail store and a well-established online store, B&H Photo Video .
B&H Photo Video offers a wide range of photography and video equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting and studio equipment, audio equipment, drones, and more. They also offer a range of services, including rental equipment, repairs, and photo printing.
One of the key strengths of B&H Photo Video is their large selection of products and their knowledgeable staff, who are available to help customers find the right equipment for their needs. Additionally, the company offers competitive prices and fast shipping, making it a popular destination for photographers and videographers looking to purchase new equipment.
Overall, B&H Photo Video is a reputable and reliable source for photography and video equipment, offering a wide range of products and services to meet the needs of professional and amateur photographers and videographers alike.
Overview of B&H Photo Video
B&H Photo Video is a leading retailer of photography and video equipment, offering a wide range of products and services to meet the needs of professional and amateur photographers and videographers alike. With over 45 years of experience in the industry, the company has established a reputation for providing high-quality products at competitive prices, backed by exceptional customer service and support.
B&H Photo Video is the online store of B&H Photo Video, offering a convenient way for customers to shop for their photography and video equipment needs. The website offers a wide selection of products, including cameras, lenses, lighting and studio equipment, audio equipment, drones, and more. The website also offers helpful resources, such as product reviews and tutorials, to help customers make informed buying decisions.
In addition to their online store, B&H Photo Video operates a large retail store in New York City, offering customers the opportunity to see and test the equipment before they buy. The company also offers rental equipment, repairs, and photo printing services to meet the needs of customers in a variety of different scenarios.
Overall, B&H Photo Video is a comprehensive resource for photography and video equipment, offering a wide range of products, services, and support to help customers find the right equipment for their needs.
Who Is B&H Photo Video For?
B&H Photo Video and its online store, B&H Phphoto Video, is primarily for professional and amateur photographers and videographers. The company offers a wide range of photography and video equipment to meet the needs of customers at all levels of experience and skill, including:
- Professional Photographers and Videographers: B&H Photo Video offers high-end equipment and a comprehensive selection of products that can meet the demands of professional photographers and videographers.
- Amateurs and Enthusiasts: B&H Photo Video offers a variety of entry-level and mid-range equipment, making it accessible and affordable for amateur photographers and videographers to start or continue their photography and videography journey.
- Students and Educators: B&H Photo Video offers educational discounts to students and educators, making it a great resource for those in photography and videography programs.
- Businesses: The company also offers a range of equipment and services suitable for businesses in a variety of industries, including event photographers and videographers, commercial photographers, and more.
Overall, B&H Photo Video is a one-stop-shop for photography and videography equipment and accessories, serving customers of all levels of experience and skill.
B&H Photo Video Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
B&H Photo Video and its online store, B&H Photo Video , generally receive positive reviews from customers. Many customers appreciate the wide selection of products offered and the knowledgeable staff who are available to help with any questions or concerns.
Customers also frequently praise the competitive prices offered by B&H Photo Video and the fast shipping, which helps to make their shopping experience convenient and efficient. The company’s reputation for providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service has earned it a strong and loyal customer base.
However, like any company, B&H Photo Video is not without its critics. Some customers have reported issues with customer service, particularly when it comes to resolving issues with orders or returns. Others have criticized the company’s return policy, which they view as inflexible or difficult to navigate.
Overall, the majority of customers have positive experiences with B&H Photo Video and are satisfied with the products and services offered. While there are some areas for improvement, the company remains a popular destination for photographers and videographers looking to purchase equipment.
Is B&H Photo Video Worth It?
Whether B&H Photo Video is worth it depends on the individual needs and preferences of the customer. However, here are a few factors to consider:
- Wide Selection: B&H Photo Video offers a wide selection of photography and videography equipment, making it a convenient and comprehensive resource for customers.
- Competitive Prices: The company offers competitive prices on its products, making it an attractive option for customers who are looking to save money.
- Good Reputation: B&H Photo Video and its online store, B&H Photo Video , have a good reputation in the industry, and are known for providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service.
- Fast Shipping: Customers can expect fast shipping on their orders, making it a convenient option for those who need their equipment quickly.
- In-Store Experience: For those who prefer to see and test the equipment before making a purchase, B&H Photo Video operates a large retail store in New York City.
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider. For example, some customers have reported issues with customer service and the company’s return policy.
In conclusion, whether B&H Photo Video is worth it will depend on the individual needs and preferences of the customer. But, with its wide selection of products, competitive prices, and good reputation, it is definitely a company worth considering when shopping for photography and videography equipment.
B&H Photo Video Promotions & Discounts
B&H Photo Video and its online store, bhphotovideo.com, offer a range of promotions and discounts to its customers. Here are a few examples:
- Sales & Clearance: B&H Photo Video regularly runs sales and clearance events, offering customers the opportunity to save on a wide range of products.
- Educational Discounts: The company offers educational discounts to students and educators, making it a great resource for those in photography and videography programs.
- Bundle Deals: B&H Photo Video also offers bundle deals, where customers can purchase multiple products at a discounted price.
- Coupons and Promo Codes: From time to time, the company may offer coupons or promo codes, which customers can use to receive discounts on their purchases.
- Loyalty Programs: Bhphotovideo.com also has a loyalty program, which rewards customers for their purchases and provides access to exclusive promotions and discounts.
It is important to note that promotions and discounts may vary, and not all offers may be available at all times. Customers can stay up-to-date on the latest promotions and discounts by visiting the B&H Photo Video website and signing up for the company’s email newsletter.
Where to Buy B&H Photo Video
B&H Photo Video is an online store that specializes in photography and videography equipment. Customers can purchase products directly from the website, B&H Photo Video .
In addition, B&H Photo Video operates a large retail store located in New York City, where customers can see and test the equipment in person before making a purchase.
Customers who prefer to shop in-store can find the B&H Photo Video retail store at 420 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10001. The store is open Monday through Thursday from 9am to 7pm, Friday from 9am to 1pm, and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. The store is closed on Saturday.
B&H Photo Video FAQ
B&H Photo Video offers a comprehensive FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section on its website to assist customers with their questions and concerns. Some of the most common topics covered in the FAQ include:
- Ordering and Shipping: Information on placing an order, shipping options, and delivery times.
- Payment and Financing: Details on payment options, financing, and billing information.
- Returns and Exchanges: Information on the company’s return policy, and instructions for making a return or exchange.
- Warranty and Repair: Details on the company’s warranty policies, and information on how to get equipment repaired.
- Technical Support: Answers to common technical questions, and information on how to get support for specific products.
- Product Information: Detailed information on specific products, including specifications, features, and compatibility.
Customers who have questions or concerns not covered in the FAQ can reach out to B&H Photo Video customer service team for further assistance. The company offers a variety of contact options, including email, phone, and live chat.
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PETBARN PET INSURANCE REVIEW 2022
With three levels of cover, petbarn pet insurance provides up to 100% back on eligible vet bills, with no excess and no annual claim limit. Alongside a few additional extras, this cover also allows petbarn regulars to earn friends for life points on their premiums.
Who is Petbarn?
Active in the australian market for more than 35 years, petbarn is one of the country’s best known pet supply retailers, with 140 stores nationwide. Petbarn is part of greencross limited, australasia’s largest integrated consumer facing pet care company, which owns more than 130 veterinary practices and over 200 pet speciality stores.
In terms of its pet cover, petbarn pet insurance cannot be purchased in its stores. Plans are only available online or over the phone. What else is worth knowing? Petbarn pet insurance is administered by petsure and underwritten by the hollard insurance company, two of the biggest names in australian pet insurance.
Petbarn Pet Insurance
Core Cover
- No annual claim limit
- Per condition limit of $500 (per policy period)
- Up to 90% back on eligible vet bills (subject to per condition limit)
- Up to 65% back for pets over 8 years old
- No excess
- From 8 weeks up to 9 years old
Core Plus Cover
- No annual claim limit
- Per condition limit of $1,000 (per policy period)
- Includes cover for cruciate ligament conditions
- Up to 90% back on eligible vet bills (subject to per condition limit)
- Up to 65% back for pets over 8 years old
- No excess
- From 8 weeks up to 9 years old
Total Cover
- No annual claim limit
- Per condition limit as set out in PDS
- $750 of dental included (6 month waiting period applies)
- Includes cover for cruciate ligament conditions
- Up to 100% back on eligible vet bills (subject to per condition limit)
- Up to 65% back for pets over 8 years old
- No excess
- From 8 weeks up to 7 years old
Some examples of limits on specific conditions on total cover include $1,500 for tick paralysis, $2,500 for snake bites, $4,000 for cancer and $6,000 for bone fractures (per policy period).
It’s worth noting that total cover also provides cover on certain treatments that other policies don’t cover, such as behavioural therapy, dental illness and prescription diets.
What We Love
- Intro offers: petbarn often provides introductory discounts and offers to attract new customers to sign up. To find the latest offers on petbarn pet insurance, check out our promo codes and discounts page before you apply.
- Rewards book: when you apply for petbarn pet insurance, you will receive petbarn’s little book of big savings. This book contains vouchers valued at $1,000, covering everything from free gifts and bonuses, to upgrades and discounts.
- Multi-pet discount: planning on getting pet cover for more than one pet? With petbarn pet insurance, you receive a generous 10% discount on your premiums on all additional policies.
- Reimbursement: with core and core plus cover, you can claim up to 90% back on all eligible vet bills, while with total cover, you can claim up to 100% back. Bear in mind that the amount you get back will be subject to the per condition limit put in place on your particular policy. For example, if have core cover and your vet bill comes to $800, you would receive 90% back on a limit up to $500.
- No overall claim limit: unlike many pet insurance plans in australia, petbarn pet insurance does not have an overall annual benefit limit. Instead, petbarn puts in place a per condition limit, which varies according to the level of cover
- No excess: there is no excess on any of petbarn’s pet insurance plans. If you visit the vet frequently, this could help to reduce the upfront costs associated with making a claim. However, it is worth noting that plans offered elsewhere in the industry typically have higher premiums on policies with no excess, compared to policies that come with an excess. To make sure you find the plan that best suits your budget, be sure to compare pet insurance options thoroughly.
- Any vet: you can visit any vet (other than yourself) that is licensed to legally practice as a veterinarian in australia.
- Claim flexibility: when it comes time to make a claim, you can use petbarn’s gaponly feature, which assesses your claim in real time at the vet, so you only pay the gap. Alternatively, you can pay the entire vet bill upfront, then make a claim either online or on paper.
- Request pre-approval: if you’re unsure whether your policy will pay out on a particular procedure, you can contact the provider in advance to ask for pre-approval. This can give you peace of mind before visiting the vet, knowing that you won’t be out of pocket when it comes time to pay.
- Earn points: as a regular either at greencross vet clinics or at petbarn stores, you may already be a member of the friends for life loyalty program. If so, you’ll be happy to know that you can earn friends for life points on every dollar you pay on premiums. Once you’ve earned 6,000 points, you’ll be rewarded with a $10 loyalty voucher to be used on your next purchase, instore or online. Members enjoy further discounts and benefits instore, including up to 20% off participating dog and cat food when shopping instore as part of the frequent feeder program.
- Cover for life: provided you apply for a policy before your pet reaches that policy’s age limit, you can enjoy cover for life as long as there is no break in cover, and as long as petbarn provides that policy.
- Cured pre-existing conditions: like most other pet insurance plans, petbarn pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. But, if you can prove the condition was temporary, and there have been no signs of it in the previous 18 months, it will no longer be excluded from cover. Be aware that chronic conditions and several other specified conditions do not fall within this category.
What To Consider
- Cost: premiums for petbarn pet insurance are pricey, coming in well above the average price in our annual pricing survey.
- Reduced reimbursement: once your pet reaches the age of eight, the amount you can claim back on vet bills falls to 65%. Petbarn states this is due to the fact that older animals generally spend more time at the vet, increasing the amount the insurer has to pay out. Petbarn says it decreases the reimbursement rate to keep premiums “affordable”, however, as many pet owners of older pets will attest to, premiums on older pets are already costly. Consider whether as you visit the vet more as your pet ages, you would be happy to receive less back on your vet bills.
- Per condition limits: where other pet insurance providers have sub-limits, petbarn pet insurance has per condition limits. This is basically the total amount each policy will pay out per condition, according to the level of cover chosen. As an example, with core plus cover, the per condition limit is $1,000, so if you want to make a claim on a costly procedure such as a cruciate ligament, you would only receive $1,000 back. With total cover, that limit is set at $4,000.
- Waiting periods: all pet insurance plans in australia put in place waiting periods. With petbarn pet insurance, there is no waiting period for accidental injury. For illness, total cover has a waiting period 20 days, while for core and core plus cover it’s 30 days. For cruciate ligament conditions, there is a 6 month waiting period on core plus and total (cruciate ligament is not covered on core cover).
- Exclusions: similarly, all policies have exclusions. In the case of petbarn pet insurance, exclusions include consultation fees, pre-existing conditions, routine or preventative treatments, some elective treatments, and breeding or obstetrics. On core and core plus, additional exclusions apply. Always read the pds for full details.
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Shoe Review: OOFOS Recovery Sandals
Slide into something comfortable with OOFOS recovery sandals.
You’ve likely seen OOFOS recovery sandals on the feet of fellow athletes after races, workouts and gym sessions. OOFOS sandals are made with soft, squishy foam and generous arch support to cradle your feet and relieve pressure on your joints. Plus, they’re available in a variety of comfortable styles and spiffy colors.
Fleet Feet reviewers tested the OOFOS OOahh Slide, the OOFOS OOlala Sandal and the OOFOS OOriginal Sandal. Here’s what you can expect when you slide into a pair of OOFOS.
OOFOS Foam Absorbs Impact
Most running shoes provide energy return with each step, helping you pop back off the ground into your next stride. But when you’re done running, you want to sink your feet into something soft. OOFOS recovery sandals feel like pillows, cushioning your feet and cradling your arches the moment you slide into them.
“Wow. Just wow. There’s a lot going on under the surface with these shoes because they do not at all feel like your normal rubber. I really like them,” Nate says.
OOFOS recovery sandals use proprietary OOfoam technology to absorb impact and reduce stress on your feet, ankles and other joints. OOFOS says their closed-cell foam absorbs 37 percent more impact than traditional EVA foams. More impact absorption leads to less wear and tear on your body, keeping your feet and legs feeling fresh.
“These are by far the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn. I can never go back to wearing other sandals again after trying these. I always make sure to bring these along to races so I can slip them on after I finish – it’s a much needed relief after pounding the pavement for hours at a time,” Caroline says.
All OOFOS sandals use the same patented footbed that cradles your arches for a soft yet supportive fit.
The arch support provides stabilization while standing and walking, meaning your feet don’t have to work as hard during these movements. This helps you recover faster from tough runs and training sessions so you can get back to performing at your best.
“The arch support is subtle but definitely noticeable and helps my feet feel less fatigued after a long run or tough workout,” Caroline says.
Both the OOFOS slides and the sandals feature the same OOfoam technology and patented footbed, offering the same luxuriously comfortable fit. All you have to do is choose your preferred style.
“OOfos sandals always feel good, but their shining moment is when you first put them on after wearing anything else, or even after going barefoot. When my feet or legs are tired, it feels so good to put on my Oofos,” Kate says.
Because OOFOS doesn’t make half sizes for their recovery sandals, you’ll have to go up or down a half size depending on the shape of your feet. A good rule of thumb is to go up to the closest full size for men and down to the closest full size for women, but this will depend on the shape of your unique feet. If you’re unsure about the shape of your feet, get fit at your local Fleet Feet.
Comfortable Styles are Perfect for Relaxing
Whether you’re hanging around the house or running a full day of errands, OOFOS recovery sandals are your new best friend. They offer reliable support for your feet while remaining lightweight and easy to pair with any outfit or occasion.
“I have been wearing OOFOS for just over three years now. I love that they have different styles that all have a similar, amazing feel, but give you a chance for a different look,” Kate says.
With multiple colors to choose from, you can easily find a pair that suits your style. Plus, the waterproof materials are perfect for wearing to the pool, the beach or jumping in the shower after a sweaty gym session.
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