AhnLab V3 Click Review

AhnLab V3 Click takes a novel approach to antivirus protection. This glowing puck-shaped USB gadget tries to make antivirus protection as fun and unobtrusive as possible. AhnLab got the fun part right. Let’s hope the next version also get the antivirus part right.

(2.5 out of 5)

I never thought I’d use the words “antivirus” and “fun” in the same sentence. Sure, it’s important to keep your computer free of viruses, Trojans, and other malicious apps, but nothing about that is fun, especially those scary or complicated warnings that always seem to pop up at the worst time. And yet, using AhnLab V3 Click actually is kind of fun.

V3 Click is a USB antivirus gadget that also functions as a USB hub. It’s not a bootable solution like FixMeStick 2013, nor is it a no-install antivirus like Emsisoft Emergency Kit 2.0. However, it’s extremely easy to use, and your $49.99/year subscription lets you use it on any number of computers, one at a time. Renewal costs $19.99/year, and the product updates automatically.

The puck-shaped V3 Click has two USB ports on its rim and a large glowing button on top. You click the button to initiate actions such as launching a scan, and its color reflects program status. If it’s green, everything’s good. Blue means its busy either scanning or updating. A red button indicates that the antivirus needs your attention; click the button! If the driver isn’t installed, or your subscription has run out, or some other problem occurs, the button turns orange. Simple!

When you plug a USB device into one of the V3 Click’s ports, it automatically scans the device for malware. In Windows Explorer, V3 Click shows up as two drives, a virtual CD that contains the antivirus installer and a regular USB storage device that you can use to store and transport about 2.5GB of files.

Installation Animation
The first time you connect V3 Click with a computer, it automatically installs a local antivirus client. The installer plays a little anime-style cartoon that uses images and sound to explain the thinking behind this product.

In the cartoon, a fellow is just about to save his work on the computer when he’s interrupted by dozens of antivirus popups. Look closely; you may see your antivirus among the stylized popups. Eventually the computer explodes, and the fellow wishes for a little genie that would take care of antivirus tasks. V3 Click to the rescue!

If you keep watching the video after installation is complete, you’ll get a full run-through of the user manual, which is, in itself, a little goofy. Yes, many product manuals warn users to avoid letting the product get wet or over heated. V3 Click’s manual illustrates these concepts with a fisherman using the device as bait and another device going into the oven on a tray of cookies.

The designers clearly aimed for a conversational tone in the interface. Instead of quick scan, full scan, and real-time protection, V3 Click offers “Clean Wise,” “Clean Wide,” and “Stay Awake.” Rather than ”

By Neil J. Rubenking, PCMag