Windows 8 security features that Quick Heal users will love

Windows 8 is scheduled to hit the market in October and promises a new era for desktops. Microsoft aims to integrate the PC market with the mobile market by unifying the Metro UI across all platforms. However, Windows has always brought a number of security threats due to its massive popularity. Windows 8 shall be no different and this post gives a sneak preview into the various security layers that a Windows 8 user can rely on.

Secure Boot support
Microsoft has showcased the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) based Secure Boot to replace the traditional BIOS firmware interface. This technology ensures a faster boot-up and protects against low-level rootkits. Such rootkits attack processes before anti-malware programs start so this is a welcome addition. Moreover, validation of the digital signature of boot components prevents against tampering. If the OS detects a rootkit while booting up, it pauses the process and informs the user.

SmartScreen browser filter
Previously seen only in Internet Explorer, this feature detects and prevents malicious downloads. Now it is embedded within the OS itself and is not restricted solely to the browser. So one may use any browser on Windows 8 and download files safely. The layer utilizes a reputation system and scans URLs and files to check for potential threats.

Picture and gesture-based password
This feature challenges regular text-based user logins. The user will be required to choose an image of choice and specify three unique gestures on it to log in. The usefulness and effectiveness of this method remains to be seen, but it is definitely an innovative feature.

Windows reader
This document reader program primarily reads PDF files. Such files are commonly used as attack vectors so this enhances the base security of the OS. The application will get regular Windows updates so the user need not rely on untrustworthy updates and plug-ins.

Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR)
Previously seen on Windows Vista, ASLR randomly changes the location of data and code stored in the memory. In Windows 8 the randomization factor is greater. Internet Explorer 10 will also include an ‘Enhanced Protected Mode’ sandbox along with a ‘ForceASLR’ option that randomizes the memory modules of the browser.

In spite of these revamped security features, we understand that users will still need the best system protection software for their machines. Quick Heal provides several additional features that protect users against the latest malware and phishing threats, provide anti-theft measures, ensure parental controls and more.

Moreover, Quick Heal and Microsoft are technology partners so we will share a high degree of interoperability with Windows 8. With all these security features combined, users can rest assured that their security will be in the best hands.

Rahul Thadani

Rahul Thadani


61 Comments

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  1. Avatar VEERESH RAMESHWAR TRIVEDIJuly 18, 2012 at 12:21 PM

    WHAT ARE THE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR WINDOWS 8. WOULD ANY UPGRADE BE AVAILABLE. WHAT IS THE MINIMUM RAM REQUIREMENT. WHETHER THE SYSTEM WILL BE SLOWED DOWN IF PRESENT CONFIGURATION IS USED. PLEASE REPLY

    V R TRIVEDI

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJuly 18, 2012 at 1:23 PM

      Hi V.R.Trivedi,
      Minimum requirements for Windows 8 are as follows:
      1 GHz or faster processor
      1GB RAM (for 32-bit) or 2GB RAM (for 64-bit)
      16GB hard disk space (for 32-bit) or 20GB space (for 64-bit)
      DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher.

      Reply
  2. Hi Rahul Thadani,

    What is the difference b/w Window 7 and Window 8? Is window 8 is better than window 7? If yes,so.whats new feature in window 8 which is not in window 7.
    Pls Reply

    Regards,
    Lakhan Bisht

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJuly 18, 2012 at 1:56 PM

      Hi Lakhan,
      In this post I have talked about the new security features that Windows 8 will bring to the table. Newer operating systems have better all-round features. You can visit Microsoft’s comparison pages to learn more about Windows 8 vs Windows 7.
      Thanks.

      Reply
  3. Avatar Dr AparnaJuly 18, 2012 at 1:46 PM

    Iam planning to buy a laptop..that means I must wait till Oct, but will it be affordable in my budget of below 40K INR ?

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJuly 18, 2012 at 1:52 PM

      Hi Dr. Aparna,
      There are laptop models available in every price bracket and you will need to find one that best suits your needs. You could buy a laptop with Windows 7 installed now and upgrade to Windows 8 when it releases in October.
      Thanks.

      Reply
  4. Avatar Salil ChattopadhyayJuly 18, 2012 at 2:59 PM

    I would very much like to know as I am a Windows 7 user, how would i convert or upgrade to Windows 8 ?

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJuly 18, 2012 at 3:59 PM

      Hi Salil,
      You can download a Release Preview of Windows 8 from the official Microsoft website. Instructions on how to do so are mentioned there. The complete version will be released in late October 2012 (Microsoft has not announced the date yet). You will have to purchase the OS then if you wish to upgrade.

      Reply
  5. Avatar Rakshika KaurJuly 18, 2012 at 5:02 PM

    Windows 8 would come in October in India, right? is it already launched in USA? Are Windows 8 easy to understand as Windows 7 as in any new shortcuts or any things which would not be in it? What features/softwares will it already have installed?
    Reply please.
    Thanks
    LOVE WINDOWS & GOOGLE PRODUCTS!!!

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJuly 18, 2012 at 5:16 PM

      Hi Rakshika,
      Windows 8 will release worldwide in October 2012. The OS will be completely revamped by Microsoft and several new features will be included, especially the Metro UI. Kindly check the official Microsoft website for complete details.
      Thanks.

      Reply
  6. Avatar Viren DeshpandeJuly 18, 2012 at 8:24 PM

    What Will be price of Windows 8 pro ?

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJuly 19, 2012 at 10:00 AM

      Hi Viren,
      You can check the prices of various versions of Windows 8 from Microsoft’s website. These prices may be subject to revision so it is best to view them from the source itself.
      Thanks.

      Reply
  7. Avatar Remen PrahanJuly 18, 2012 at 8:48 PM

    I am using windows 7. Now I am waiting for windows 8. Is this more advanced than windows 7. Stuffed with more features??

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJuly 19, 2012 at 10:03 AM

      Hi Remen,
      Yes, Windows 8 will be far more advanced than Windows 7. I have outlined the security features in this post. For more details you should refer to the Microsoft website. The Metro UI is the biggest change and you will need to see this for yourself to pass judgement.

      Reply
  8. Hello, I hv quick heal 13.00 installed right now, if i upgrade to windows 8 from my current windows 7 will i hv to buy the anti-virus all over again?

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJuly 19, 2012 at 10:04 AM

      Hi Saurabh,
      No. You will not need to buy Quick Heal AV all over again if you upgrade your operating system.

      Reply
  9. Thanks Rahul….!!!

    Sweet and Short but prcise and exact drive of Windows 8

    Reply
  10. Thanks for the info Rahul.

    Reply
  11. Avatar Munshi AzharJuly 21, 2012 at 4:14 AM

    Mr. Rahul. I have download the windows 8 release preview . when I just started the installation of windows 8 , it shows me a message that your Quick Heal Antivirus pro does not compatible with Windows 8 , please uninstall it. So I want to know that there is any upgrade available for my Quick Heal Antivirus pro ?

    Reply
  12. Avatar mohammad laraibJuly 30, 2012 at 6:00 PM

    hii rahul i am using win 8 released preveiw i want to ask u that which version of quick heal will support win 8? please reply sonnly………..

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniAugust 1, 2012 at 10:09 AM

      Hi,
      We appreciate your enthusiasm. Quick Heal 2013 will support Windows 8. Please visit this blog regularly to know more details about when this product line will be launched. Thanks.

      Reply
  13. hi rahul i m using windows 8 the quick heal does not support it i wan ted to when will it be launched for windows 8 plz do it fast

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniAugust 2, 2012 at 5:33 PM

      Hi Junius,
      Windows 8 will officially release on October 26. By then you will have a Quick Heal product to support it. Right now the Release Preview of Windows 8 is available for download. But since this is not the final product, Microsoft will make some minor tweaks before release.
      Thanks for your patience.

      Reply
  14. I am using win7 and my PC requirement are
    Processor-Inter(R)4 CPU 1.60GHz
    RAM- 1.00GB
    System type- 32 bit operating system
    after that i am is install win8 them my system speed is very slow.
    Plz Help me.

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniAugust 13, 2012 at 10:15 AM

      Hi Govind,
      Your PC could be slow for several reasons. It would be impossible to speculate without looking at it. It would be better to show it to a computer technician and clarify this situation.
      Thanks.

      Reply
  15. I am all drive are format and new install win8 but speed is very slow only for the win8

    Reply
  16. Avatar Aishwary GuptaOctober 18, 2012 at 6:14 AM

    my quick heal antivirus 2012 does not support in windows 8. What will i do!

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniOctober 18, 2012 at 9:56 AM

      Hi Aishwary,
      Quick Heal 2013 is currently Windows 8 ready. Once the full product is launched we will offer support for it as well. It is advisable that you upgrade to Quick Heal 2013 for this purpose. This can be done for free with the Product Key that you possess for Quick Heal 2012.
      Thanks.

      Reply
  17. Hi Rahul Thadani
    When I installed Windows 8 , it asked me to uninstall the Quick Heal 2012. Now when I’m again trying to install it (with real DVD) says,”Compatibility Problem.” I upgraded Windows 7 x86 to Windows 8 x86. Please help me.

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniNovember 6, 2012 at 9:41 AM

      Hi Sankalp,
      Our suggestion is that you upgrade to Quick Heal 2013 as it is Windows 8 ready. You can use your existing Product Key to upgrade your current version, for free. There is no charge for this. Download the product installer from here – https://www.quickheal.com/builds.asp.
      Regards.

      Reply
  18. hi sir,
    unable to install quick heal internet security on windows 8 .
    getting error another MSI installation process is running.i restart and run setup again but i still get error any solution ??

    Reply
  19. i am using quick total security in windows 8 pro x64, i downloaded the quick heal total security 2013, installed it and registered it with my key, but i am not getting where to enable sandbox feature of quick heal there is no option to enable it. can you help me.?

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniNovember 16, 2012 at 10:52 AM

      Hi Santosh,
      You need to open the Quick Heal dashboard and then click on the ‘Internet & Network’ icon. The Browser Sandbox feature can be enabled from the window that opens.
      Regards.

      Reply
  20. Avatar sagar vermaDecember 7, 2012 at 8:32 AM

    i have upgraded my windows 7 to windows 8 recently and uninstall the QHTS64, now i am unable to load quick heal since it has a compatibility issue with windows 8 pro. what should i do, plz help !!

    Reply
  21. Avatar Mr. Deepak soniJanuary 29, 2013 at 12:03 AM

    i want install quick heal total security 2013 in my windows8 but there are a problem show-another MSI installation is in prograse.you must be complete that installation before continuing this one.suggest me.
    mo.no.+918357963880.

    Reply
  22. Avatar Mr. Deepak soniJanuary 29, 2013 at 12:04 AM

    now hurry.

    Reply
  23. Hi sir,
    unable to install quick heal internet security on windows 8 pro .
    getting error another MSI installation process is running.i restart and run setup again but i still get error any solution ?? what is the solution… please help.

    Reply
  24. Avatar Shashank ShekharMarch 25, 2013 at 4:13 PM

    After Installing Quick heal My Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation Became Slow.
    My Email Id Is shashank.shekher1997@gmail.com please suggest me any solution.
    It is taking more time to start up and shutting down and it is taking more time to start any application.

    Reply
  25. Hi Rahul,
    I had Quick Heal 2013 installed in my pc when it was windows 7 ultimate.now i have upgraded to windows 8 pro.now when i try to update my quick heal,it shows an error while processing the definition files.and says to check that i have sufficient disk space on my system.

    Reply
  26. Avatar Milind NikharSeptember 30, 2013 at 9:23 PM

    When I am updating my quick heal 14, it downloads the update and when it starts applying the update the message blinks as “unknown error occured while processing definition file(s). Please check if you are having sufficient free disk space on your system”.
    What does it mean sir. I have space more than 150 GB in C drive.

    Reply
  27. Avatar Harsh PariharApril 8, 2014 at 8:11 PM

    When im install the quick heal AV 2013 in Windows 8 an error`s show. error`s another MSI installation in progress. You must complete the installation before continuing this one. please sir help me

    Reply
  28. Avatar Nitin KumarMay 12, 2014 at 10:18 PM

    Another installation is in progress (quick heal) solution below
    open task manager
    in background process close windows installer process
    and install the quick heal

    Reply
  29. quick heal internet security 2014 showing error “msi installation is in progress. you must complete tat installation before continue this one” pls help me to complete ma installation

    Reply
  30. Avatar Rahul PatankarAugust 6, 2014 at 3:03 PM

    defination files not found,error showing while updating quick heal antivirus pro 2014 on windows 8.
    Give some suggetion….

    Reply
  31. Avatar kailash bhattSeptember 11, 2014 at 6:37 PM

    sir i am updating quick heal antivirus than the unknown error is showing.
    error- unknown error occurrd while defnition files. please cheack if you are having sufficient free disk space on your system.

    so plz sir how to solve the error.. plzz contact me..

    Reply
  32. I installed qhav2013 in my Lptp all r done. BT it’s not updating. some asking about disable your bios setting

    Reply
    • Hi Umanshoo,

      Before taking any such measure, we would request you to let our Support Team find a solution to the issue. Please contact them at
      0-927-22-33-000.

      Regards,

      Reply