Anti-Executable

Even with the powerful capabilities of today's antivirus programs, malware authors still find a way to bypass a computer's security and infect your data. Fortunately, there is more than one way to secure your system, and one of them is Faronics Corporation's Anti-Executable. Because most infections start with the launching of an executable, often without your knowledge, the software will block all unknown executables on your system, to prevent hidden threats from affecting your computer. It works like an antivirus but in reverse. Instead of blocking files that are on a watchlist, the software automatically blocks everything, except for files that are on a whitelist. Just let this application run in the background, and you won't have to worry about out-of-the-blue infections.

The software comes in Standard, Server and Enterprise editions, and you can get a free trial to see how it works. The Standard version, which is the focus of this review, can be installed like any other application, by following a wizard's instructions. You don't have to install any extra tools or drivers, but you will have to restart your machine.

Anti-Executable works constantly in the background, without getting in your way. You don't have to worry that your favorite programs will be blocked because the software comes with a pre-compiled exceptions list, to allow common applications to run without a hitch. If you want to add new exceptions or change some settings, you can bring up the software's tabbed user interface through its system tray icon. You can also use this icon to temporarily disable the application if you need to run a new executable that's not on the exceptions list. Regardless of what changes you wish to make, the software will always ask for your password, which you can set up when you launch it for the first time.

The software places a wide range of configuration options at your disposal. You can enable, disable or switch it to maintenance mode, but, more important, you can add executables to a list and mark them as trusted or block them. What's more, with the program's advanced control options, you can watch out for the execution of other files types, besides EXE, like JAR, DLL, VBScript or PowerShell Script, through which viruses can make their way to your personal files.

Anti-Executable is perfectly suitable for computers that are used by more than one person. The software lets you compile a list of trusted users, who can access the configurations panel with their own password. Additionally, you can set the program to allow everyone, trusted users or only administrators to temporarily disable the application from the system tray.

With Anti-Executable running on your computer, zero-day malware won't have a chance to infect your computer and your personal data.