What Is The Best AntiVirus Software?
93
Antivirus program Reviews 2009 and Free Antivirus Software
Today's computer viruses are more sophisticated and aggressive than ever. Thankfully, with anti-virus software, you can keep your data safe and your computer completely free of infection.
What is a virus on a computer?
A computer virus is a computer program that copy's itself and infects computers without permission or knowledge of the user. Some viruses are programmed to damage your computer by damaging programs, deleting files, or reformatting the hard disk. Others are not designed to do any damage, but simply replicate themselves and perhaps make their presence known by presenting text, video, or audio messages. Even these benign viruses can create problems for the computer user. They typically take up computer memory used by legitimate programs. As a result, they often cause erratic behavior and can result in system crashes. In addition, many viruses are bug-ridden, and these bugs may lead to system crashes and data loss.
How do I know if I have AntiVirus Program Installed
Anti virus Round up
Norton and Mcafee are the two big players in the field because they dominate the market and are a household name but they are not the best, In mine and many peoples experiences!
The things I ask myself when looking for a good AntiVirus program is. Is it free?. Will it drain my PCs resources!? Will it do it's job in stopping Viruses!? It also has to be non intrusive, and of course, it's ease of use, which i will only find out once i install and use! If i am not satisfied i will remove and try another!! It's quite simple..
Note: No single program will catch or stop every threat! One program might remove a virus but Only keep one program running at any times!. If you end up getting a virus, and cannot deleted or quarantine it. read below.
How to remove a virus.. If your existing program will not remove it..You should download another program (That's if you don't have another one already on your PC), but don't install it yet.... Now disconnect from the Internet---close down your existing Anti-Virus program and uninstall it ----Install the new one---re-connect to the Internet----update the new program-- Now disconnect again from the Internet- (You don't want to be online without protection for too long!) now run a full scan and search..If a virus cannot be found, your problem could be Spyware or simply Pop-pups! so make sure you have the latest Anti Spyware programs and a good Browser such as Firefox which has an excellent built in pop-up blocker installed and running.
I coud name the top 20 free and non free programs and every technical detail about them, but its pointless as newer features and versions are always updated! All you need to know is that you have one Antivirus program installed and running at all times.
Avast
Best Free Program
Avast has two different interfaces, one for the average user and one for the advanced user. The simple interface is very easy to use and navigate. The advanced interface has plenty customizing options to fit your needs. This software has good protection. Avast update feature checks for product and virus definition updates. This product is so easy to install without any problems.
AVG
2nd Best Free Program
AVG has a very good definition update. System uses very little system resources and it has a full time protection utility with on access file scanner and e-mail scanner. The program won't tax your system when scanning or when running in the background and always proves effective. The interface is simple to navigate.
Click Here To Download AVGs FULL Program: Offers full support: Real-Time Protection against all kinds of problems, that can threaten your valuable personal information
Click Here To Download AVG Basic FREE program! No support: For private and non-commercial use only.
Panda
3rd Best Free Program
Panda Internet Security 2009 will protect you from the usual viruses and spyware and all other Internet threats. I have used this a long time ago and work on many PCs with this program installed and the users are happy enough!
Click Here for more information and to download Panda's basic protection. Free!
Click Here for more information and to Download Panda's full security suite! Not free!
Shop for Bit Defender.
|
Bitdefender Total Security 2009 2Yr/3Pc
Price: $27.99
List Price: $79.95 |
|
Bitdefender Internet Security 2009 2Yr/3Pc
Price: $39.99
List Price: $59.95 |
|
Bitdefender Internet Security 2009 2Yr/5Pc
Price: $29.99
List Price: $89.95 |
1st Best Non Free Anti Virus Program
Bit Defender is the best line of defense against computer viruses, spyware, hackers and spam is BitDefender 2008..BitDefender 2008 is an outstanding product with a user friendly interface that will scan all existing files on your computer and all incoming and out-going emails, IM transfers and all other network traffic. This latest version has a new Gamer Mode feature that minimizes impact on gaming performance so you can play safe while still maintaing all of the reliable features for which Bitdefender is known such as Privacy Protection for outgoing personal information, Web Scanning while you're using the Internet and Rootkit Detection and Removal, which detects then removes hidden virus programs.A setup wizard makes it easy to customize security settings. The effectiveness, updates, Help/Support and ease of Installation and use make this my overall winner.
Shop for Esset Nod 32
|
ESET NOD32 3.0 Antivirus System - Windows DVD
Price: $13.99
List Price: $49.99 |
|
Eset Nod32 Antivirus V.4.0
Price: $19.99
List Price: $49.99 |
2nd Best Non Free Anti Virus Program
Nod32 by ESET is another very good payed for version which works very well to eliminate viruses, spyware, adware, worms, trojans, rootkits and other malware before they attack! This is a very light and powerful program and a favorite among many experienced PC users including me.
Shop for Kaspersky.
|
McAfee Total Protection 2009 3-User
Price: $17.80
List Price: $79.99 |
|
Norton Antivirus 2009
Price: $11.99
List Price: $39.99 |
|
Norton Internet Security 2009 1User/3Pc
Price: $31.98
List Price: $69.99 |
3rd Best Non Free Anti Virus Program
Kaspersky is the next best antivirus software...It's the best all-around antivirus program and works in preventing viruses. Kaspersky is better than the well known Norton AntiVirus and McAfee in all aspects. Kaspersky is light and fast and it won't slow down your PC as much as those mentioned best-sellers. I am much happier using Kaspersky than when i used Norton or McAfee.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7.0 has received the PC Pro awards and-Labs Winner with a 6-star rating for performance for ease of use, value for money and the ability to remove and managed an whopping 98% of the malware!
Which Anti Virus Program Do You Like?
See results without votingThe free Award winning "Mozillas Firefox". Proven to have better security feature's than Internet Explorer to combat spyware, hackers, scammers and spammers and annoying pop-ups!
What Is The BEST Anti-Spyware Program?
What Is The BEST Anti-Virus Program?
What Is The BEST Browser?
What Is The Best Firewall?
Registry Cleaner: If your PC is running slow and your experiencing crashes and vague and confusing error messages? RegistryClear™ will eliminate all your registry issues and will restore your PC back to peak performance. You'll experience faster system speeds and those errors that have been plaguing you will disappear altogether. contains NO Spyware or Adware. Free PC Scan Here!
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down [flag this hub]
Comments
Compu-smart, I may have to upgrade to one of the paid versions you mention. Something has definitely gone awry with my computer. I have tried every free version software I can find, and they all say everything is fine. I am going to break down and buy one of the antivirus softwares you recommend. Thanks.
Angel, Many people think they have a virus when it's just a Spyware, popup, or other PC related problem..If this is the case you will be wasting your money..You can Email me to explain the exact symptoms and i will gladly help..
:)
Hi . I am getting very cross with my Norton software as it is slowing everything down to an excruciating degree! I hadn't thought of having more than one anti-virus software system installed on my pc. Thanks for the tip.
Dorothea..If you read carefully you will see that you should only keep ONE program running at all times!.
Have the other programs on your PC by all means but only keep ONE running..If you are having problems with it then uninstall it and re-install another and update and scan..;)
Is anybody here familiar with NOD32? A tech savvy friend of mine has been raving about it.
Go for it..It certainly made the top 5;)
AVG IS THE BEST.
I've been using AVG and AVAST antivirus, they are one of the best so far that I tried. I'm no way of using Norton and McCafe, it definitely slows own you computer. I would recommend also Lavasoft Ad-aware free version for personal use, its one of best that I know for spyware removal tool.
Yes. AVG is the best. Thanks for this great information, Compu-Smart.
babybrownfox. Have you tried CCleaner! This is a very good addition to your Lavasoft program..http://hubpages.com/_www/hub/ccleaner_ it's highly recommended and works very quick and well and is also free..
bhanalla_neet Thanks taking the time out to comment...
I just bought bit defender 2008 online and ive tried installing it on 2 systems but i keep getting this same error message - i would need to take a look again to see what that error message is and ill post it back here.
compu-smart it appears that the problem was trying to install the 64-bit version instead of the 32-bit version of bit defender 2008 - the 32-bit version has now installed with no problems
ubaso..
sweeeeet;)
compu-smart. I haven't tried it yet but I will take it a shot. thanks...
AVG is truly effective to remove viruses, not only internet viruses and trojan but also local viruses. The great thing is it is free and also it does not make your computer work slower. Once I used Symantec and it made the computer worked slower.
I just have a question for you compu-smart what makes you think kaspary is the second best paid because I have it and maybe I should change
Kevin,,!
Kaspersky Anti-Virus has free and paid versions..it is light and fast and always wins when it comes to detection against many of the competition. I have used it with success on many machines!
Thank you for that very,very useful information.
GG. u r v w ;)
AVG is good but i prefer AVIRA classic. it was the only antivirus which has detected the autorun virus usually infected through pendrives.....
mtsandeep..
Avira classic is aight! They have been around for over 20 years so they know their stuff! Thanks for your comments..
AVG is the program that our computer guy put on our computers at our shop and it was great. It picked up alot of garbage- and it's free!Great hub.
Dorsi..ty..
I hope they never charged you an arm n leg for this service which most people can do very simply and free!!
I use Solo Antivirus. Although not so powerful, It seems to be able to detect trojan and worms that my symantec could not. But I like AVG too.
I like reading stuff like what you wrote even though I don't really understand the lingo. If I have computer problems, may I write to you?
hi, i recommend all of you to use nod 32 which is the best antivirus software in the world, i have use many antivirus like norton, mcafee, avg, avast, avira, but nod 32 is the best, kaspersky and bitdefender is also good, but nod 32 is the best,
I'm always skeptical about security software attributed to as "best" because it makes people think there's perfect AV in the world. A lot computer users praise Norton, yet it has, to put it mildly, some areas to further improve on.
I think the biggest disappointment on the market are currently popular Internet Security Suites. A bunch of unnecessary integrated modules.
I recently had a ton of viruses and the only option was to format. So I am now looking into getting a good antivirus. You suggested alot but which one is the best? I dont want to pay a lot of money but im not sure I trust the free ones. Any suggestion?
charlemont, you make some great points!! I agree that the best anything still has flaws and is infaliable as we all know nothing is perfect! and dont get me started about "Internet Security Suites" a total waste of space!!
Weathered.tree, AVG, Avast are reccomeneded programs for you..For other PC security tools., these are the best...
AVG 7.5 was superb, AVG 8.0 looks better but is more unstable, less effective and uses up more system resources.
AVG 7.5 would pop-up a warning when I went on xpantivirus.com where as AVG 8.0 says nothing.
I'm now using Avast 4.8 its effective and very light on system resources, I had to change the default interface thou downloaded a Vista style skin, its not perfect but does the job and its free, I personally would not touch Norton too many pointless extras and no more effective at stopping viruses then AVG and Avast.
Tech Guy! Thanks for passing by with some extra tips to help people decide which programs are best and which are not!!
Your right about Norton! i wont even start about how i feel towards this company and the package suites they offer which i am always not happy with when i see these programs on peoples PCs! The last persons PC i un-installed Norton and re-installed A.V.G, they told me, it feels like there broadband company had upgraded there Internet connection because Norton was slowing performance right down!
Thanks again!
well in my opinion nod32 is the best i have 2 computers one is xp nd the other is vista xp have a problem in the protection the self protection when vista have been developed for the self protection nd i used many many antivirus with both of the windows but the best one was nod32 cuz it kept the computer with windows xp protected for more than 5 years when the vista from 1 nd half year nd till now i don't have evan one problem with my computers so i say nod32 in my opinion is the best from 7 kinds of antivirus i used before
thanks
I used to be a Norton guy until I realized that my computer was having significant amounts of problems specifically because I was running their program. I now use Webroot and I like it much better!
Thanks for stopping by to comment....I have added a new "poll".:)
Compu-smart can you the anti-virus i can use to remove Raila Odinga virus cos it's driving my system crazy even though i used AVG and Avast anti-virus software.
I would have rated Avast as #1. AVG let a virus slip through and in seeking help, I found Avast. I have not had any issues since. Just me, but Avast is the top dog in anti-virus. :)
ferodo,,If your still there,
i would suggest Avira or Nod 32 to try to remove this particular virus .. You could perform a System Restore which could help.. Try implementing the procedure above and in safe mode.
System Restore http://internetandcomputerservices.blogspot.com
Remvoal details.
Guest, thanks for stopping by,
the books have been re-written, It looks like Avira is performing better than AVG and takes 1st place for a freebie;)
Hey guys I'm using Avira Premium Security Suit for last a year. It's really amazing. It's got web guard, mail guard and firewall.
I'm really happy with AVIRA but some times thinkg i've to change my mind n try the AVG.
Medie, If it ain't broke, don't fix it! In your case, if your running your Avira, program fine without problem, keep it!, but you will find other programs can be more effective, lighter in weight and less intrusive than others while its running, which would depend on each individuals program settings and user preferences
I used to change Anti Virus programs almost monthly, and im now using Nod 32..
I have a virus in my computer. I don't know what it is. I use norton, sophos, AVG. but none of them that can kill my virus. what antivirus that must I use?
hi.dnt use avg 8.0 its jst shit,i use avast profesional what i like is its online scanner its jst prevent the virus frm being downloaded,i cant say im 100% protected and nobody can:p and i also use malwarebyte profesional,which is a very good software,well guys dnt use avira classic also.a good antivirus is one which detect without requiring u 2 scan.the reason u find avira pe light its because its got only virus guard which is a shit.avira premium is really good n fr paid antivirus my choice is nod 32 i really love it;)
Compu-Smart... I have a question for you.
I think my PC has been infected with some kind of virus because it sometimes works very slowly. I've tried the free version of Kaspersky and the results say that my pc is OK but it still works the same. What should I do? Which antivirus do you resommend?
Hi Enrique, The simple solution would be to scan your pc free with this best online free scanner pcpitstop, which does not ask for money and tells you what is causing your pc to perform slowly! then follow the advice recommended! http://internetandcomputerservices.blogspot.com
Ref-Possible virus..Personally I would install nod32, if you have the money, if not install any of the above recommendations and run a full system sacn!
Cleaning temporary files, defrag and disc clean up are a few simple ways to optimise your PC...Try using another browser! this can make a lot of difference! I will be writionmg a article of step by step instructions to totally clean and maximise PCs performance which can be done on brand new PCs with positive results!.
Good luck!
Hi Enrique, The simple solution would be to scan your pc free with this best online free scanner pcpitstop, which does not ask for money and tells you what is causing your pc to perform slowly! then follow the advice recommended! http://internetandcomputerservices.blogspot.com
Ref-Possible virus..Personally I would install nod32, if you have the money, if not, install any of the above recommendations and run a full system sacn!
Manually Cleaning temporary files, defrag and disc clean up are a few simple ways to optimise your PC...Try using another browser! this can make a lot of difference! I will be writionmg a article of step by step instructions to totally clean and maximise PCs performance which can be done on brand new PCs with positive results!.
Good luck!
Trend Micro didn't even make the list? WTF?????
pls answer ...................what is the best antivirus program?
Interesting Lens. Very informative and certainly educational. However, to learn or not to learn regarding spyware is more a necessity than a luxury.
Hi Rhea,
The best! is a matter of opinion! nothing is the best!..Some may have better features, some are less intrusive and others are lighter weight on the machine.!! Its all about user preference and for you to decide, using the information that is here!..
Its your call, although if i was to give my opinion, I would go for Nod32.! Thats MY preference!.. John, 2 comments, prefers Trend Micro!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
spyware e, too true, too tru!! ;)
nod32 is the best defender as i had no viruses coming through it. As soon as i remonved it and installed avg i started having problems. my computer is now infected and nothing cn detect the autorun virus. i lost my nod32 program. dont know what to do.
Swatin...How did u lose your program..!?
just wana ask if this review is the latest update? i bought a fake antivirus collection and i tried kaspersky and nod32 but when i tried to update it, i found out that the keys i used were all expired.
so im deciding now wether to use avg or avast. which one do u think? pls reply asap cause i dont have AV atm. tnx.
and im really impressed your too kind to reply all their questions :)
Hi above:
I would go for Avast. This will be fine.. If you have any problem with using it, uninstall and go for avg..
,,I know people who download and instal avg, but fail to install the free for home users addition...so be careful and good luck!
they there again. tnx and i decided to install avast.
and i also downloaded firefox cause u said its better than IE? but i dont know how to use it. how can i delete all my browsing history in an instance? and also what is the font/font size used in IE? cause i like it better than that of firefox. tnx
Hi benj,
You use firefox just the same as IE and can be used together...To change font size easy, just hold the CTRL key and scroll with your mouse..
Click "Tools", "options" and "privacy"..From here u can delete browsing history..
OR just tool, and privacy data:)
The best browser with a magnification tool is K-Meleon and is a good fast browser, but does not have many good plugins and features like FF.:)
1 more thing. i scanned my computer and avast found 2 files having trojan virus. i moved them to chest which is recommended. what then will i do? is it ok if they will stay there forever? will their program stil be running even if a file is in chest folder? or should i remove the virus? i dont know how to use avast. i already tried searching in help section
Deletion is always better than keeeping in the vault-chest etc,,They are safe where they are...
Not knowing how to use is not a problem,,Once u have on your PC and its running, that should be enough!..If at anytime you cannot use or find problems with this, just un-install and use another you may find more friendly,,,,Im still an Nod 32 fan myself;)
good luck..
Yes, I prefer AVG for free version. I will go for their paid version(product)
I was once got burned by Avast while trying to remove some viruses from a client's pc which resulted to the system not starting up the microsoft windows to a working enviroment again until i got the windows repaired using it's installation cd, but i really lost many files indeed.
Hi Andrew, I alwasy say, whats good for the goose, may not be good for the gander!
meaning , that not everyone will be happy using Nod32, or AVG or ebev Avast!....Even if everyone in the world used the same programs! not everyone will like them or find them secure!
I understand you're currently using Nod32, how effective is it? Comparing it with AVG. I like to know.
Hi andrew..
Nod 32 Its less intrusive, i like the auto-updates, its nice and discreet, very powerful and light weight!..It scans faster,,where do i start!
hi again. yes nod32 is best cause my friend's computer shop is using it. but i cant afford to buy one myself.
uhmm compu smart...is avast really working? cause when i was using kaspersky, i always have reports about intrusions being blocked, etc. but now with avast, i merely got any report. except when i scan on demand. is it because avast is only AV and not internet security?
Yes, you're right. Firefox is very good and secure. I use it regularly.
Thanks.
I personally like nod32 because it doesent slows down my pc unlike norton and macafe it is quite light like a low calorie diet.
Hi benj..The reason you may not be getting reports is some programs are less intrusive than others..Some are like fairies popping up warning you about installing a new Microsoft word program etc etc.. don't worry..as long as you have it running and its set to auto update, your fine.... I'm not a fan of suites, such as Internet security packages.. I use individual security programs such as one good Anti Spyware program, one good Anti-virus program..a firewall and good browser such as FireFox which is very good and secure...
Sara lol, your right,, Mcafee and Norton are very greedy eating up all PC resources!
Andrew, People can still use FireFox and not be secure especially, if there browers security settings are not checked!
Actually, I think the best depends on what virus, worm or trojan that you have. Even then it still is largely a matter of personal preference imo. I often used Norton a few years ago then changed to so many others that I can't remember all of them. Last Summer I went back to Norton and have regretted every since. I think I will try that Nod 32 or perhaps one of the freebies. Hopefully they will be better, but I am sure they wouldn't be any worse than the Norton that I am currently wasting my money on.
Johnny Yuma
johnny,
I can assure you, using NOD 32, over Norton will keep you as secure and better performance on your PC...
When I un-install Norton packages from PCs and install anyother program above, there PC is much more optimised! even with the frre programs listed here..
Hi, Do you think windows live care is good?
hehe idiots using AVAST AND AVG the extra viruses are False Positives...
Nod32 and kaspersky dont have many false positives at all ^_^ good for TORRENTING.
I think KASPERSKY is one of best antivirus which i am using right now.its 2009 with internet security licence verison i buy it as 3 users so i use this with my laptop and desktop also. its nest coz frm last year i i try other to but i face problem tht my pc so wrkin really slow but with this i get everting and better den tht and its easy to use also ..i think its best and also cheap jst for 400 indian rupee i got 3users for year i think its best deal for anyone in india for anticvirus dhruvtz this my yaho id if anyone need i knw wer the best place to by in mumbai
i almost used different kind of anti virus but i think nod32 is not the best it can't kill or remove the hidden virus yes it can detect the hidden virus but yet it can't remove.. for me the best is avast paid and avg paid...
I use Nod32 at the moment but my licence runs out in a few months so I am looking to see what else is about, I haven't had any problems with Nod32 but I'm looking now at using Comodo when it runs out with firewall and antivirus all in one. I use AVG on my other computer which seems ok, tried Kaspersky for a while as well but that kept crashing. Antivir also looks good, but I only tried that for a month before trying Comodo so I didn't have time to take a good look at it.
Actually the best antivirus is the user.
i can not understand now which one is best ?
Callum, 100% true! The human brain's the stongest security shield, when used right.
Neil W, if you're OK with NOD and don't mind extending the license, stick to it. I doubt there's a point in switching from ESET's software to Comodo. Among many other strong points, ESET's interface is very simple, and the program uses only a tiny portion of system resources.
Hey Charlemont, thanks for helping out and yeah, i loved Callums comment! soo true!.. ;)
Panda antivirus is pretty good - you might want to add it to the list.
Hey Andy,
I have added Panda! Keep hearing too many good things and when I used it along time ago I had no problems with it and is another good free program that may just be needed by someone!
cheers;)
I never put important info into my computer, I know it's always open to worldwide.
yes, it's a public e-book, i do think so.
I use ESET NOD32 4.0 and webroot spysweeper. These two I have found seem to be the best combination. I recently picked something up, but I also had downloaded a conficker checker from Norton. I think the checker had a bug on it and I got hit. Never trust Norton. Eset has stopped several intrusions(especially viruses). Not to mention eset also uses the most minimal amount of resources on your system compared to all the others. I have used Norton, McAffee, Kaspersky and Trend Micro before, and they don't seem to add up to eset. Of course thats just my opinion.
PANDA ANTIVIRUS is the best...
I use symmantec anti virus.. Its the best.. AVG is not Good.
I gave Mcafee a second chance and it failed me again. Today I installed AVG. Except for the comment right above, others are good. And I've decided to give AVG a try. Also got a recommendation from a computer tech that my family knows that this is the one he likes best!
I wish I knew enough to weigh and judge, but I don't. I do have AVG free, but also have something really slowing down my computer - and does lockups sometimes. I ran Spybot and it made it a little faster but told me I have 122,000 blacklisted items whatever that means. Sometimes I want to throw it through the roof, but I just can't live without my computer...:-). Thanks for all the info, and I will book mark your page.
NOD, Lightest and Best, Have tried others as well..But heads off to NOD
bazer49 says:
17 months ago
I agree. I use avast and avg as well as adaware,and Xsoftspyse and still not found a really efficient anti-trojan one. have tried norton but too much got past it