From Mary Landesman, your guide to Antivirus Software, onsite antivirus reviews plus antivirus reviews conducted by various publishers and testing facilities.
Best Antivirus Software - Readers Choice Awards 2011
The 2011 Readers' Choice Awards are complete. You nominated. You voted. And now we've tallied those votes and are pleased to announce the winners for Best Antivirus for Windows, Best Antivirus for Mac, Best Internet Security Suite, and Best Free Antivirus.
Best Antivirus Software - About.com 2011 Readers' Choice Awards
Readers have spoken, the nominations are in, and now here's your chance to choose which of these finalists will be voted best antivirus for 2011 in its respective category. You can vote in each of the four categories once per day during the voting phase, from February 11, 2011 through March 8, 2011. Winners will be announced on March 15th.
Malicious Software Removal Tool
The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) is a very accessible (and free) adjunct to existing antivirus protection, but it is not a replacement for antivirus and its detection data is not indicative of overall malware infection rates or of overall malware prevalance.
Best Antivirus for Windows
Antivirus software is must-have protection. This review picks the best antivirus software based on its virus detection abilities, features, and breadth of protection. Whether you're seeking total system coverage or an ala carte solution, each of the following products provides superb virus protection for Windows-based PCs. Because every system...
Best Antivirus for Netbooks and Older PCs
Some of the most at-risk systems are older PCs and netbooks that may be running outdated versions of unpatched software that are particularly vulnerable to exploit. AV-Test is the definitive resource for antivirus testing that most closely approximates what a real life user will encounter. Here's our picks for the best low-impact protection for...
Antivirus for Gamers
Most everyone realizes that antivirus and firewalls are must-have protection. But when protection interferes with online gaming, it can be sorely tempting to disable that protection in favor of uninterrupted play. These antivirus scanners tackle the unique problems of gamers so you can play without sacrificing performance or protection.
Best Antivirus to Protect Against Web and Email Threats
The Internet has enabled today's attackers to reach billions of potential victims each day. And thousands of new malware are constantly being unleashed on the Web and in email. The most important antivirus protection needed today centers around the ability to detect and prevent new malware attacks via the Web or email. AV-Test is the definitive resource for antivirus testing that most closely approximates what a real life user will encounter. Here's our picks for the best consumer-focused Web and email defense, based on AV-Test's 2Q10 Windows 7 test results.
Antivirus Software User Reviews
Which antivirus software do you like the most? Least? Here's your chance to weigh in with your antivirus software experiences and let your opinion be known. See submissions
Top online scanners
Free online scanners provide a quick, easy way to get a second opinion scans. But how well do they really work?
Avira AntiVir Premium
Avira AntiVir Premium provides a full complement of features, including specialized Web and email protection, anti-rootkit technology, and anti-phishing. Avira AntiVir Premium also provides a feature to easily make a bootable rescue CD, which can come in very handy during times of system trouble.
NOD32 Antivirus
At $40 (USD) for a single one-year's license, ESET's NOD32 Antivirus is one of the priciest antivirus scanners on the market.
Sandboxie
The Sandboxie tagline "Trust no program" is an apt description for how Sandboxie approaches security. Sandboxie creates a virtual environment for selected programs, allowing the program to run normally but in an isolated space. When you've finished with the program and close it, any changes made will be lost (unless specifically instructed otherwise).
BitDefender Total Security 2010
BitDefender Total Security 2010 features bayesian style behavior-based protection to monitor, assess, and prevent potentially harmful actions on your PC. BitDefender Total Security 2010 offers customizable profiles to tweak settings based on usage type, including gamer and parental controls.
BitDefender Antivirus for Mac
BitDefender Antivirus for Mac detects both Mac and Windows malware. Features include realtime on-access virus protection with the ability to perform full system virus scans, quick scans of critical system areas, as well as scheduled scanning. The quarantine feature in BitDefender Antivirus for Mac safely isolates suspect infected files for forwarding to the BitDefender Antivirus Lab for analysis.
Antivirus Testing Agencies
Whether free or purchased, the single most important factor in the decision for antivirus software is the scanner's ability to detect viruses. While this may appear obvious, many purchase antivirus software based on feature sets and price, overlooking detection rates in the process.
Blue Ridge Secure AppGuard
Blue Ridge Secure AppGuard prevents drive-by downloads by preventing anything downloaded from the Web from being run. But there's a problem with this all or nothing approach.
G Data InternetSecurity 2010
If all you're concerned about in security suite is signature detection, then G Data SecuritySuite 2010 is a safe bet. Combining two engines (AVAST and BitDefender), G Data SecuritySuite 2010 has achieved some of the highest detection rates on independent tests performed by AV-Test.org.
Returnil Virtual System 2010 Home Lux
Returnil clones your installed operating system and runs that clone in virtual memory. When you shutdown the virtual machine, there's no trace left of your Web surfing and any malware that got onto the system will disappear when you reboot the PC.
IObit: Trusting Your Antivirus Vendor
Antivirus software has full rights to your system, full access to your data, and full access to the Internet. For many users, antivirus software has more rights and abilities on their computer than they do themselves. Trust is key. Can you trust IObit?
Trend Micro Internet Security Suite Pro 2010
Trend Micro Internet Security Suite Pro 2010 offers all the latest buzzwords, but how well it delivers may be a mixed bag.
F-Secure Internet Security Suite 2010
Review of F-Secure Internet Security Suite 2010. Families that need to control Internet access for younger children and teens will find much to like about F-Secure Internet Security 2010. Parental controls can be set to accommodate various user types, including time limits imposed on Web surfing.
ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2010
ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2010 takes a holistic approach to security - combining malware and intrusion prevention with online backup and full drive encryption to protect data in the event of a lost or stolen computer.
Understanding Antivirus Tests
It can be difficult for consumers to tell which antivirus product is legitimate, much less which of the legitimate antivirus products are best suited for their own needs. The problem can be exacerbated if you don't understand who tests what and how to interpret what the scores mean.
Free Firewall Protection for Windows
A firewall offers important security protection, but only if its configured properly and used appropriately. Any decent firewall should offer basic NAT protection. Beyond that, mileage may vary. For example, a permission-based firewall that gives carte blanche to Internet connecting applications will not be as effective as a firewall that seeks permission each time. On the other hand, inexperienc…
Phishing Filters and Toolbars
Phishing filters and toolbars are designed to protect the web surfer from socially engineered phishing scams which try to trick the intended victim into visiting a fraudulent website disguised to look like a valid eCommerce or banking site. The victim thinks they are logging into their real account, but instead everything they enter on the fake site is being sent to the scammers. Armed with this …
Norton Internet Security 2009
Symantec's antivirus products have historically always provided excellent detection and removal of malware. On the downside, that protection came at the price of often crippling system performance. Norton Internet Security 2009 changes all that.
Antivirus Software Review: F-Secure Internet Security 2009
F-Secure Internet Security 2009 includes all the features you would expect in an Internet security suite: antivirus, antispyware, spam and phishing filter, a firewall and parental controls. F-Secure Internet Security 2009 then goes one better. Find out more in this F-Secure Internet Security 2009 antivirus software review.
HIPS vs Behavior Blocking
HIPS vs Behavior Blocking
PC Tools ThreatFire Review
Behavior-based PC Tools ThreatFire provides guards against new and unknown threats which signature-based scanners might otherwise miss. ThreatFire runs in the background, monitoring each programs actions, quarantining programs it knows to be bad and alerting on those it considers suspicious. ThreatFire can easily run alongside installed antivirus or other security software, making it an ideal adjunct to existing protection. Even better, the program is completely free for home use.
IDTheft Protection as an Adjunct to Antivirus
Today's malware is often focused on identity theft. Even a single infector bypassing antivirus software can cause a lifetime of harm to its victim. Perhaps one of the most important adjuncts to antivirus software is to take measures to protect your identity.
System Safety Monitor
System Safety Monitor from System Safety adds a much needed extra layer of defense against today's malware attacks. The behavior and rules based controls provide critical insight into the otherwise invisible workings that - left undetected - can too often allow infection to occur.
Bots, Botnets, and Norton AntiBot
Symantec's Norton AntiBot confronts the growing threat of bots and botnets. Norton AntiBot works alongside existing antivirus (from any vendor), using behavior-based analysis to monitor processes, files, and other active components
McAfee SiteAdvisor
McAfee SiteAdvisor is the virtual equivalent of the school crossing guard, helping to ensure safe navigation of the web.
Secunia Software Inspector
Secunia Software Inspector is free, fast, and so intuitive to use there's simply no excuse for not keeping patches up to date.
Gifts for Geeks and Gamers
Gifts for geeks, gamers, techies, and even moms and dads.
AVG Rescue CD: Antivirus Review
The free AVG Rescue CD combines a bootable rescue platform with antivirus and system utilities to help ferret out even the most stubborn infections. Utilities include a file manager (Midnight Commander), Windows Registry Editor, a text editor, and various drive recovery and network diagnostic tools.
Antivirus Software Review: McAfee VirusScan 2006
McAfee VirusScan 2006 now offers daily virus signature updates and robust adware/spyware detection and removal.
Antivirus Software Review: AVG Free Edition
AVG Free Edition provides free antivirus protection for Windows XP/2000/NT/ME/98
Antivirus Software Review: AVAST 4 Home Edition
AVAST 4 Home Edition provides free antivirus protection for Windows XP/2000/NT/ME/98
Antivirus Software Review: AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic
AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic provides free antivirus protection for Windows XP/2000/NT/ME/98
USB Antivirus Software: Is it right for you?
USB-installed antivirus makes a lot of sense, combining a viable storage option with the ability to efficiently scan a system that's had its antivirus disabled, or has antivirus that cannot remove a particular threat. Two products to look at: Verbatim Store 'n' Go U3 Smart Drive and SanDisk's Cruzer Titanium USB drive.
Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition
At $80, Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition doesn't offer the ease-of-use or the protection of some competing products.
AVG Anti-Virus plus Firewall Edition
AVG Anti-Virus plus Firewall Edition is light on resources, heavy on protection. The firewall provides permission-based access control reminiscent of the popular ZoneAlarm firewall. The high level of control and customization will appeal to the most advanced users, while less savvy users will find the Basic interface simple to understand and use.
Top Spyware Scanners
Spyware surreptitiously monitors your computer and Internet use, while adware can bombard your PC with unwanted advertising. Both pose a drain on your bandwidth and can lead to loss of security.
G Data AntiVirusKit (AVK) 2005: antivirus software review
G DATA AntiVirusKit 2005 (AVK) provides a double layer of protection, bundling both the Kaspersky and BitDefender antivirus engines under a single, easy-to-use console. The use of these engines offers an important advantage to AVK.
Microsoft AntiSpyware screenshots
Microsoft AntiSpyware screenshots
Review: Microsoft AntiSpyware (beta1)
We tested the Microsoft AntiSpyware beta against some of the most common adware and spyware. How well did it measure up?
PC-cillin antivirus screenshots
Trend Micro's PC-cillin Internet Security 2005 builds on an already solid foundation. Here are screenshots of features we like best.
Antivirus software review: PC-cillin Internet Security 2005
Trend Micro's PC-cillin Internet Security 2005 continues to keep a leg up on the competition.
Choosing the right antivirus software for your desktop PC
Choosing the right antivirus software to protect your system from viruses need not be a daunting tasks. Follow these tips to select the antivirus software that best meets your unique virus protection needs.
ZoneAlarm
With today's increasingly sophisticated viral threats, many packing backdoor access Trojans designed to compromise your computer's security, a product such as ZoneAlarm does more than protect. It's a must-have in your "peace of mind" arsenal.
Adjunct to antivirus
It takes more than just antivirus software to prevent infection. Fortunately, following the few simple steps outlined below can provide a good measure of security in very little time.
Norton AntiVirus 2002
Norton AntiVirus 2002 is effective protection, sports an attractive interface but has extensive system requirements.
Norton AntiVirus 2002
Norton AntiVirus 2002 is effective protection, sports an attractive interface but has extensive system requirements.
McAfee ad labels BitDefender as 'virus'
In what can only be described as one of the most egregious abuses of the Google AdSense program, antivirus vendor McAfee has hijacked the good name of BitDefender. Insult is then added to injury - the BitDefender antivirus software is called a "virus" in the advertisement
Bigger Threats, Better Defense
PC World magazine tests 16 security tools - firewalls, antivirus software, and anti-spyware programs - to determine which is best suited to foil worms, viruses, spies, and hackers.
AV-Test.org
Andreas Marx, CEO of AV-Test.org, goes way beyond simple 'wildlist' testing and pits the scanners against a malware collection of nearly 100,000 to see how they'll perform in the real world.
What to look for when buying antivirus software
What criteria should you look at when deciding on antivirus software? Take a walk with us through 31 products tested to see how the cuts are decided.
Essential add-ons for layered security
Scanners are wonderful at preventing known viruses but sometimes they need a little help to catch the newly released threat. These essential add-ons shore up your defenses.
F-Prot Antivirus for Windows
Detecting 100% of ITW viruses and 96.34% of Zoo viruses, F-Prot Antivirus for Windows also includes the DOS commandline scanner and an integrity checker.
NOD32
Eset Software's NOD32 provides a standalone module for use with MS DOS and Windows 3.x and can be executed from a diskette. Choose Download from the menu.
NOD32 Antivirus System v2.0
NOD32 is a solid performer, easy to use and with little impact on system resources. Version 2 builds on the product's past accomplishments, remaining true to a singular theme - virus detection.
Norton AntiVirus 2002
If your system can handle it (NAV 2002 is one big program), the features and detection rates are very impressive.
Panda Antivirus Platinum
Feature-rich Panda Antivirus Platinum provides solid protection and a host of options.
Best Internet Security Suites for 2011
An Internet Security Suite is a sound investment for your Windows PC, but it can be pricey. Finding the best Internet Security Suite that offers the most protection for your hard earned money is important. To save you time, money, and heartache, we've poured over the results of AV-Test.org's extensive testing of Internet Security Suites and...
Reader's Choice Awards 2011 -- Nominate Your Favorites
Nominate Your Favorite Mac or Windows Antivirus Software for 2…
Readers' Choice Awards
Readers' Choice Awards
Panda Antivirus - Review of Panda Cloud Antivirus
Panda takes free antivirus to a whole new level with Panda Cloud Antivirus. The only free cloud-based scanner, Panda antivirus software takes all the processing off your PC, giving you a lighter, faster, and more proactive antivirus protection. The free Panda Cloud Antivirus is missing a few important features that you can get for a very low price with Panda Cloud Antivirus Pro.
