Best Anti-Virus Software: Comparison of 16 Programs

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Discussions about antivirus software highlight the importance of choosing the right program based on performance metrics from comprehensive tests conducted by av-comparatives.org. The tests evaluated 16 antivirus and malware removal programs against 10 malware samples, revealing varying levels of effectiveness. Users often have strong preferences for their current software, but many have switched after reviewing these tests. Avast! Home Edition is recommended for its robust features, including scheduled scanning and a gaming mode, and it offers a powerful free version compared to other free antivirus options. For specific malware issues, such as the notorious Internet Security 2010, Malwarebytes is suggested as an effective removal tool, despite not being a traditional antivirus program. It is noted that multiple malware removal tools may be necessary for thorough cleaning. Overall, the discussions emphasize the need for informed choices in antivirus software to enhance security.
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I noticed there is always the occasional user looking for advice regarding anti virus software.

To make the decision easier and provide some pretty good info along the way, av-comparatives.org had 16 AV/malware detection/removal programs going head to head in a comprehensive test.

10 malware samples were installed on a PC and the AV programs got a shot at them. Some did good, some did worse. Some are freeware, some have to be purchased. Here it goes:Article on ars technica: http://arstechnica.com/security/news/2009/10/av-comparatives-picks-six-malware-removal-winners.ars"

Full (Removal) test at av-comparatives.org (PDF): http://www.av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/removal/avc_removal_2009.pdf"

Full (Detection ) test at av-comparatives.org (PDF): http://www.av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/ondret/avc_report23.pdf" I know, everybody thinks that "their" program they are currently using is the "best", no matter what. :wink: I thought so, too, but after reading the tests I quickly dumped my "trusty" AV software and switched to another.

I hope this helps some people.
 
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Computer science news on Phys.org
Avast! Home Edition 5.0.239 Beta / 4.8.1368 available:

This version adds scheduled scanning and detection of less risky "potentially unwanted programs." Avast! uses a new virus database format optimized for incremental updates. And the app's new gaming mode suppresses popups when it detects a program running in full-screen mode. Other notable features include boot-time scanning, wake-up from sleep mode to scan, and automatic scanning of files received via e-mail, IM clients, and P2P clients. And unlike AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0, avast!'s free edition has all the power of the paid Pro edition.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2356315,00.asp

Download: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/Avast-Home-Edition.shtml"
 
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Which one removes that damned Internet Security 2010?

I'm running a scan using McAfee, but my hopes aren't high. From what I've been reading, it could be hard to remove.
 
Avast is an incredible FREE (for private use) AV package, and it automatically updates at least once daily. I've been running it for years, after Norton AV let one too many nasties in.
 
Definition of antivirus in a windows OS - Proprietary third party software made by organizations which have the sole intention of making money to make up for the security vulnerable and buggy OS made by MS (again an organization which has the sole intention of making money) possible by charging extra money.


Personally, I used avast, and it worked really well...there were no viruses (ok there was one case when a virus was successful...I had to 'format' the system in that case) however some people complained that it deletes system files (which can be done by anyone...a cracker or another virus or a simple bat file in a windows compromised system).
 
dE_logics said:
Yup!...you should pay more $$$ to deserve an anti virus program.
BobG enquired about a program to remove
Internet Security 2010

as per my link, the Malwarebytes program, which is NOT an antivirus program, is suggested to use to remove the infection ; as you may know, one may need to use more than one malware-removal program to rid a computer of an infection

and the Malwarebytes program is free !
 
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