Viruses and malware are an ever-evolving threat. Most users don’t think twice about their anti-virus software, often times running whatever came with their computers (which is often nothing at all). Windows machines have always had plenty of viruses targeting their platform, and users should always remain vigilant in their computers protection. This article will break down the top 5 anti-virus solutions available in 2011.
1. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2011
AVG has made a good free anti-virus product in their scanning and protection software. Although there is a “pro” version that does cost money, most users prefer to stick with the free software. System performance does take a hit for real time protection. And, the scanning software has been known to let some viruses go unknown. The popups are also a little annoying, and it is far from a silent scanner. Those negative points aside, if you don’t have a virus scanner and can’t pay for it, this is one of the better alternatives out there.
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2011
This scanner has a very good detection rate. Although it’s the most expensive on this list at $60 USD, it also has a very loyal user base. Virus scans typically go by pretty fast, and real time protection doesn’t sacrifice much performance.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011
If you find that virus scanners sometimes bog down your system, you may want to consider Nod32. It’s a very speedy virus scanner with great detection rates. The $40 price tag makes it a more expensive anti-virus solution than most, but its users couldn’t be happier.
ESET Nod32 Antivirus 2011
Of all the virus scanners listed here, this is probably the best in terms of its detection rate. The cost is also very reasonable, at 29.95, it’s well worth the money. The software is a bit more bulky than Nod32, but the performance is still good.
BitDefender Antivirus Pro 2011
5. Microsoft Security Essentials
For much of the history of Windows, Microsoft had remained absent from the anti-virus market. When they finally did release their Security Essentials virus protection software, many were skeptical of it. But, what they have created is one of the best anti-virus solutions currently available. And it just so happens that it’s free.
Microsoft Security Essentials
If you don’t have an anti-virus program installed, and aren’t sure what to run, I can’t recommend Security Essentials enough. It’s free (this point is worth mentioning again, just because of how good the software is!). But, best of all it never bothers you. It will remind you to do a scan if you don’t have the automatic solution enabled. But, it updates silently, and takes care of threats well.
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Article by Scott Robertson
Scott has written 59 articles .
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I am writing this out of frustation. more reveiws i read on ant-virus, rating is nowhere consistent. The product ranking 1,2,3… is vastly differenent for different reviewer. It appears all products are good and also equally all are bad. Moreover, all kinds of vague languages ‘good’ , ‘great’, ‘reasonable’ etc are used – without any technical measuring data. All reviwer lacks guts and courage to write a definitive facts. As an example, i don’t see what these products use actual memory + virtual memory (when loaded) – which most important for PC fastness. What is the detection rate in test ? How much it takes to scan a 20 GB drive ?