What is the Best Antivirus Software?

I was just wondering, what antivirus software fo you think is the best?

Thanks in advance.

Avast IMO it runs quietly in the background and doesn't take a lot of resources.

^ Agree. I've been using Avast for months now. In the past I've paid for Norton and McAfee but sometimes I think they over-do it to make it seem like a worthwhile purchase. I just want an anti-virus programme that shuts up and does its job which Avast does.

It uses minimal resources and self-updates regularly without making a big deal out of it.

Also its wise to run 2 anti-virus because even the best miss things on occasion.

I use a freebie one as a second virus checker, it has on occasions picked up something Avast hasn't.

I use Norton, which is decent, though there are some issues with subscriptions and updates at times. I also use Ad-Aware in addition, as Norton is primarily intended for virus removal, and not adware/spyware.

If I was an adult, I'd be using Avast as well (heard good things about it), but my dad pays for Norton, so no reason to waste his money.

I don't recommend Norton/Symantec, or McAfee. AVG and Avast are alright, however I prefer nod32. There is also a very good Anti-Virus at www.freeav.com (I THINK that's AVG).

How "safe" is this freeware though? I've had freeware that has contained adware before...these days I just buy a retail version.

Not entirely true. Never have two active AV apps running simultaneously. They invariably conflict with each other causing more gaps in coverage. A second one for scanning only is fine, but never have them both active.

http://forums.pcworld.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4101&sid=f8253033d139b7f3c5120d849 acfbc5e

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27706

i've been using avast on because it was recommened by my bro... used it for a year then realized Win32.Tenga destroyed my entire pc while all avast could do is just remind me it is there... i don't recommend avast to anyone... there is a reason why the home edition is free its because it sucks especially with the updates....

ive been through many antiviruses after that situation like
kaspersky
Pandasoft
Pcillin

norton and symantec are only good for corperations with their antivirus logs and other server client features. For homes they are just overhyped.

Nod32 has a very good virus detection algorithm but a weak firewall... best way to eliminate a virus is to never have got it in teh first place

i find that bitdefender internet security is the best protection because it stops the virus from ever being loaded... no antivirus is strong in all points

as for bitdefender its has a lack luster spyware detection .. though most poeple use a seperate spyware detector anyways...

its compact runs in a the background very smooth system and updates quietly (damn did i hate that annoying avast voice saying "virus database has been updated" crap) every 3-5 hours. Has one of the best firewall/antivirus combo i've run across... its not free so just give me a pm to get the url for the download and the keygen. Its a small 18mb download.

That's what i meant, phrased it wrong that's all.

I know techs everywhere who recommend avast. There are a few who recommend Norton, but it just shows what they know when they come to myself or other techs.

NOD32 is the best payware AV because it complains about EVERYTHING. "A temp file was created. THIS IS A VIRUS AND ALL ACCESS HAS BEEN BLOCKED." -- NOD32.

avast all the way, it has the best detection rate out there and is free.

Nod32 imo is one of the best av's around.

Updates are almost instant and doesnt cause too much lag when playing, its the best Anti-Virus ive ever used anyway, im sure many will agree.

Avast! Click this red text

It's great.. It's a company who's out to help users protect their PC rather than profit from it, basically. No adware, spyware, ads, etc..

when actually tested avast never seems to be in the running.

for antivirus PC magazine recommends AVG FREE over paid competitors

Maximum PC magazine in this months utilities issue recommended................AVG FREE

updates are usually no more than a day apart and going 2 days without an update is rare

people who actually test them side by side say AVG FREE

EDIT FOR LINK

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

I personally use Norton Protection Center and Webroot Spy Sweeper. They work really well for me, they also block ads and pop-ups.

Yep, i agree, freeware is usually for the win.
Honest and caring people they must be, working for free and all.

By the way i suggest this thread is Stickied, could be helpfull for new users seeking protection/stability when playing Guild wars.

Avast for example will give you very litle lag.

AdAware is free but the latest testing shows it has gone to junk rating.

in testing it missed keyloggers/rootkits that the top 2 got

the top 2 were
SPYWARE DOCTOR was top
SPYSWEEPER was right behind

spybot made a rotten showing as well

So if i have windows defender running and mcafee thats bad?

AVG free is good. But I've been useing McAfee for so long now I don't remember when I started. And so far I have yet to see anything get past it. My Pc is permantly online and I have never got a virus or anything else.

Depends what McAfee is doing. Defender is just an antispyware app, last time I checked anyway. If McAfee is only doing AV, that's fine.

Bsically only have one scanner, AV, spyware, firewall running at any given times. Other apps are fine if only used for specific scans.

avast has good detection but very bad protection .... it will tell you the virus is their isn't effective at all in getting rid of it. If you want a paid antivirus for free well go torrent it or something but avast is no good. It has a almost non existant firewall and welcomes in viruses while letting you know they are on your pc while doing nothing to get rid of it.

I've used Zone Alarms Security Suite for couple years and no problems so far. AntiVir, Firewall & Spyremover in same package.

It costs a little though.

Personally I use AVG free and I never had a problem with it.

Personally, you couldn't pay me to install AVG free. We've used it on our test system at work, and although it might detect some viruses, chances of it actually cleaning them is minimal. Said test machine got infected with a couple of viruses. AVG picked up one of them, and wouldn't clean it.

I've personally been using NOD32 for a couple of years now, and wouldn't use anything else anymore. As for the comment about NOD32's firewall, it doesn't have one ... yet. The last thing I read on Wilders Security Forums was that Eset were working on a combined AV/Firewall suite, but it wouldn't be out until the end of the year ... probably (it'll be ready when it's ready).

I'll also mention, NOD32 is the only antivirus that's passed the Virus Bulletin 100% award for the last 8 years.

If I wasn't using NOD, I'd probably recommend Kaspersky, who also rate very highly.

As part of AOL's *spit* move to free software, they've just introduced a new free antivirus. As it happens, it's based on Kaspersky's software. I do hear that there's some 'interesting' elements to their EULA though, so worth checking before (and if) you choose to try it.

In the end, your choice of software will be .... yours.

I have window defender running and it checks for SPYWARE, not for viruses like McAfee. So you should be ok with that. I run McAfee since thats what came with my computer. I have heard good things about PCcilin and Avast though, so possibly i might get one of those when McAfee's subscription expires.