AntiVirus Software

[Atrye]

I need to purchase new AntiVirus software for my machines. Can anyone tell me what is working well these days?

 

[Lemon law]

At this point in time there is still some debate on what is the best---but its somewhat consensus on kaspersly as the best paid AV---and only slightly behind and free
is the AOL active virus shield powered by Kaspersky---http://www.activevirusshield.com/antivirus/freeav/index.adp?

But there are some links on this software forum subsection a page or two back on actual comparative tests on various free and commercial AV programs.
Or try spyware warrior forums.---them make your own choices.

 

[Schadenfroh]

See my sig

 

[Atrye]

Thanks!

 

[Laughingman12]

Avast! anti-virus home edition

 

[jarablue]

Originally posted by: Laughingman12
Avast! anti-virus home edition

Quoted for great truth. I have been uusing Avast (Home free) and has caught stuff Norton and McAfee couldn't. Kicks ass and has a small footprint. Not a bloated POS like Norton or MC. Works awesome. Highly configurable.

 

[irishScott]

I've found AntiVir to be quite effective, also has a small footprint, seems to be the best among the free versions.

But as previously mentioned, Kapersky seems to have the highest ratings for a paid AV

 

[TheRyuu]

Anti-Vir for free.
AOL Kaspersky for free (better then above, but pretty much even)

NOD32 is a good one (what I use now)
Kaspersky (paid one) is also good)

 

[John]

Originally posted by: wizboy11
Anti-Vir for free.
AOL Kaspersky for free (better then above, but pretty much even)

How did you come to that conclusion? AntiVir (free) is a nice free AV, but there is no email protection, slow server updates, oversized daily nag screens asking you to purchase the full version, and the detection rate falls behind AOL Kaspersky. Another nice feature about AOL Kaspersky is the fact it has hourly definition updates and only 2 running processes that use between 8-15MB of memory. There is an option to scan new and changed files only that will drastically speed up full scan times. However I only recommend setting that option once your pc is clean and you've performed a regular scan. If someone doesn't trust AOL and avoids the Active Virus Shield they can always purchase the full version of Kaspersky 6.0. The bottom line is that they have identical detection rates and use the same engine.

http://www.virus.gr/english/fullxml/default.asp?id=82&mnu=82

Rank

1. Kaspersky version 6.0.0.303 - 99.62%
2. Active Virus Shield by AOL version 6.0.0.299 - 99.62% ~ tied for 1st place!
3. F-Secure 2006 version 6.12.90 - 96.86%
4. BitDefender Professional version 9 - 96.63%
5. CyberScrub version 1.0 - 95.98%
6. eScan version 8.0.671.1 - 95.82%
7. BitDefender freeware version 8.0.202 - 95.57%
8. BullGuard version 6.1 - 95.57%
9. AntiVir Premium version 7.01.01.02 - 95.45%
10. Nod32 version 2.51.30 - 95.14%
11. AntiVir Classic version 7.01.01.02 - 94.26%
12. ViruScape 2006 version 1.02.0935.0137 - 93.87%
13. McAfee version 10.0.27 - 93.03%
14. McAfee Enterprise version 8.0.0 - 91.76%
15. F-Prot version 6.0.4.3 beta - 87.88%
16. Avast Professional version 4.7.871 - 87.46%
17. Avast freeware version 4.7.871 - 87.46%
18. Dr. Web version 4.33.2 - 86.03%
19. Norman version 5.90.23 - 85.65%
20. F-Prot version 3.16f - 85.14%
21. ArcaVir 2006 - 83.44%
22. Norton Professional 2006 - 83.18%
23. AVG Professional version 7.1.405 - 82.82%
24. AVG freeware version 7.1.405 - 82.82%
25. Panda 2007 version 2.00.01 - 82.23%
26. Virus Chaser version 5.0a - 81.47%
27. PC-Cillin 2006 version 14.10.1051 - 80.90%
28. VBA32 version 3.11.0 - 79.12%
29. ViRobot Expert version 4.0 - 76.22%
30. UNA version 1.83 - 75.44%
31. Rising AV version 18.41.30 - 73.60%
32. Sophos Sweep version 6.0.2 - 69.48%
33. Ikarus version 5.19 - 63.22%
34. Antiy Ghostbusters version 5.1.3 - 61.55%
35. Digital Patrol version 5.00.12 - 54.29%
36. Vexira 2006 version 5.002.45 - 52.66%
37. V3Pro 2004 version 6.1.1.2.640 - 52.38%
38. Ewido Premium version 4.0.0.172 - 51.27%
39. Ewido freeware version 4.0.0.172 - 51.27%
40. ClamWin version 0.88.4 - 51.23%
41. E-Trust version 7.2.0.0 - 50.36%
42. ZoneAlarm with VET Antivirus version 6.5.722.000 - 44.65%
43. A Squared Anti-Malware version 2.0 - 43.28%
44. A Squared Free version 2.0 - 43.28%
45. Zondex Guard version 5.4.2 - 41.73%
46. Comodo version 1.0.0.4 - 41.02%
47. Solo 4.0 version 3.1.0 - 40.83%
48. Protector Plus version 7.2.H03 - 37.04%
49. Quick Heal version 8.00 - 33.66%
50. PC Door Guard version 4.2.0.35- 24.13%
51. AntiTrojan Shield version 2.1.0.14 - 24.11%
52. VirIT version 6.1.9 - 21.39%
53. Trojan Hunter version 4.2.924 - 13.44%
54. Trojan Remover version 6.5.1 - 8.00%
55. Tauscan version 1.70.1414 - 7.70%
56. The Cleaner version 4.2.4319 - 6.03%
57. Hacker Eliminator version 1.2 - 1.70%
58. Abacre version 1.4 - 0.00%

AV-Comparitives is another site for anti-virus reviews. The retrospective test is performed on-demand using a 3 month old virus definition database and compares the detection rate over the viruses that have appeared within the last 3 months. Users shouldn't be afraid if products have, in a retrospective test, low percentages. If the anti-virus software is always kept up-to-date it will be able to detect most of the samples. For understanding how the detection rates of the anti-virus products look with updated signatures and programs, have a look at the Aug. 2006 on-demand comparitive tests.

 

[mechBgon]

On top of Kaspersky's great detection rates, it also has 24 updates per day (or more) to keep your window of exposure small. Think about it, people... the bad guys release a new IM worm or something. An hour later, the antivirus labs all have a copy to examine. Two hours later, Kaspersky's customers have protection. Eighteen hours later, maybe the other companies' customers have protection when their once-a-day update arrives. .

A month later, maybe an antivirus testing authority uses that IM worm in their tests, and most companies detect it... but who detected it soonest, when it mattered the most? I think every antivirus company should be considering multiple updates per day, every day.

The example in the first paragraph also underscores the fact that there is often a "window of opportunity" between the initial discovery of the virus, and the arrival of the new virus signatures that protect you. That's why people should use a layered defense that includes using common sense, keeping all their software updated, and at least consider using a Limited account so their user account can't do much lasting harm if it does get exploited.

/soapbox

 

[John]

Look at all of the Christmas viruses that have surfaced.

http://www.kaspersky.com/viruswatchlite?hour_offset=-9

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: John
Look at all of the Christmas viruses that have surfaced.

http://www.kaspersky.com/viruswatchlite?hour_offset=-9

The bad guys never rest, do they.

 

[postmortemIA]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: John
Look at all of the Christmas viruses that have surfaced.

http://www.kaspersky.com/viruswatchlite?hour_offset=-9

The bad guys never rest, do they.

nope, we don't

 

[Pirotech]

I'm an Avast home free user now. Avg and Kasperky are quite good too. Have also tried Norton and Dr.Web. Norton worked well till caused some problems with my local network.

 

[Noema]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
On top of Kaspersky's great detection rates, it also has 24 updates per day (or more) to keep your window of exposure small. Think about it, people... the bad guys release a new IM worm or something. An hour later, the antivirus labs all have a copy to examine. Two hours later, Kaspersky's customers have protection. Eighteen hours later, maybe the other companies' customers have protection when their once-a-day update arrives. .

A month later, maybe an antivirus testing authority uses that IM worm in their tests, and most companies detect it... but who detected it soonest, when it mattered the most? I think every antivirus company should be considering multiple updates per day, every day.

The example in the first paragraph also underscores the fact that there is often a "window of opportunity" between the initial discovery of the virus, and the arrival of the new virus signatures that protect you. That's why people should use a layered defense that includes using common sense, keeping all their software updated, and at least consider using a Limited account so their user account can't do much lasting harm if it does get exploited.

/soapbox

Great tips. :thumbsup:

We have about 25 computers at work that are used by over 100 people daily. As soon as we implemented limited user accounts in XP, forced people to use Firefox, and installed Avir, we haven't had one single virus, trojan or case of malware in over a year.

 

[PremiumG]

which is best out of the free ones?

AVG
Anti-VIR
Avast

?

I dont like how Anti-Vir has a big pop up every time it upates. It's huge!

Is avast free for 60 days only? or indefinitely if for home use?

 

[Lemon law]

To PremiumG,

Mirror Mirror on the wall--who is the fairest of them all---right now--paid or free---it looks like Kaspersky or AOL free active Virus shield powered by the Kaspersky engine.
See above link by John on detection rates.

But to answer your question on Avast--its free for 60 days---and by then you can download a free license to extend that to a year---and thereafter do it yearly for free.
A very minor hassle to get a great program---but AOL active virus shield is supposed to work the exact same way.

And I'd buy you a beer for X-mas--but no can do over the internet---so I am drinking the beer in your honor.

 

[John]

PremiumG, please take the time to read my OP.

One way to disable the AntiVir nag screen:

1) Boot into safe mode
2) Log in as "Administrator"
3) Go to C:\Program Files\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avnotify.exe right click on it in explorer go to properties->security->Advanced-> edit then select the option to not let it execute for all users.
4) Reboot into regular windows and you are good to go

Here's another method:

Control Panel > Administrative Tools > local security policies - right-click software restriction policy > create new restriction policies > right-click additional rules > new hash rule > browse for and add avnotify.exe then set the security level to Disallowed > apply > OK