Virus Bulletin Top 100

[imusorka]

How do you like their latest comparative? What free antivirus have you found to be the best considering prevention, detection and hunger for resources? I personally have used Avira + ZoneAlarm (just the firewall) for many years but the former's ads are getting on my nerves.

 

[Ketchup]

Switched from Avira to Microsoft's antivirus a couple weeks ago, and haven't had any problems. It actually found a virus when I was installing a program I didn't trust to begin with, so I am somewhat impressed so far. I don't miss Avira's ads either.

 

[jae]

Hmm... this is interesting. I recommend Avast Free to family and friends. None of them have been hit in a while, unlike when I use to recommend MSE or Avira. I'll keep this in mind, but I'll still be recommending Avast.

 

[mechBgon]

How do you like their latest comparative? What free antivirus have you found to be the best considering prevention, detection and hunger for resources? I personally have used Avira + ZoneAlarm (just the firewall) for many years but the former's ads are getting on my nerves.

You could also try the ZoneAlarm antivirus, which has behavioral detection features.

My favorite free antivirus isn't really an antivirus. It's Software Restriction Policy (a feature of Windows in the Pro/Ultimate/Enterprise versions), which is a strong reinforcement to your favorite antivirus. And my next-favorite antivirus isn't an antivirus either, it's Microsoft EMET. The link in my signature has information on how to configure SRP and EMET. They have a pretty light performance impact.

 

[imusorka]

Thanks for the input everyone! Here's another independent (?) comparative for those on the fence.

 

[lopri]

I've just given Bitdefender a chance, to go along with Win 8, and am no impressed. It's not surprising that it's topping the chart considering that I've got two false positives within a day of use. Going back to Kaspersky. For those who want free, I usually install MSC essential for them.

 

[imusorka]

MSE is awful at detection. I've killed ads in Avira and am happy now.