Which is the Best Free AntiVirus? AntiVir Versus Microsoft Security Essentials - Part 2

Written by: Donna Buenaventura • Edited by: Bill Bunter
Updated Jun 24, 2010 • Related Guides: Microsoft | Malware

This is the last part of this series of article in which we will check if the detection of AntiVir will beat Microsoft Security Essentials.

Support, Definition and Program Updates: Winner – AntiVir PE

Both programs will offer definitions and program updates using its built-in updater. Both has the option to notify you when a program update is available automatically download and install when a new program update is available or do not download program updates.

AntiVir’s program updater is better than MSE because with MSE, you will not receive definitions update at all if you choose to not to download updates for any products by Microsoft using Automatic Updates (AU). This means, you are not getting the pushed definitions update for MSE, if you have AU as disabled! AntiVir on the other hand will continue to download the definition updates even if you have the program update disabled. It’s recommended to configure AU to notify you when new updates is available so you can decide which to install and will not lose the notification on new definitions. The only issue that you will find in updating AntiVir using its built-in updater is it will often show its notifier advertisement. Click to view image. Avira called this as “AntiVir Notifiers” which their end-users have uploaded or shared.

Manual definitions update is offered by the vendors at their website: Microsoft Protection Center and Avira’s Support Page. AntiVir and MSE are offering free support via community forums: AntiVir PE Support Forums and MSE Forums at Microsoft Answers.

There is no need to manually uninstall both programs when upgrading. The new version or build will automatically upgrade their files to the newest available program.

Malware Detection: Winner – AntiVir PE

I put the two programs to test by downloading 50 malware samples (worm, Trojan, rogue, pdf and flash exploits and many others). Without changing the programs scanner settings, AntiVir detected 46 out of 50 while MSE detected 41 only. AntiVir failed to detect one sample that MSE is able to detect while MSE failed to detect 6 samples that AntiVir easily identified as malware. Below is list of malware sample’s filename and which of them able to detect. Note: x means “detected”.

The real-time detection by AntiVir and MSE works great. Transferring malware samples to the system drive triggered security alert from both programs.

Images

Conclusion

Quite obvious that both programs are offering the best possible detections but overall AntiVir is unbeatable!

Michael Nov 10, 2010 2:00 AM

avira is best

after buying kaspersky (slowed down computer) then bit defender (found it lying on it's back with legs in the air, Killed by virus) I then bought nod32 which discovered the virus but couldn't remove it! I then downloaded avira which immediately found and removed the virus. I have since purchased avira both at work and at home, together with spyware sweeper I feel I have the best protection you can find!

Anonymous Sep 12, 2010 11:07 AM

Hey!! Donna Buenaventura

are you sure in your article that mse scan faster that avira...please confirm these...before wirting anything

Geokodax Sep 6, 2010 10:45 AM

Thanks

THANKS very much!!!

Febnar Jul 17, 2010 8:56 AM

THE BEST!

avira,avg,avast are only little ants that finds its own prey!Isuggest you use MSE and that works better!

Sharon Jun 13, 2010 12:11 AM

AVG v. MSE

I have the free edition of AVG and have been happy with it for the past couple years. Recently, I have received notification of MS security updates for Windows programs but I am unable to download them. I get Error 646. I have Googled Error 646 and some people have provided ways to download the updates. Some people have indicated that using MSE might allow these updates to download without any problems. Could you comment on that? Thanks.

Donna Buenaventura Dec 13, 2009 3:34 AM

RE: Which is the Best Free AntiVirus? AntiVir Versus Microsoft Security Essentials - Part 2

Hi Gustavo,
It's not recommended to install and use 2 antivirus program with real-time protection. It can cause system stability/performance and conflict when detecting for malware and also when removing infection. You should choose one antivirus only and if you want extra tool... you should get on-demand scanners offered by Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, SUPERAntiSpyware, Ad-Aware or A-squared.

Donna Buenaventura Dec 13, 2009 3:32 AM

Hi Pat,
Yes, Avira AntiVir free edition has realtime protection against malware, spyware. It also have rootkit detection built-in.
MSE also provide the same function.

Gustavo Rossi Dec 12, 2009 10:34 AM

AntiVir PE or MSE?

I would like to know if both antivirus can be installed.

I assume that only one of them can be running. So I can get the best of two worlds.

Pat Nov 18, 2009 10:43 AM

Thank you for the review

Thanks for the head to head comparison
on MSE vs Avira.
does Avira's free edition provide realtime protection against malware?
Does MSE?
based on your thorough review I've decided to stick with Avira in combination with Superantispyware, and Malwarebytes for antispyware scanning.

HACKERMAN1 Oct 30, 2009 7:24 AM

THANKS !

THANKS !

i´m using BOTH Avira & MSE...
i feel safe now.

One Oct 27, 2009 8:17 PM

Nice!

Thanks for the info! I was debating between the two but now know what to choose and that's antivir PE!

Which is the Best Free AntiVirus? AntiVir Versus Microsoft Security Essentials - Part 2

Support, Definition and Program Updates: Winner – AntiVir PE

Malware Detection: Winner – AntiVir PE

Images

Conclusion

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