Top Anti-Virus Software For 2009 (Page 2 of 2)

ESET Nod 32: A hands-down winner when it comes to proactive protection, ESET Nod32 is a sensational “Virus Stopper” as PCWorld Magazine calls it in it's anti-virus round-up. ESET Nod 32 comes armed with a pleasing and aesthetic user interface and has always been known for its excellent malicious program detection ability. Easy to install with effective default settings which are a dream for an average user to tweak and integrate. Virus, spyware, malware and ad ware protection scanning is slick and thorough.

What’s good: Reliability, detection rate and a pleasing user interface.

What’s bad: Not on par with the best yet; overall detection rate wasn’t exceptional; NOD32 doesn't enable the full-system scan by default; so be aware that the configuration may need changing. Some users could be turned off by the technical interface.

AVG Anti-virus: You have probably downloaded the AVG anti-virus free version at some point or the other and it won’t fill you with shock-and-awe that this is one of the most downloaded files on the Internet. AVG has, since then, come up with its own slew of flagship products like AVG anti-rootkit and AVG anti-spyware. Easily one of the better anti-virus engines available on the market today with its default options that cover more than enough to suffice the average computer user’s needs. AVG, earlier known as Grisoft, has worked hard to provide value this time with a new version that incorporates a rootkit scanner, spyware scanner, on-access scanner called Resident Shield, email scanner and a link scanning browser plug-in. It also has a nifty utility called Web Shield which is like a mini-firewall that scans standard web ports for any threats encountered while browsing the web.

What’s Good : One of the few antivirus engines that scan the boot-up process too; affordable and good value for money; includes a link scanner and comes with the AVG Anti-spyware and AVG Anti-rootkit -- more bang for the buck.

What’s bad: The AVG access scanner tends to slow down computers and renders them unusable at times; a tad heavy on resources.

F-Secure Anti Virus: Talk about “Heuristic Scanners” and F-Secure is the name that comes out on top, being known for its effective scanning abilities. F-secure is also one of the most easy-to-use and reliable anti-virus software available. Although it is one of the best ever, it can't match up with the tenacity and the expertise of the other anti-virus programs in its order. In this regard Bit Defender and Kaspersky win hands down when it comes to sheer agility and scanning depth while F-secure is more bent on general anti-virus engines and educating masses about security measures.

What’s good: Integrated news on the home menu -- security information and such like which proves to be very useful; fast and easy installation; phone and email support available; the support and education portion of the F-Secure website is unique.

What’s bad: After updating for new database entries it is advisable to reboot the system - which is rather odd.

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