The Best Windows Antivirus Software 2011
By thooghun
Microsoft's out-of-the-box protection is universally viewed as lackluster in the security department. Microsoft themselves have claimed that Windows Defender, Vista's free anti-spyware tool, is not an all in one solution with regards to the threats which abound on the Internet. Other features such as BitLocker are seldom of use and most people will not know what it is, or what it does. Another option is the addition of Vista's UAC (User Account Control) which has been heralded as one of the OS's most distinguishing characteristics, mostly because of how redundant it makes even the simplest file become.
The purpose of this hub is to showcase tools which are both highly effective and free. While for-pay options exists, not everyone will be willing to spend money on computer security.
Anti Virus
AntiVir performed exceptionally well with regards to viral detection according to tests performed in november 2009 by AV Comparatives (I will be referencing these tests a lot, the PDF with results can be found here). In fact, the AntiVir engine outperformed all other contenders with an average detection rate across all viral categories of 74%.
I have often heard people bark and complain about AntiVir's lack of features, namely, the lack of an email or web scanner. Due to my love of low memory usage applications, and due to the fact that should an email contain a virus AntiVir will come to life, I do not consider this a disadvantage at all.
In short, highly recommended.
AVG was once highly valued for its power, low memory usage and excellent detection rates (on top of being free). Today, with competition such as AntiVir, whose detection rates are superior, AVG's star seems to shine a little less brightly.
Other problems include its slow-as-sin scanner, advertisements, and bloated size. Despite this, AVG remains a solid choice for system-wide virus protection.
My only problem with AVAST is what I consider to be a hideous interface and its lack of technical support. It does remain, along with the other two options, a valid choice for system protection.
Anti Spyware / Malware
Some great advantages are its great baseline detection ratings and its very frequent updates. Most reviews (affiliated and not) agree that the program uses little memory, however I seem to have some hang issues which slow down vista during the scan, so I tend to use it when I do not need the computer in that moment.
Firewalls & Security Suites
- Windows Firewall
Technically, because you bought (*cough*) Vista, this firewall is not free. However, as of now it is a free option. But one that I suggest you forgo (I.E turn off permanently and replace). The main problem here is that the inbuilt firewall offers no outbound protection. In layman's terms, if malware finds its way to your computer, it is free to communicate to the rest of the world.
Why settle for little protection, you might say "because it's free?" But there are numerous suites and firewalls that offer outbound protection that are also free. Read on.
What a stunning product, Comodo's range of free products never ceases to amaze me. CIS is incredibly easy to setup and run, the free version comes equipped with a veritable host of features:
- AntiVirus
- Real-Time Protection (proactive defense against malware and soyware!)
- Easily customizable
- Gaming Modes
- Training Modes
- Updates
- A top-notch firewall
- Great Interace
- Free!
- And on, and on, and on...
The reason it IS still on the list is that this is a subjective opinion and that perhaps it may work for you. Bear in mind that a corrupt installation can be very stubborn to remove.
Which free anti virus do you currently use?
See results without voting![Norton AntiVirus 2012 1User [Download]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414Xg2WbouL._SL75_.jpg) | Amazon Price: $14.46 List Price: $39.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $16.75 List Price: $59.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $14.44 List Price: $39.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $15.96 List Price: $59.99 |
Farewell
Thank you for visiting my hub, I hope you have found it useful. Thanks for stopping by!
Thooghun.
Comments
I would say Comodo is the best Antivirus software which has been named No:1 security product in "For the third time in three years, Matousec's Proactive Security Challenge hails a Comodo Internet Security Product as No. 1."
check out this link
Shawn Scarborough 21 months ago
Anti-virus software is important for everyone to have installed on their computer as well as anti-spy ware software. I like Avast the best for a free solution. Thanks for posting this.