Visually appealing

Traditionally here at Softonic we have a lot of time for avast!, so we were really excited to get a look at the newest version. For starters, it looks really slick, with a slim-lined installation process (which looked good, but still took a while), and a very user-friendly and clear interface. While the interface is similar to avast! 6, it's got many more options, something you'll see as soon as you open it.

Good installation options

Another nice addition that you'll notice when setting up is the option to install as the second line of defense on your computer. There are also plenty of installation options, which allow you to get the most from your anti-virus before it's even installed. Of course, there's also a default installation if the nitty-gritty's not for you.

Security improvements

What else does version 7 add to avast! Free Antivirus? Well, in the first place the developer assures us that there have been considerable updates on a security front, which is obviously what you want from an anti-virus. It also offers a nice Statistics module, as well as a comprehensive Support function that allows you to general a support package to send to the avast! personnel who are trying to troubleshoot your problem.

New features

Two especially useful new functions are the AutoSandbox feature and the Remote Assistance. AutoSandbox allows avast! to automatically place any program it deems suspicious inside a sandbox, so it cannot do damage to your computer. You can edit the programs that are excluded from this behavior in the general settings.

Remote assistance

Remote Assistance is much as it sounds, but it's a great feature to have. This allows you to either connect to or be connected to by another user, so that you can help them with computer problems or so that they can help you (especially when tech support personnel are involved). Obviously, both of you will have to have avast! Free Antivirus 7 installed, but it's a feature we can see coming in really useful.

avast! Free Antivirus has always been one of Softonic's favorite anti-virus suites, and version 7 is no exception. It's awesome!

Download avast! Free Antivirus 7.0.1426 in Softonic

With the antivirus market crowded by giants like AVG and Avast, ZoneAlarm has to differentiate itself. ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall does just that by giving users two of the most important security features in one simple to use program.

Features

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall includes many powerful features for both their antivirus and firewall. There is real-time protection against viruses, as well as auto updating definitions and scheduling. ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall will only check for new definitions once every 24 hours, while its paid versions will update as soon as new definitions are available.

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall's firewall features a log of the different programs that are accessing the internet. The firewall will also give users a list of programs and their "Trust Level," which is a good way to quickly glance at suspicious applications. There is also phishing and spyware protection built in.

One surprising feature of ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall is "Game Mode," which allows you to temporarily suspend ZoneAlarm's popup notifications for uninterrupted gaming. Users can also set it to allow all firewall requests, which is obviously less secure.

Performance

Performance of ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall is very good. Quick scans take only a few minutes. Full scans will take some time but are still an improvement over older ZoneAlarm programs. The speed increase is a result of a redesigned scanning engine. Still, we found ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall to be resource intensive on our system and slowed our boot times down. Competiting antivirus applications were quicker and less resource heavy.

Conclusion

While other programs have more advanced features, ZoneAlarm has successfully combined two of the most important security features for the average user and all for free. This makes it a very useful program for virtually anyone needing this type of protection.

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall is a comprehensive application that provides basic firewall and antivirus features for the average user.

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Avira AntiVir Personal is the free – for personal use – version of Avira Antivir Premium; this means there are a few advanced features unavailable, like the virus filter for email or for web browsing, but the program is as powerful and efficient as its big brother.

Avira AntiVir Personal installs in a few seconds and starts protecting your system in real time right away. It includes all the tools and options you would expect from an antivirus these days, such as different types of scan, support for scheduling, automatic updates, and a quarantine area for suspicious files.

On the downside, Avira AntiVir Personal is let down by a somewhat rough interface that feels like it was designed ten years ago and never restyled: simple to use, but too plain.

Looking for an efficient, uncomplicated antivirus tool? Avira AntiVir Personal may be a good choice.

Download Avira AntiVir Personal 10.0.0.611 in Softonic

Despite being a free security tool, AVG Anti-Virus is as good as any paid anti-virus app. It features a bunch of dedicated modules to protect you from antivirus, spyware and rootkits and spam, and also includes the so called LinkScanner – an extra layer of protection that checks search results and web links to make sure they’re safe. In recent years, the developers have added more intrusive features that try to intefere with browser settings such as your preferred search engine but overall, it still remains a good anti-virus option.

One of the best things about AVG Anti-Virus is that it offers neat, effective protection while staying silently minimized in your system tray without guzzling system resources and of course, without constantly bothering you with warning windows or update messages. Since it's the free version of a complete program, AVG Anti-Virus does show the odd nag screen encouraging you to buy AVG Professional, something which may annoy some users.

AVG Anti-Virus features a nicely designed, more user-friendly interface, and includes a desktop widget from which you can scan the system or update the virus database. Of course, you still have the same three types of scan: full system, selected files and folders and anti-rootkit. AVG Anti-Virus also lets you schedule scans for a certain day and time.

The whole AVG Anti-Virus package should be enough to ensure you're not infected with any virus. The program also integrates seamlessly with Windows Explorer, allowing you to scan files from their context menus. AVG Anti-Virus's database is automatically updated on a daily basis, so you're always protected from even the most recently discovered threats. Although AVG Anti-Virus still remains a very powerful packages, there are other anti virus tools - such as Avast! - that do as good a job if not better.

AVG Antivirus remains a perfect security solution for the average computer user, providing a powerful weapon against viruses.

Download AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2012 12.0.2126 in Softonic

This is the case of ESET NOD32 Antivirus, an anti-virus tool that you may find simpler than other similar applications, but this simplicity is precisely the key to its success. In fact, NOD32 is one of the most popular anti-virus apps among computer users.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus is easy to install and launches without even restarting the system (something most anti-virus tools require after installation). The program has a simple, straightforward design, though you'll soon discover that this is actually the Standard mode display and that you can choose the Advanced mode if you prefer to have more options and tools at your fingertips.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus includes basic anti-virus tools such as system analysis, antispyware filters, filters to exclude certain applications, a scheduling tool for automatic analysis and seamless integration within Windows Explorer. Being used to more complex anti-virus solutions though, I missed having an email and web browsing filter. Also, I found the Settings menu a bit too hidden and difficult to use. Apart from these small flaws, ESET NOD32 Antivirus is definitely worth a try, especially if you want to have a simple, hassle-free anti-virus that takes care of your system and doesn't bother you all the time.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus may be simpler than other anti-virus tools, but it's perfect for users who prefer an easy, unobtrusive app even if that means giving up on certain advanced functions.

Download ESET NOD32 Antivirus 5.0.94.0 in Softonic

Installation and configuration

Full protection for your computer

Norton Antivirus 2012 includes the SONAR technology, already featured in the previous version, which keeps you safe from both new and unknown threats. Other interesting tools are the Norton Performance System, which controls system performance by tracking the usage of processor and memory, and Norton Tasks, with which you can keep track of the app's current jobs and pending tasks.

New features

Conclusion

Norton Antivirus is a powerful security application with which you'll keep viruses, worms and other online threats away from your system without hassle.

Download Norton Antivirus 2012 19.1.1 in Softonic

Featuring the same robust engine from previous versions, the new Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 is one of the most powerful protection tools you can use to defend your system from viruses, worms, Trojans and other sorts of malware.

What does it do?

With a totally revamped interface, all designed in white and green, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 feels very comfortable for the newcomer, while including extensive configuration settings that enable more tech-savvy users to adapt the program to their needs. The bottom area in Kaspersky Anti-Virus includes buttons for the program’s main functions: scans, database update, a virtual keyboard and a quarantine area for infected files.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 includes three types of system scan (Full, Critical Areas and Vulnerability). Not only does the program take care of your file system in real time, thanks to a heuristic-based monitor, but also your email, web browsing and even IM conversations. All these filters can be tweaked in the program's comprehensive settings menu. On the downside, the regular scanning of any active apps can momentarily slow down your system.

Added protection

The program also includes the so called Kaspersky Security Network, an online service that improves Kaspersky’s response to new threats, thanks to anonymous data collected from users.

There are lots more advanced settings to play around with in Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012. You can customize the way the utility protects your system, applying more protection, or disabling certain aspects in order to free up CPU resources. Make sure you check out our article about using the advanced features of Kaspersky Anti-Virus.

All in all, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 is a nice security solution. It offers real-time protection and lets you scan your system for possible vulnerabilities. It's a suitable tool for all levels of users - clear enough for the less experienced, while also offering serious customization options for the more tech-savvy.

Free alternatives to Kaspersky Anti-Virus

There are several free antivirus suites available that can protect your computer from threats in a similar way to Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012. Most do not have the same level of advanced security features, but they are worth looking at if you are on a tight budget.

- avast! Free Antivirus
- Panda Cloud Antivirus
- Microsoft Security Essentials
- Avira AntiVir Personal
- Rising Antivirus 2011 Free Edition

With Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 you can effectively protect your system from all possible online threats.

Download Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 12.0.0.374 in Softonic

An unprotected PC is exposed to attacks on the internet by countless malicious threats. Avira AntiVir Professional protects computer used for business purposes from network threats specifically. The software not only provides security against viruses, worms, Trojans and rootkits, but Avira AntiVir Professional also monitors the system with in-depth analyses and the real-time guard AntiVir ProActive,for hazardous processes in the background. Avira AntiVir Professional also reports malware it detects and places affected files into a secure quarantine area. Fortunately, some malware-corrupted files can be rescued through the program's repair function.

Avira AntiVir Professional's interface is easy to use and similar in style to another great antivirus program, Avast. Avira AntiVir Professional offers two views. The main view and options can be changed from their default settings, and you can use the Expert View to find professionals and tweak additional configuration options. For different purposes and different users, separate profiles can also be set up.

As opposed to the free version of Avira AntiVir, Avira AntiVir Professional is configurable over your business network and searches for suspicious emails with MailGuard email scanner for POP3, IMAP and SMTP ports. While a little complicated, most tools that involve networks are. The professional version of this antivirus protection application has a pretty straight-forward layout, however, and becomes easier to use with time.

Although not a total replacement for a full-out firewall, Avira AntiVir Professional is a stand-out network protection tool nevertheless.

Download Avira AntiVir Professional 10.0.0.989 in Softonic

On first appearances, Quick Heal Anti-Virus doesn’t do well. Installation is complicated, and the initial window that shows up is not, in fact, the main interface. Once you find your way back to the control center, however, things become much clearer.

Visually, Quick Heal Anti-Virus is fairly successful. It has a nice, if not revolutionary, interface and all the sections are easy to navigate. It also has a good selection of configuration options, where you can customize everything from what behavior the program takes when it finds a virus to setting a password so nobody can change your configurations.

Quick Heal Anti-Virus’ main tools are divided into 4 – File & Folder, Emails, Internet & Network and External Drives & Devices. There’s also a straightforward Scan button, and clicking on this will give you access to 4 different types – Full, Custom, Memory and Boot Time.

You’ll also find some nice additional features under Quick Heal Anti-Virus’ Tools menu. Here you’ll find options to create an Emergency CD, for really nasty infections, USB drive protection and an anti-malware tool, to name just a few.

In recent times, Quick Heal Anti-Virus has improved notably, especially in terms of speed. What was once an unforgivably slow tool is now pretty quick, and has a nice variety of features that should give most users complete control over their PC.

Quick Heal Anti-Virus is a multifunctional tool for intermediate users, but could definitely make improvements in the area of initial usability.

Download Quick Heal Anti-Virus 2011 12.0 pro in Softonic

Unlike most antivirus, Panda Antivirus Pro doesn’t hog system resources. Also, the installation process has been greatly optimized and doesn't take as long as the previous version. What you still need to do is update virus definitions the first time you launch it, which can take a while.

The good thing about Panda Antivirus Pro is that the program is pretty much ready to start working right after installation. For those who like to be in control of everything, there’s a highly detailed configuration menu, conveniently organized in a tabbed interface.

Panda Antivirus Pro features a nice interface which has been redesigned since the last version. With an easy-to-use style, this interface uses tabs to give you access to various program areas, such as configuring options, performing system scans, viewing reports and checking quarantined elements. Panda Antivirus Pro protects your computer not only from viruses, but also from spyware, phishing, rootkits, hackers and identity theft.

When tested against standardized virus attacks, Panda Antivirus Pro stopped infected files immediately and without major interruption of our work. We especially liked the fact the Panda Antivirus Pro doesn't fill up the screen with unnecessary warnings all the time.

Panda Antivirus Pro is an unobtrusive, efficient and user-friendly antivirus app that protects your system without ruining your web-browsing and Windows experience.

Download Panda Antivirus Pro 2012 in Softonic

Visually appealing

Traditionally here at Softonic we have a lot of time for avast!, so we were really excited to get a look at the newest version. For starters, it looks really slick, with a slim-lined installation process (which looked good, but still took a while), and a very user-friendly and clear interface. While the interface is similar to avast! 6, it's got many more options, something you'll see as soon as you open it.

Good installation options

Another nice addition that you'll notice when setting up avast! 7 Pro is the option to install as the second line of defense on your computer. There are also plenty of installation options, which allow you to get the most from your anti-virus before it's even installed. Of course, there's also a default installation if the nitty-gritty's not for you.

Security improvements

What else does version 7 add to avast!? Well, in the first place the developer assures us that there have been considerable updates on a security front, which is obviously what you want from an anti-virus. It also offers a nice Statistics module, as well as a comprehensive Support function that allows you to general a support package to send to the avast! personnel who are trying to troubleshoot your problem.

New features

Two especially useful new functions are the AutoSandbox feature and the Remote Assistance. AutoSandbox allows avast! 7 Pro to automatically place any program it deems suspicious inside a sandbox, so it cannot do damage to your computer. You can edit the programs that are excluded from this behavior in the general settings.

Remote assistance

Remote Assistance is much as it sounds, but it's a great feature to have. This allows you to either connect to or be connected to by another user, so that you can help them with computer problems or so that they can help you (especially when tech support personnel are involved). Obviously, both of you will have to have avast! 7 Pro installed, but it's a feature we can see coming in really useful.

avast! has always been one of Softonic's favorite anti-virus suites, and version 7 of avast! 7 Pro is no exception. It's awesome!

Download avast! Pro Antivirus 7.0.1426 in Softonic

After some months in beta stage, Microsoft has launched the final version of its security application, though I have to say Microsoft Security Essentials hasn't changed that much in the final release. It still features a simple, clear tabbed interface with four main areas in which the user can take a look at the system's security status, update virus and spyware definitions, check the history of previously detected items, and tweak the program's settings, respectively.

Microsoft Security Essentials includes three types of scan - quick, full, or customizable. They can be scheduled to run at a give time or particular location, and can be modified to work when the computer is not actually in use. Handily, Microsoft Security Essentials automatically updates its database, and is fully integrated with Windows Explorer and the Windows Firewall. It also boasts a system restore point, in case you need to undo any over-enthusiastic cleaning.

Microsoft Security Essentials is Microsoft's first attempt at a standalone security application for home use. Given its simplicity and suitability for beginners, it probably isn't the best choice for more advanced users or professional network administrators, but for the average user, it covers all the bases. Bear in mind, however, that Microsoft Security Essentials doesn't disinfect files - it only deletes them in case of infection.

Microsoft Security Essentials is a gentle introduction to the sometimes complicated world of home computer security.

Download Microsoft Security Essentials (64 bits) 2.1.1116.0 in Softonic

Among other potential dangers, eScan Anti-virus covers viruses, spyware, adware, malware, keyloggers, hackers, spammers and phishing. It features real-time virus scanning of your computer including email protection to avoid spam and a firewall to block any unauthorized access to your computer.

The good thing about eScan Anti-virus is that it's very easy to use. Almost everything is automated, so it's perfect for tech newbies and for those of you who who don't want to be constantly tweaking options. Plus, the integration with TeamViewer allows you to get remote assistance very easily.

On the downside, eScan Anti-virus is quite heavy on resources and can get a bit sluggish. It's definitely not an antivirus for old, slower computers. Also, advanced users will surely miss having more configuration options.

eScan Anti-virus is a comprehensive and powerful antivirus tool that can be sluggish but does at least cover every possible angle.

Download eScan Anti-virus 10 in Softonic

How does it do?

On first looks, Ad-Aware , properly known as Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+, looks good. Installation is fast, but it does insist on a scan upon start-up, which can slow things down a little. You can skip it if you like, though, and if you do, you’ll see a crisp, clean interface divided into user-friendly Basic and Advanced protection areas.

Scans

As you might expect, Ad-Aware offers lots of scan options, making things very flexible for the user. There are 3 initial scan options, Quick, Full and Custom. The Custom option is particularly nice, allowing you to completely customize the scan with easy checkbox inclusions. You can also schedule scans, a must-have option for a modern antivirus. Scans aren’t particularly quick, but can be paused.

Advanced options

Something that users of Ad-Aware might find confusing are the settings under Advanced Protection. There are 3 versions of Ad-Aware – Free, Pro and Personal Security. In effect, they are the same program shell, but more advanced features become available as you move through the versions. This will annoy some users who would prefer a unique free version without extraneous distractions – although we have to admit that Ad-Aware doesn’t nag about upgrades, which is great.

Other options

The rest of Ad-Aware’s options are divided into two parts – the ones under Protection Settings (top right hand corner) and under Options. Under Protection Settings, you’ll be able to tweak the real-time protection and browsing options, although Safe Browsing can only be enabled and disabled, and not customized. Under Ad-Aware’s Main Options, there are various settings related to basic operation, updates and an explanation of Gaming Mode (although this can be quickly toggled in the main interface and from the task bar).

Conclusion

In all, we’re impressed by Ad-Aware’s transformation to antivirus, and we’re looking forward to trying it over time and seeing what future updates bring. Right now, it’s a solid app, with impressive detection rates, a nice interface and all the basic options. It’s not exactly mind-blowing, however, and doesn’t have as many nice options as competitors such as Avast!, but it’s well on the way to becoming an antivirus to reckon with.

Download Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ 10.1 in Softonic

Just about every major threat to your PC's system is covered by the program. This includes viruses and malware, worms, Trojans, adware, Spyware, and phishing. Avira AntiVir features real-time, on-access
scanning so you can be sure you are protected 24 hours a day. There are also manual options for full system scans and it automatically keeps its virus database updated with the latest potential threats.

Avira AntiVir's interface is pretty run of the mill although similar in style to another antivirus program, Avast. An easily accessible POP3-based MailScanner is also available for Avira AntiVir users. It scans emails before they are stored on your machine. The simple interface highlights what's missing - parental controls, game mode, firewall and antispam filters.

Avira AntiVir is extremely easy to navigate and read and doesn't leave you wondering whether it's in scan mode, updated, or ready to go. Everything is laid out plainly and simply, something beginner users will undoubtedly appreciate. Avira AntiVir also has some humorously named status windows, such as Luke Filewalker, which give this tool a bit more personality than most other antivirus programs.

Avira AntiVir is one very solid anti-virus suite that runs so well you'll hardly notice it. It's easy to use for beginners, but does lack some tools we like to see in security suites.

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McAfee Total Protection's menu is sleek and uncluttered. Real-Time Scanning, which is one of the main tools of this program, searches all drives on your computer looking for viruses and malware (malicious programs often pass on information to third parties). When the computer has been scanned, McAfee Total Protection removes all threats or puts them in quarantine.

McAfee Total Protection also has a firewall to protect your system from intruders from the web that attempt to steal your personal information. The Email and IM Checker prevents spam emails and potential dangers on IM clients. SiteAdvisor Plus gives you advice on the security of websites you visit, and the File protection tool checks everything you download.

There is even a cleaner in McAfee Total Protection to get rid of unnecessary files in the recycle bin, desktop shortcuts, temporary files and browser histories. While the interface looks nice, all these tools do make it pretty dense, and you'll need a while to work your way through everything.

The major downfall of McAfee Total Protection is that it's a bit too resource heavy, and is likely to slow your computer down. It would probably be better if it had fewer tools and concentrated just on basic security.

McAfee Total Protection is just what it says it is, but it's weighed down by having too many tools

Download McAfee Total Protection 2012 in Softonic

After a fairly lengthy installation process, Quick Heal Internet Security will do a preliminary scan, which is obligatory. Assuming everything's OK, you can open the Quick Heal Internet Security interface.

The interface is totally standard for security applications, with a range of tools down the left side, and a main display for the contents of each tool. There's a Status control, scan tool, reports and more. Updates to Quick Heal Internet Security's virus database can be done automatically or manually.

Quick Heal Internet Security is a simple, easy-to-use security suite, but it suffers from being somewhat slow and from not having any stand out features. It's not bad, but is very generic and doesn't stand out from the crowd.

Quick Heal Internet Security is a reasonable security which offers good protection from incoming threats.

Download Quick Heal Internet Security 2012 in Softonic

Remote Security

The trick is that Panda Cloud Antivirus is based on so called cloud computing, and is only partially installed on your system and keeps core files on a dedicated server on the Internet. Thanks to this special cloud structure, Panda Cloud Antivirus doesn't have to be manually updated. You can simply forget about complicated configurations and having to download new signature files!

The cloud-based functionality doesn't mean you remain unprotected when disconnected from the network: Panda Cloud Antivirus features a local cache that keeps the program up and running, working at 100%.

Analysis

Panda Cloud Antivirus features two types of analysis: Optimized scan – which presumably analyzes the most important areas in the system, though you can’t know for sure – and Other scans, where you can select specific folders and files to be analyzed. The program includes a behavioral analysis and blocking system that detects suspicious actions typically found in malware. Another nice feature in Panda Cloud Antivirus is the USB vaccine tool, which protects your computer from potentially dangerous files in USB portable memory devices.

Though Panda Cloud Antivirus can’t be scheduled to run automatic scans and doesn’t include filters for web or email, it’s still a perfectly valid antivirus for netbooks and low-spec computers.

Conclusion

Panda Cloud Antivirus is a lightweight, simple to use antivirus tool that keeps your system safe without nagging you with messages and updates.

Download Panda Cloud Antivirus 1.5.2 Free in Softonic

One of avast!'s features, in fact, is the way it automatically updates to the latest virus definitions, meaning that simply using it on a computer with an internet connection is all you need to do to keep you up to date. Up-to-date definitions are important, as they let avast! know about the latest viruses and threats it needs to keep an eye out for.

So why might you need to use avast! 5 VPS update? Well, if you have don't have a regular internet connection, you'll need to download these updates when you do. You can then run the avast! 5 VPS update file, and make sure that avast! is working properly.

avast! 5 VPS update is what you need if you don't have a regular, reliable internet connection.

Download avast! 5 VPS update 17.02.2011 in Softonic

AVG Rescue USB for your USB offers the same options AVG's traditional Rescue CD. You've got antivirus protection, and now it's portable so you can take it anywhere you like. It will update and analyze any Windows-compatible hard disk and eliminate any viruses it detects.

The advantage of using AVG Rescue USB as opposed to just an antivirus program installed directly on Windows is that many viruses disable your operating system. Not having to start Windows means the virus will be unable to disable AVG Rescue USB, so you will be able to locate and delete the virus more effectively. The scans are pretty slow at times, but it gets the job done.

AVG Rescue USB also offers several security tools. The antivirus itself joins joins a comprehensive toolkit. It includes Midnight Commander, a two panel file manager, Windows Registry Editor, TestDisk, a hard drive recovery tool, Ping, a network resources tester, and common Linux programs and services such as vi text editor, OpenSSH daemon and more.

To use AVG Rescue USB, just copy the contents of the RAR file onto a USB drive that has at least 256MB of free space.

With a lot of great security and recovery features, AVG Rescue USB is a powerful tool to add to your PC's security arsenal.

Download AVG Rescue USB 120.120126 in Softonic