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.

Download ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall 10.2.047.000 in Softonic

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

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

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

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

With MWAV Toolkit Utility you can scan the whole system for viruses, spyware, adware, keyloggers, dialers and sniffers, quickly and efficiently. The program doesn't require installation and is dead easy to use.

When you run MWAV Toolkit Utility you're presented with a simple interface where you can choose the areas in your system you want to scan, as well as other options such as the possibility to create a virus list, open the program's log file or update the program's database with the latest signature files.

MWAV Toolkit Utility is simple and effective, but lacks the extra features you get in other tools like real time protection, web filter or integration with Windows Explorer. It's useful as an additional security app, but it shouldn't be the only defense against online threats on your system.

MWAV Toolkit Utility performs a quick, effective system scan in search of viruses, spyware, keyloggers and other unwanted creatures, but it should be used in addition to other more fully featured security apps.

Download MWAV Toolkit Utility in Softonic

Don't make the mistake of thinking that Stinger is a general antivirus. It's not - it's more of an extractor for a list of over 3,000 viruses specified by McAfee. The list is viewable from the program interface and, as with any other antivirus, you should try and keep Stinger as up to date as possible.

Stinger is very basic. Add the paths that you want to scan and hit the red Scan Now button. The program works quickly, summarizing results in the interface window. By default, Stinger will repair any viruses it finds, and you can export scan results under the File menu.

The Stinger configuration options are limited and quite advanced - you'll be able to specify what you want the program to do when it finds a virus, if you want to see a list of scanned files on the interface and an assortment of options relating to virus detection. Stinger is not a user-friendly program, but then again, it's not developed for your average user. If you are experienced, however, you'll find Stinger to be a helpful tool in your antivirus toolbox.

Stinger - low-key, focused virus detection.

Download McAfee Stinger 10.2.0.644 in Softonic

Fortunately many antivirus developers have been working on specific tools to fight against Conficker – also known as Downadup or Kido - and all its variants. This is the case with Symantec and its Symantec W32.Downadup Removal Tool, a simple yet very efficient tool that analyzes your system and enables you to get rid of this well-known worm.

Symantec W32.Downadup Removal Tool doesn't require installation, though you need to have admin rights to run it. The program works on its own and doesn't need any configuration or user intervention. After the scan is done, the program creates a log file.

Symantec W32.Downadup Removal Tool helps you scan your system for the Conficker worm and erase it if necessary.

Download Symantec W32.Downadup Removal Tool 1.1.0.7 in Softonic

In a colorful, original interface Rising Antivirus offers all the tools you need to protect your system while browsing the web, emailing your friends or just using the computer. The program includes monitoring filters for email, files and web browser, as well as special protection for USB devices and office software.

You’ll find three types of system scan in Rising Antivirus: quick, overall and custom. The program also features Rising Cloud security, a cloud-based security solution that provides professional protection based on the behavior from past threats, computer user habits and computer defense.

Rising Antivirus seems to be quite light on resources. Also, we liked the fact that it's quite unobtrusive and doesn't bother you with warning messages all the time, like other antivirus tools do.

Keep your system safe from all online threats with Rising Antivirus, a free antivirus solution.

Download Rising Antivirus 2011 Free Edition in Softonic

ClamWin Portable features an easy to use GUI and the developers claim high detection rates for viruses and spyware although it doesn't seem to find anything extra or beyond what other anti-virus scanners find. The full program is facilitated by regular virus database updates so that's its generally always updated with the latest threats to your system. Unfortunately ClamWin Portable has scheduled scans and updates disabled so that the program is not locked in huge updates every time you activate it on the move. The downside of this of course is that ClamWin Portable is never up to date with the latest threats. The big advantage of this version of course is that you can take it pretty much anywhere on a USB stick. However, ClamWin Portable does not feature a real-time scanner which means that scanning for protection is down to you. You have to manually scan your system with the program every so often to see if you have been infected with anything.

Free, portable and easy to use, ClamWin Portable is a decent anti virus solution let down by the fact that it doesn't scan in real time nor update itself automatically unless prompted.

Download ClamWin Portable 0.97 in Softonic

There are lots of antivirus programs out there to choose from. If you're an AOL member, there's also a program just for you!

McAfee VirusScan Plus AOL Edition is an antivirus tool available for use by paid AOL account holders. The interface is simple to use, even if you're new to PC protection tools such as this. Navigating is also no problem. Upon running a scan, McAfee VirusScan Plus AOL Edition will locate and record any threats to your computer's safety. From there, you'll be able to eliminate the malware or virus in a few quick clicks.

Scanning is a quick process with McAfee VirusScan Plus AOL Edition. Along with the virus scan capabilities, this tool also comes with a free AOL Computer check-up that'll ensure your PC is running properly and to its maximum potential. There's also AOL parental controls included free, so you can block specific content from appearing while your children are browsing the web.

Unfortunately, the installation process for McAfee VirusScan Plus AOL Edition takes a considerable amount of time, which some users might find frustrating. When you compare it to other antivirus programs, McAfee VirusScan Plus AOL Edition also comes out pretty low on configuration options beyond the bare essentials.

AOL users will appreciate the protection McAfee VirusScan Plus AOL Edition provides while browsing the web, if they are willing to deal with the lengthy installation process.

Download McAfee VirusScan Plus AOL Edition in Softonic

Panda Cloud Antivirus is a highly popular program that is based in cloud computing. This beta release gets users one step closer to the anticipated official 2.0 release and also incorporates a great new feature, as well as trusted and true ones users have already been making use of.

The big addition to Panda Cloud Antivirus & Firewall is the incorporation of a fully functional firewall, complete with application and system rules. This can be found in a tab on the main graphical user interface (GUI).

This new firewall is quite comprehensive and usable. It automatically assigns inbound and outbound communication privileges to processes, as Panda Cloud Antivirus & Firewall offers a community-based firewall. When certain outbound connection processes are considered risky, users will be prompted to choose whether they would like to allow or block the communication. The same goes for inbound connections, in even a stricter sense.

On top of the new firewall feature, Panda Cloud Antivirus & Firewall still has the features users already know and love, including the malware detection feature. The program is lightweight and is very effective at finding and eliminating threats to your PC's health.

Panda Cloud Antivirus & Firewall's interface hasn't changed at all from the official version of Panda Antivirus, making it familiar and easy to navigate for users already familiar with it. Panda Cloud Antivirus & Firewall's interface has large, easy to locate buttons for on-demand analysis, statistics, quarantine and trash, as well as security status.

Panda Cloud Antivirus & Firewall's beta version give users a sneak peak at the upcoming 2.0 version of the popular antivirus program, along with a great added firewall feature.

Download Panda Cloud Antivirus & Firewall 1.9.1 Free Beta in Softonic

In Kingsoft AntiVirus you’ll find all the basic features you would expect from this kind of tool: real time protection, automatic updates and different types of scan – full, quick and custom. Plus Kingsoft AntiVirus also includes special filters to protect your IM chats and file downloads, and also keep your USB devices safe from viruses.

The interface in Kingsoft AntiVirus is simple and very usable. It features a left sidebar with buttons to the program’s diverse areas, including a interesting collection of tools to clean temporary files, free up used space in the hard drive and stop unwanted processes, among other tasks.

Though the scans in Kingsoft AntiVirus were a bit slow, this antivirus really made a good impression on us and – surprisingly enough – it works in perfect harmony with other antivirus and security tools.

Kingsoft AntiVirus is a discreet, effective antivirus that protects your system from viruses, Trojans, spyware and other sorts of malware.

Download Kingsoft AntiVirus 2010.11.6.318 in Softonic

Being a portable application, Comodo Cleaning Essentials doesn’t have all the tools you find in complex security suites. It does, however, include some interesting features, such as an antivirus tool, a malware scanner and the so called KillSwitch, which enables you to identify and stop any potentially dangerous active process on your system.

The analysis in Comodo Cleaning Essentials can take a while, but it’s pretty thorough. You can choose between a Full scan or a Custom one, and have Comodo Cleaning Essentials look for viruses, rootkits and malicious Registry keys. As for KillSwitch, it’s like the Windows Task Manager, only better. It displays detailed system stats and lets you close active processes and services.

Though slow and not as full-featured as other security suites, Comodo Cleaning Essentials is still a handy malware removal tool – a good choice to carry in your USB key as a portable first aid kit.

Comodo Cleaning Essentials is a light, simple, standalone security app that analyzes your system for viruses, rootkits and other sorts of malware.

Download Comodo Cleaning Essentials (CCE) 1.6.183539.73 in Softonic

Avira AntiVir Rescue System is the version of Avira AntiVir that can be used on systems that don't start anymore. Download the .EXE file, double click and burn to CD to use to boot from the next time you turn on your PC.

Boot CD

The Avira AntiVir Rescue System interface is simpler than that of Avira AntiVir, but it's just as efficient. It runs on a Linux environment and there are some basic settings for you to determine the type of scan to be performed.

Avira AntiVir Rescue System is constantly updated to include the latest security features. Since the update is not automatic, always check to make sure you have the latest version - you can sign up for update alerts just below this review, in fact.

No matter how bad it looks, Avira AntiVir Rescue System gives you one more chance against the virus.

Download Avira AntiVir Rescue System 14.06.2011 in Softonic