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

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

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

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

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.

Download Avira AntiVir Premium 10.0.0.663 in Softonic

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

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

Installing BitDefender Antivirus is a long, somewhat arduous process that requires the removal of other security apps. Once you get over this, BitDefender Antivirus updates the database and performs an immediate check of your system for viruses, worms, Trojan horses and spyware. The program also features anti-phishing protection to stop you getting sucked in by malicious sites.

Two strong points in BitDefender Antivirus are its special Game and Laptop modes. The first one opens the firewall to prevent connection issues and disables any resource-intensive processes, while maintaining a safe, fun gaming experience. The latter temporarily tweaks security settings to prevent the antivirus from draining the computer’s battery.

Besides the app’s functionality, BitDefender Antivirus features a nicely-designed interface with three different views (Basic, Intermediate and Expert) so that you can make the most of it no matter what your level of expertise is.

BitDefender Antivirus is a complete antivirus system that's constantly updated and features handy modes for gamers and laptop users.

Download BitDefender Antivirus 2012 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