Antivirus tools are the kind of software applications that you need to use for an extended period of time in order to fully test them. Still, having only a few hours to try Kaspersky Anti-Virus, I must say I got a really positive impression.

After a slightly troublesome installation process which included the eventual uninstalling of other antivirus apps plus an updating process, you're ready to launch Kaspersky and let it take care of your computer. In fact, it monitors not only the file system, but also email and web browsing, thus providing you with a comprehensive security solution that will keep you safe from today's most usual dangers on the Web.

Kaspersy features several different scanning modes (Critical areas, My computer, Startup objects and Rootkit scan). Each one of them can be run manually or programmed to run according to a certain period of time. You can also define your own scan mode and set an exception list for those files, folders and apps that you trust and needn't be scanned. One thing I particularly liked is the possibility to create a rescue disk, in case your PC is completely ruined by a virus attack.

Kaspersky seems very light on resources, which is always good in a program that you must have constantly running. However, files and apps may take slightly more time to open while Kaspersky analyzes them. I guess this is a small price we have to pay for being a bit more secure. In any case, you may as well use the exception list and make sure all your trusted apps are included there.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus offers a complete protection against virus, Trojans and worms for your file system, email and web browsing.

Download Kaspersky Anti-Virus 8.0.0.357 in Softonic

Some people prefer to have easier apps, even if that means that they have access to a limited range of tools.

This is the case of NOD32, 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.

NOD32 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.

The program 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, NOD32 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.

NOD32 may be simpler than other anti-virus tools, but it's perfect for those users who prefer an easy, unobtrusive app even if they have to give up on certain advanced functions.

Download ESET NOD32 Antivirus 3.0.667.0 in Softonic

ClamWin is a simple, powerful and most importantly, free antivirus checker for Microsoft Windows.

The program 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 it's 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, the program 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, this 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 0.93.1 in Softonic

Developed by one of the world’s leading IT security providers, Comodo AntiVirus leverages multiple technologies (including on demand & on access scanning, email scanning, process monitoring and worm blocking) to immediately start cleaning or quarantining suspicious files from your hard drives, shared disks, emails, downloads and system memory.

Updated virus definitions are automatically downloaded according to a schedule of your choice or by a single click on the 'updater' button. Once installed, Comodo AntiVirus will unobtrusively sit in your system tray, silently and efficiently defending your system from the latest virus outbreaks. It's easy to install and configure, will not slow down your PC by hogging system resources and is free for life to the end user.

Download Comodo AntiVirus 2.0.17.58 Beta in Softonic

Free anti-virus software can be a mixed bag - sometimes they can do more harm than good while at others, they can save you hundreds of dollars with solid real-time protection.

Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic is the free version of Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Premium. This doesn't mean that it's any less powerful bit it does mean that many advanced features are unavailable. The program can scan up to 30 different file types and seems to have been designed with a particular focus on Trojans according to the developer blurb. Protection is served in real time and as with all virus scanners, you are immediately given the choice whether to ignore, quarantine or delete the infected file. What's nice about this scanner is that for those viruses that it can't identify or clean, it compiles a report which can then be automatically submitted to Avira's lively user forum where someone, somewhere, should be able to help. The scanner sits in your system tray bit can be expanded to show the current settings and the status of any scans in progress. Scanning is quick and it doesn't slow your machine down significantly. Unfortunately however, it provides no option for scanning incoming and outgoing mail or adware/spyware but if you're just looking for a trojan blocker/remover, it's a very solid product.

A powerful and well organised anti virus scanner that helps you get to the bottom of virus issues rather than hinders your progress.

Download Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Free Anti-Virus 8.1.0.295 in Softonic

ClamWin is a Free Antivirus program for Microsoft Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/2003. It provides a graphical user interface to the Clam AntiVirus engine. ClamWin Free Antivirus uses the GNU General Public License by the Free Software Foundation and is free (as in freedom) software. ClamWin Free Antivirus comes with an easy installer and open source code at no cost.

The program features:

• Scanning Scheduler
• Automatic Virus Database Updates
• Standalone Virus Scanner
• Context Menu Integration to Microsoft Windows Explorer
• Addin to Microsoft Outlook

Download ClamWin Antivirus 0.93.1 in Softonic

Security is by far the most important concern among computer users. This is why it's important to keep your security apps, such as your anti-virus tool, always up to date.

Regarding updates, Kaspersky users will be glad to know that their anti-virus solution has just released its latest version, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009. This new Kaspersky brings extraordinary improvements to previous versions, from the application's appearance to the array of security tools provided, with which you can fully protect your system against any online threat.

Kasperksy's interface has been completely revamped and now looks a bit more like Vista, with transparency effects. The overhaul has also affected the menu sidebar, which now boasts large icons and a very simple menu.

Regarding functionality, the all new Kaspersky 2009 not only protects you from viruses in a proactive way, but also defends you from any sort of malware (in e-mail and IM clients too) and also help you detect fraudulent websites thanks to its phishing filter. Plus the program includes two kinds of scan (full or quick) to always keep your system perfectly clean and safe.

If there's any drawback I should point out about Kaspersky 2009 that would probably be all the hassle you have to go through during the installation process. You 're obliged to uninstall all the apps Kaspersky considers not to be compatible, update the signatures database and restart the system before you can actually start using the program.

Kaspersky 2009 has given this popular anti-virus tool a complete facelift to make it more attractive, more powerful and easier to use, though it still has a lengthy installation process.

Download Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 8.0.0.357 in Softonic

Real time protection against viruses and trojans has never been more important and F-Prot Antivirus for Windows claims to have detected just about everything under the sun.

This includes worms, trojans and other threats against the security of your system. F-Prot works via the OnDemand Scanner which is your starting point for carrying out everything that the program is capable of. This includes scanning, changing the settings and updating the status monitor or at least, seeing what the status currently is. The date of the last virus update is always visible so you can see when the last virus database was updated. The program then checks for new virus signatures at various intervals whenever you go online. One good feature of this particular scanner is that it can also detect and scan external drives and even network drives. It also provides reliable realtime protection to deny any malicious attacks on your system by quarantining them before they can do any damage. your system access. It is however a rather clunky and cumbersome piece of software which seems to kick into action at the most inconvenient moments and takes a long time to scan. It does however seem to detect a huge amount of malicious data and is worth running just in case you think your virus checker is missing something.

A very thorough checker but could do with a few tweaks and improvements to make it more lightweight and discreet.

Download F-Prot Antivirus for Windows 6.0.9.1 in Softonic

Security is one of the main concerns among computer users. This is why it's important to count on reliable applications that can protect our system and data from potential dangers. Sometimes free security apps are regarded as being less safe but you might change your mind after testing AVG Antivirus.

AVG is one of the handiest antivirus systems I've seen so far (and believe me, I've tested a few). Being a smaller application, AVG may not feature such a wide range of tools or utilities as the other antivirus programs do. However, it makes up for it by offering a neat, effective protection which stays silently minimized in your system tray and only activates when needed.

This is precisely one of the best things about AVG. It works completely in the background, without the need of half the system resources and of course, without constantly bothering you with warning windows or update messages. You can just go on with your work and you won't even notice you have an antivirus application up and running. Being the free version of a complete program, AVG shows the odd nagging notification encouraging you to buy AVG Professional which may annoy the more sensitive users.

AVG features real time system protection, an email scanner (which doesn't prevent spam from coming into your mailbox though – spam filter is a Pro-only feature) and as new features in AVG 8, an anti-spyware tool and the so called LinkScanner technology to protect your web browsing. The whole package should be enough to ensure you're not infected with any virus. Also, it integrates seamlessly with Windows Explorer, thus allowing you to scan files from their context menus. AVG's virus database is automatically updated on a daily basis, so you're always protected even from the most recently discovered threats. The program supports scheduled scans as well.

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

Download AVG Anti-Virus System Free Edition 8.0.100 in Softonic

Moon Secure Antivirus aims to be the best Windows antivirus program based on open source (GPL) code.

Like all good antivirus programs, Moon Secure Antivirus offers protection in real time using the ClamAV database.

You can specifiy exactly which parts of your network Moon Secure checks even devices connected by USB.

However, Moon Secure has very few options although it doesn't consume much of your PC's resources making it a handy lightweight option.

Download Moon Secure Antivirus 2.2.2.160 in Softonic

Some anti-virus programs cause more problems than they solve. Avast! Home Edition anti-virus is thankfully not one of those as it exceeds expectations while remaining free. Lightweight, vigilant and most importantly, effective, this could be the answer to your prayers if you’ve had no luck finding a virus checker you like.

The developers make a point of stressing that this program is strictly not for institutional use – it is designed specifically for the threats most home users face daily. Their philosophy is that efficient home virus protection is essential in preventing users one day being struck by a serious global virus. What impresses you immediately with Avast! is its vigilance. It’s likely that within minutes of installation, you’ll receive a pop up alert due to a Trojan or virus that had been incubating on your PC. If not, rest assured that it won’t be long before Avast! sets off its trademark siren and alerts you that something has been detected. The latest version of

Avast’s antivirus kernel promises 100% detection of ‘In-the-Wild’ viruses (viruses already spreading between users) and excellent detection of Trojan horses. Avast! provides 24 hour protection via its ‘On-Access’ scanner but you can initiate manual scans via the fairly simple user interface. You can start additional modules from here, such as the Virus Chest, Updater or Log Viewer. Another great feature of Avast! is the option to change the skin of this interface. The developer website features practically hundreds of distinctive designs made by aficionados and even offers a guide to designing your own.

Something often overlooked by major virus checking packages is P2P applications installed on your PC but Avast! covers this with a P2P and Instant Messenger shield. Whilst chat applications themselves do not impose any serious security risks in terms of viruses, their less sophisticated file sharing methods can easily lead to virus infections if not properly monitored. With so many infected files on P2P networks such as Kazaa and eMule too, it’s also good to know that Avast! won’t let you open them without quietly checking them first.

The program also features both a Web and Network shield that constantly monitors traffic. The Web Shield acts as a transparent HTTP proxy and is compatible with all major web browsers. One of the truly outstanding features of Avast! is that unlike heavyweights such as Kaspersky or Norton, you hardly notice it working in the background. This is because of a unique feature the developers call ‘Intelligent Stream Scan’ that scans objects on-the-fly, without needing to cache them locally. Even the virus updates are unobtrusive. Avast! downloads the updates gradually and only those that are absolutely essential instead of the whole database. You receive a ‘Virus database has been updated’ voice message every time this has been completed along with a small popup which you can turn off if it annoys you.

There really is little to fault Avast! on in a market that is saturated with too many ineffective virus checkers. Although it doesn’t guzzle resources, if you’re running it on an older machine, you might find it slows you down. Some new users also complain that conducting a simple manual scan is more complicated than it should be but if you’ve spent anytime with virus checkers, you’ll realise that its more than worth your while getting to know this excellent program.

Download Avast! Home 4.8.1169 in Softonic

Have you ever wanted an open-source portable anti-virus solution that you can use anywhere at anytime?

Protect Simple Machine is just that - a portable and free anti-virus app that fits on your USB pen and makes sure that the computer you are using is not infected by viruses, worms, Trojan horses or spyware. Created with Visual Basic, the program is incredibly simple to use and can analyze any folder or disk you choose. It also advises you on ways to "tweak" Windows so you can optimise Protect Simple Machine for more effective, faster use. It also has direct links to other Windows tools such as the command line.

Nowadays, one of the most important areas to scan is the memory and Simple Machine Protect also caters for this with a memory scanner which works alongside the disk scanner. The program warns you if it finds a virus with a very primitive "beeping" sound and it can sometimes repair them on the spot, depending on whether the database is equipped with a sufficient solution. At all times, the program lets you know at what stage the scan is at with a progress bar.

A very convenient solution for those on the move although it's a bit lightweight and tends to miss minor viruses and Trojans that more solid scanners pick up.

Download Simple Machine Protect 1.5.5.580 in Softonic

PC Tools Antivirus enables you to protect your system from the most common threats such as viruses, trojans, worms and other undesirable creatures.

Despite the "Free edition" tag, I was glad to see that the program really works and it's not crippled in any way. That is, it scans your system and whenever it detects any danger, it prompts you to disinfect, put into quarantine or actually delete all affected files. However, bear in mind that if you select a full scan, your system is going to be very busy for a while. Luckily, you can schedule these scans to be performed when you don't need to work on your PC.

The program features some other typical antivirus functions, such as real time protection and seamless integration with Windows Explorer, which allows you to scan a file with just a mouse click.

PC Tools Antivirus displays a nicely designed interface with big, bright buttons for the most common tasks and a wide range of configuration settings that enable you to tweak the program's behaviour. I also liked the fact that it doesn't hog system resources, so that your PC can comfortably run even if real time protection is on.

Download PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition 4.0.0.20 in Softonic

For all those concerned with the safety of their PC, Bitdefender offer this unique and comprehensive solution, which contains everything you need.

BitDefender Total Security comprises, in addition to an anti-virus program, a firewall, anti-spam, parental control and privacy, a backup utility and an optimizer. With all these tools, your PC will be safe from viruses, hackers, spyware, spam, phishing, and you can protect your children from adult content.

BitDefender antivirus Total Security also provides real-time protection against spyware and other types of malware, including rootkits dangerous. It's particularly effective at blocking spam in Microsoft Outlook 2000, 2003, 2007, Outlook Express, Windows Mail and Mozilla Thunderbird 1.5 and 2.0. There's also a useful "game mode" for gamers which reduces the impact of the program whilst you are playing to avoid affecting the performance of the game as little as possible. All in all, there's not much more you'll need although the free hourly updates do become rather tiresome especially if you have an older machine.

Everything you need in one package - an excellent protection solution for those who want the ultimate solution in one.

Download BitDefender Total Security 2008 11.0.8 in Softonic

BitDefender Antivirus protects your computer from all the latest viruses and spyware with 24 hour protection and regular updates.

On installation BitDefender Antivirus performs an immediate check on your system for viruses, worms, Trojan horses and spyware. The software also scans all incoming internet traffic - whether they are Web pages, e-mails, instant messaging programs or file-sharing software. Once BitDefender has discovered a dangerous intruder, the program removes the malware or moves the pest into quarantine. Hourly signature updates provide constant protection from new digital threats although these can slow your system down and become rather annoying. The program features anti-phishing protection to stop you getting sucked in by malicious sites and it also features 24 hourr support if you upgrade to the full version. This latest release also features a Gamer Mode which temporarily modifies protection settings so as to minimize their impact on gaming performance, maintaining a safe, fun gaming experience.

This is a complete anti-virus protection system that's constantly updated and an ideal application for gamers, especially those that play games across the internet and are worried about breaches of security.

Download BitDefender Antivirus 2008 in Softonic

Little Intelligent Antivirus is super lightweight, compact and is designed to detect and remove all types of malware.

The peculiarity of this program is its simplicity as it comes with virtually no options. It has been designed for those on slow machines that don't want a hulking antivirus slowing down their system. The only thing which you have to pay attention to is the updater, which is readily available in the program interface. You have to manually tell the program to update which is a pain in one way, but good in another as I hate it when anti virus program kick in and slow you down as they decide to update on their own. As for the configuration, the program takes care of it all in it's own depending on your setup. You can of course trigger hard disk scans whenever you need them though.

If you've got a slow machine, or just can't be bothered monitoring your anti virus app, this is a nice little solution although I'm not convinced it picks up everything it should.

Download Little Intelligent Antivirus 1.00 in Softonic

Now you can be sure that all the information on your PC is completely safe thanks to the reinforced protection of the new Panda Antivirus + Firewall 2008. Check the latest news, stay in touch with your contacts, download the programs you need, or bank online in the knowledge that you are automatically protected against viruses, spyware, hackers, and online fraud.

It includes Panda Antivirus, Panda AntiSpyware, Panda Firewall and Panda TruPrevent.

Key features:

In-Depth online scanning

Deep scanning of your PC with TotalScan Pro..

The exclusive technologies in Panda TotalScan Pro allow periodic in-depth scanning to detect and delete the most sophisticated threats that can slip past traditional protection. Always protected against the most sophisticated threats!

Latest generation antivirus

Automatically detects and eliminates all types of viruses.

If content is missing from your hard disk, if you have problems starting your computer, or if some of your files are unusable, you can be sure you've been hit by a computer virus. You can be infected just by surfing the Net, downloading a file, or opening an email attachment. There are also the dangers of worms and Trojans which now use new stealth techniques to evade detection.

With Panda Antivirus + Firewall 2008 you can use the Internet and download or share files in the knowledge that you are fully protected against all types of viruses, worms and Trojans. Forget about infections!

Powerful AntiSpyware

Keeps your PC free from spyware.

Computer slowdowns, annoying and aggressive pop-up ads, sudden changes to your system settings... these are just some of the effects that spyware can have on your PC. The real danger however is that these threats can steal information about your Internet activity and then use it without your knowledge.

Panda Antivirus + Firewall 2008 automatically detects and removes spyware and other annoying programs. Safeguard your privacy!

Personal bi-directional firewall

Blocks hackers and intruders.

When you connect to the Internet, many programs try to access your PC. Some of them are not dangerous, such as those that let you update applications you have installed, but others will try to exploit your connection or control your computer.

Panda Antivirus + Firewall 2008 includes a configurable personal firewall to stop intruders and hackers from accessing your PC. Turn your computer into a fortress!

AntiPhishing

Protects against online fraud.

Certain emails are designed to trick you into revealing your confidential bank details. They may appear to have been sent from your bank, but they have not. Falling into the trap can be costly: it could give the phishers complete access to your accounts. Panda Antivirus + Firewall 2008 can identify these fraudulent emails, and prevent you from revealing your bank details, account numbers or other confidential information.

Panda Antivirus + Firewall 2008 will keep you safe from these dangerous scams. Bank and shop online with complete peace of mind!

Protection against dangerous websites

Prevents access to websites harboring threats.

Many infections occur simply when you visit a certain web page. Panda Antivirus + Firewall 2008 recognizes dangerous web pages and prevents you from opening them and becoming infected. This feature is particularly effective against certain types of spyware and online fraud. Surf the Internet safely!

TruPrevent Technologies

Double protection.

Some new threats are able to spread globally in just a few hours. In this time, your PC could be unprotected as your antivirus will not have had time to update. The TruPrevent Technologies included in Panda Antivirus + Firewall 2008 detect and block these unknown threats, intelligently scanning program behavior. This means your PC will have the reinforced protection it needs. Stay one step ahead of unknown threats!

AntiRootkit

Detects threats that try to hide on your PC.

Rootkits can be used to hide threats and prevent them from being detected by security solutions. These threats can then act with impunity on your system. With Panda Antivirus + Firewall 2008 you won't have any problem, as its reinforced protection system can detect threats that use this stealth technique. Protect yourself from hidden threats!

Download Panda Antivirus + Firewall 2008 in Softonic

CA Anti-Virus provides complete protection against viruses, worms and Trojan horse programs. The easy-to-use interface and frequent automatic updates make it effortless to stay protected, and with quick scan times and efficient use of system resources, it won't bog down your PC.

Key features:

• Up to $1,500 Protection*
• Protects up to 3 PC's
• Detects 100% of viruses**
• Scans emails automatically
• Defends against emerging viruses
• Protects files, downloads and attachments
• Anti-virus software Certified by Virus Bulletin

Download CA Anti-Virus 2008 in Softonic

Norton has been always considered to be a synonym of security. Some of their products have been in the market for years and are used by millions of computer users around the world on a daily basis.

This new version of Norton Antivirus promises more speed and a better technology that protects your computer without interrupting your work. And I must say it really meets the expectations. I'm always afraid of anti-virus tools being too heavy on memory or displaying too many annoying messages, but Norton Antivirus did its job in an excellent way, without hogging system resources and of course, without disrupting my work.

The new Norton Antivirus 2008 displays a nicely designed interface and features some configuration settings which you can tweak to fine tune the program's behavior, including the elements that should be monitored (e-mail, messenger chats, etc.) and the possibility to schedule automatic scans.

On the downside, I found out that turning off the real-time protection can be extremely difficult –in fact there's no option to do so. I know I'm not supposed to do that, but there may be some particular cases where I prefer my antivirus to be switched off. Also, I didn't like the fact that this Norton comes bundled with the Yahoo! toolbar, although you can decline this offer during installation. Finally, bear in mind that you'll have to set up a free Norton account even if you only want to test this product during the 15-day trial.

Download Norton AntiVirus 2008 in Softonic

New computer viruses, Trojans and worms appear everyday. They not only drastically affect your computer's performance but they can lead to serious security breaches. CoGen Anti-Virus provides continuous protection via a Virtual Machine Unpacking Engine (VUE) that detects viruses 24/7. It also features a Memory Monitor, Script Blocking, Email Scan, Spam Filter and Screen Saver Scan.

This virus checker not only does a good job - popup alerts tell you of any suspicious activity but it's also one of the best looking virus checkers I've used. The sleek black interface really gives it a classy look and all the major scanning actions are easy to find. The best feature is the Auto-Protect feature which instantly detects that a network computer is attempting to spread a virus. It's integrated with a Network Blacklist that will intercept the virus and record the name and IP address of that computer. If you're on a network, other computers can be manually added to the list too so there's no danger of the virus spreading. All-in-all, a comprehensive and powerful virus checker that's only let down by the lack of updates for definitions.

Download CoGen AntiVirus 2007 in Softonic