Besides efficient protection against viruses and spyware, avast! Free Antivirus features eight real-time shields that keep your system safe from online threats in various areas: web browsing, email, instant messaging, P2P and more – plus the two new Script and Behavior Shields. The eight shields in avast! Free Antivirus! can be enabled or disabled individually, and have their own settings.

Two new interesting tools in avast! Free Antivirus 6 are the Web reputation plug-in, which informs you about the reliability of the website you’re currently visiting, and the AutoSandbox, which enables you to test suspicious programs without any risk to your computer. Finally, avast! Free Antivirus 6 now includes a desktop gadget from which you can open the program’s main window, perform a system scan or force a database update.

The interface in avast! Free Antivirus 6 hasn’t changed much from previous versions. The design is basically the same, only bigger – something that may not be comfortable for some users. Then again, the most important feature in a security tool is not looks, but being able to protect your system in an effective, non-intrusive way – jus like avast! Free Antivirus does.

avast! Free Antivirus 6 is an excellent new version of an already outstanding antivirus tool. It includes powerful security features that protect your computer without compromising performance or stability.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Besides efficient protection against viruses and spyware, avast! Pro features eight real-time shields that keep your system safe from online threats in various areas: web browsing, email, instant messaging, P2P and more – plus the two new Script and Behavior Shields. The eight shields in avast! Free Antivirus can be enabled or disabled individually, and have their own settings.

A bunch of new interesting tools have been added to avast! Pro 6. Among others, you'll find the Web reputation plug-in, which informs you about the reliability of the website you’re currently visiting; the AutoSandbox, which enables you to test suspicious programs without any risk to your computer; and the SafeZone, which enables you to run a specific user session shielded from the rest of the OS. Finally, avast! Pro 6 now includes a desktop gadget from which you can open the program’s main window, perform a system scan or force a database update.

The interface in avast! Pro 6 hasn’t changed much from previous versions. The design is basically the same, only bigger – something that may not be comfortable for some users. Then again, the most important feature in a security tool is not looks, but being able to protect your system in an effective, non-intrusive way – just like avast! Pro does.

avast! Pro 6 is an excellent new version of an already outstanding antivirus tool. It includes powerful security features that protect your computer without compromising performance or stability.

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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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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.

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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

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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.

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avast! Free Antivirus 7 Beta is a promising first beta version of the upcoming avast! 7. Though it shouldn’t be used as your main antivirus, it lets you take a sneak peek at all the new features.

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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.

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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.

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With PC Tools AntiVirus you can scan your system (with three different scanning modes available) and quarantine or remove any infected files. The program creates a restore point automatically before removing any data, just in case something goes wrong. If you want, you can also schedule automated scans and let PC Tools AntiVirus take care of the job.

PC Tools AntiVirus also includes a special feature called IntelliGuard, which protects the computer’s file system, processes and memory in real time. This protection can be temporarily disabled with you need full system resources – like when you’re playing a game or encoding a video.

That said, the truth is that PC Tools AntiVirus, despite the "Free" label on its name, is a bit more limited than I expected. Most advanced settings and IntelliGuard filters are disabled, and the program installed a security toolbar in my browser without even asking for permission.

PC Tools AntiVirus is a basic, easy-to-use antivirus tool that has little to offer against other free, not-limited competitors.

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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.

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Mx One Antivirus is a basic anti-virus tool that can be installed either on your computer or right on your USB stick, or portable multimedia device. If you choose the first option, Mx One Antivirus will protect your system from infected USB devices, and if you choose the second one the program will be installed on the USB device itself, thus enabling you to have an anti-virus solution with you at all times.

Mx One Antivirus lets you scan any drive or folder on your system – or on the USB drive as well. Whenever it detects an infected file, you can choose to either delete it or send it to quarantine.

To be honest, Mx One Antivirus is quite basic as an anti-virus program, and it doesn't feature the extra functionality you find in desktop anti-virus tools such as scheduled analysis, spyware detection or support for web and email filters. On the upside, Mx One Antivirus provides you with a basic protection tool you can use on any computer, anywhere, anytime.

Despite being quite a basic anti-virus tool, Mx One Antivirus is a handy security tool you can carry with you at all times in your USB device.

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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.

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