A good antivirus tool is one that regularly updates its virus definitions and that can really clean deep into your PC. With Multi Virus Cleaner you're limited to scanning your PC, whether particular files (custom), quick scan or full and deep scans. The application can be regularly updated and claims to protect you from over 5,900 viruses. There's a list of virus signatures in the updates section, but it doesn't appear to be exhaustive or to take into account the latest ones.

We found most scans to be fairly lenghty and not particularly effective. The program only gives you two options when a virus is detected, delete or ask you what to do, to which you usually respond by deleting the virus anyways. Multi Virus Cleaner does not show you the time spent scanning your PC but you can follow the progress, see how many files have been scanned and what files the program is working on.

PC security is not something you can fool around with, and that's why you should always try to have one of the best security suites installed. Multi Virus Cleaner unfortunately is not a security suite. It provides basic scanning possibilities, which, alone, are not sufficient to keep your PC secure.

Download Multi Virus Cleaner 2008 8.0.6 in Softonic

Avira AntiVir Premium is a professional anti-virus package that offers the latest in protection technology.

It covers just about every major threat to your system including viruses and malware, worms, Trojans, adware, Spyware and phishing. The program 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 threats. The interface also makes available an easy to access POP3 based MailScanner that scans emails before they are stored on your machine. The overall interface is one of the best things about this security centre for me because unlike many, it's not cluttered. It's extremely easy to navigate and read and doesn't leave you wondering whether it's in scan mode, updated or ready to go.

This really is one very solid anti-virus suite that seems to run so well, you'll hardly notice it but when you do need it, you'll find yourself presented with a friendly interface that makes using it a pleasure.

Download Avira AntiVir Premium in Softonic

ZoneAlarm with Antivirus combines Zone Labs' robust firewall protection with antivirus features in an easy-to-use package. The award-winning firewall blocks hackers and other unknown threats, while comprehensive virus protection stops viruses and worms, and protects against emerging viruses before they attack.

Removes the latest and most insidious viruses

The new virus engine provides the most advanced virus removal technology available.

Stops viruses before they infect your PC

While others only detect and remove viruses, this product stops them in their tracks.

Delivers proactive firewall protection

Proactively protects your PC with the most advanced, multi-layered, firewall-based security available.

Easy to set up and use

Simple to install and run, ZoneAlarm Antivirus’ intuitive interface tailors the program to meet your needs.

Download ZoneAlarm Antivirus 7.1.078.000 in Softonic

BitDefender is one of the most comprehensive protection packages out there for your PC. Covering everything from an anti-virus protector to Trojan blocker, it's a package for someone who doesn't want to install lots of separate ones.

The program is updated hourly which is both good and bad in equal measure. Good in that you're always protected but bad in that it can slow your system down a bit. The good thing is if your PC does crash at all, BitDefender automatically repairs and updates itself once you've restarted your PC. For those that upgrade to the full version, there's a 24/7 helpline via phone, email or chat at no additional cost. There's a NEWGamer Mode which temporarily modifies protection settings to minimize their impact on how your game performs so that you can play games with peace of mind. The anti virus is pretty powerful which blocks unknown viruses using what the developers call "advanced proactive detection techniques". In addition to all this, it includes a CD burning backup facility plus a tuneup utility to keep your PC operating at optimum performance.

An excellent all in one package although the updates a re a bit too regular and it takes your time to find your way around.

Download BitDefender Internet Security 2008 in Softonic

RemoveIT is a free trojan, adware and spyware scanner that searches and destroys dangerous viruses, trojans and spyware.

However, the effectiveness of it is open to debate. The developers claim that it's so good, it "locates and removes many new dangerous files including spyware, malware, virus, worms, trojans and adware that other popular AV programs do not find." This program therefore is NOT a real-time scanner - it's based on cleaning-up after something has installed itself on your PC rather than real-time protection which I always think is a dangerous approach.

There's nothing flashy about this program - the interface is based on Windows Explorer shell which also includes a slightly more advanced and expanded version of Windows Task Manager (to stop and block illegal processes) and the same with a Service Manager which gives you an overview of the services and program currently running on your PC. With these tools, you have more control over what runs on your PC both during startup and day-to-day operation. The Services Manager is recommended for beginners as you can see clearly the actual names of the programs running while the Process Manager only shows those files that are running as parts of programs and as a result, you may shut something down that you didn't mean to.

For a free and light malware scanner, this is a solid program although it does not seem to detect anything that other scanners (such as Ad-Aware) can't so it's maybe not as effective as the developers claim.

Download RemoveIT Pro 4 SE 25.9.2008 in Softonic

Steganos Antivirus is a solid application to protect your PC from spyware. Users will appreciate the complete scan, the backup and quarantine and a regularly updated online database of all existing threats.

Completing a full scan with Steganos will take a good hour and half, but you can still run other applications at the same time without any slow down. The process window can be expanded to view what files Steganos has picked up and the status of the scan. It automatically scans new devices inserted in your PC and you can set it to ignore certain elements like archives or startup objects. Like in any antivirus application, you can set the level of protection and choose to scan particular objects. An eerily shrill noise alerts you whenever Steganos finds spyware, so we actually suggest unchecking it from the additional settings. It’s also very easy to schedule Steganos to scan your PC regularly for viruses. Once the scan is finished, Steganos will prompt you to action, whether by deleting the threat or keeping it in quarantine. If you come across spyware, it’s better to delete it straight away.

Steganos considerably slows down your PC at startup and you’ll need to wait a good 10 minutes before you can actually use your PC properly. This drawback is common with full security suites that include an antivirus, a firewall and a file scanner so it’s a bit disappointing to suffer this with a simple antivirus protection programme like Steganos. Despite this snag, we were favorably impressed with the application’s Real Time Protection function which will send a pop up alert everytime a pìece of adware or spyware is found or if an application is trying to break into your PC. For all the security zealots, Steganos even allows you to create a profile, setting details like what files to scan, where to send suspicious files or what level of protection you want for your PC.

One of the major strengths of the application is that it uses the extensive viruslist.com database to pick up all existing and recently released viruses and trojans. If you come across a suspicious file and you don’t find it in the list you can still send it to Steganos for analysis.

Users who are looking for a solid antivirus application with an extensive virus database and a thorough scanning process should turn to Steganos. While the application does considerably slow down your PC at startup, it provides a very hefty antivirus protection and will find and delete most threats on your PC.

Download Steganos AntiVirus 2006 8.5.0.390 in Softonic

They don't come much more comprehensive than VBA 32 Antivirus. The program consists of an on-access scanner, on-demand scanner, auto-update system, Windows Explorer context menu extension plus a host of plug-ins for e-mail clients such as The Bat!, Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Exchange Client.

It also features a mail filter to scan incoming e-mail messages received by POP3 or IMAPv4 protocols independently of your e-mail client, a script-filter to protect users from execution of malicious scripts in Microsoft Internet Explorer and Microsoft Outlook Express and for that matter, any other applications that use the Microsoft Windows Scripting Host technology.

In terms of reliability however, the ability of this virus checker has to be questioned. In a scan, it did not pick up several pieces of malware that Ad aware had detected although they were pretty minor. However, it does work discreetly and is worth trying if your dissatisfied with your current ant virus package

Download VBA32 Antivirus 3.12.2.4 in Softonic

The new TruPrevent Personal 2005 detects and blocks unknown viruses that conventional antivirus solutions often can't detect, as they are not updated in time against them. TruPrevent Personal 2005 doesn't replace your antivirus, but acts as an essential reinforcement.

Spyware blocked as soon as it tries to run. TruPrevent Personal 2005 blocks programs that spy on your Internet movements in order to spam you or even steal confidential information such as passwords (adware, spybots, keyloggers...). Detection of all types of malware. Not just viruses, Trojans and worms, it now also detects security risks, spyware, dialers, jokes.

Download Panda TruPrevent Personal 2006 in Softonic

With PC Tools AntiVirus you are protected against the most nefarious cyber-threats attempting to gain access to your PC and personal information. Going online without protection against the latest fast-spreading virus and worms, such as Netsky, Mytob and MyDoom, can result in infections within minutes.

Once infected, the virus will usually attempt to spread itself to your friends, family and associates by accessing your email contacts and networked PCs. The infection may also allow hackers to access files on your PC, use it to launch attacks against other computers and websites or to send mass SPAM email.

That’s why PC Tools AntiVirus provides world-leading protection, with rapid database updates, OnGuard real-time protection and comprehensive system scanning to ensure your system remains safe and virus free. PC Tools products are trusted and used by millions of people everyday to protect their computers against online threats.

Download PC Tools AntiVirus 3.6.0.34 in Softonic

Twister Anti-TrojanVirus is a powerful and easy-to-use Trojan horses, viruses, spyware removal software. It provides realtime protection against trojans, spyware, viruses, hackers, adware and other harmware threats. It supports the Windows Security Center, right-click scan from Explorer context menu. It supports ZIP, RAR, ACE, CAB, CHM and EML compressed files scan. Its Registry Protector will realtime protect your Windows registry. The Registry Fix Tools will quickly fix a lot of frequent problems about Windows and IE. The Spyware Removal Assistant utility will easy to remove the stubborn trojans and spyware. The virus definition live update and automatic update will help you to catch the most recent trojans spyware and viruses.

Download Twister Anti-TrojanVirus 2005 RC2 in Softonic

iolo AntiVirus keeps you safe by using advanced real-time technology that provides continuous maximum protection and automatically repels viruses before they can enter your computer. Its fully integrated email protection works transparently in the background automatically scanning and disinfecting messages as they are transmitted, and an intuitive interface makes it easy to activate scheduled system inspections for a permanently virus-free PC.

Features:

• West Coast Labs Checkmark-Certified virus protection.
• Always-on protection runs transparently in the background
• Hassle-free setup protects your PC from the moment of installation
• Integrated email protection scans messages as they are transmitted
• Intuitive interface makes protecting your PC easy
• Extremely efficient technology does not slow your system down
• Includes one year antivirus service subscription
• Hourly virus updates always ensures the latest protection
• Unlimited email, phone, and web support

Download iolo AntiVirus 1.1.6 in Softonic

AnalogX Script Defender will intercept any request to execute the most common scripting types used in virus attacks, such as Visual Basic Scripting (.VBS), Java Script (.JS), etc and can even be configured to intercept new script extensions as needed! It's very simple to use and helps to ensure that you do not inadvertently run a script regardles of the email program you use, or even if you get it via another method.

Download AnalogX Script Defender 1.02 in Softonic

VCatch is a new, free tool, developed to protect your computer from web viruses. Whether you use an Email application, Web based Email, ICQ, or one of the new file-sharing programs (iMesh, KaZaA etc.); VCatch is the tool for you.

VCatch is a virus protection software. When VCatch is active it will check all the files sent or downloaded to your computer via Email and Web applications. In the event that VCatch detects that a file is suspected to be a virus, the software automatically deletes the file and notifies you.

VCatch allows you to set the preferred security level and uses these settings when a suspicious file is detected in order to decide whether to notify you. This way you can be sure you are protected both from known viruses and from unknown malicious applications.

Download VCatch Basic 5.0.21.2 in Softonic

RootkitRevealer is an advanced patent-pending root kit detection utility. It runs on Windows NT 4 and higher and its output lists Registry and file system API discrepancies that may indicate the presence of a user-mode or kernel-mode rootkit. RootkitRevealer successfully detects all persistent rootkits published at www.rootkit.com, including AFX, Vanquish and HackerDefender (note: RootkitRevealer is not intended to detect rootkits like Fu that don't attempt to hide their files or registry keys).

Download RootkitRevealer 1.71 in Softonic

MySecurityCenter Internet Security Suite aims to prevent your computer being taken over by hijackers or trojans that could compromise your security.

This includes an anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and firewalls designed to work together for maximum protection. Naturally, with so many applications operating at once, you'd expect occasional slowdown of your machine during use which does happen but it's nothing inconvenient.

The anti-virus and anti-spyware of MySecurityCenter Internet Security Suite work in real time so nothing is left to deal with after it is happened - if it's out there, then it's unlikely to get past MySecurityCenter Internet Security Suite. The same goes for the Outlook and Outlook Express filters which ensure that any attachments received or sent are completely clean.

The MySecurityCenter Internet Security Suite firewall is relatively simple to configure and operate allowing you to select which programs should be allowed to access the internet and which cookies and popups should be allowed.

MySecurityCenter Internet Security Suite is an excellent all round security package that leaves no holes open.

Download MySecurityCenter Internet Security Suite in Softonic

BugHunter is a non resident malware scanning and removal program. BugHunter cannot prevent malware executables from running or being installed as it does not remain in the memory.

However, it can scan the system anytime you like and remove any malware which may be present. As BugHunter relies on dat file technology similiar to that of a virus scanner, updates to the datafile and the program itself will be released from time to time on the Website.

Be sure to empty your browser cache before clicking on the download link to ensure you get the newest zipfile available on the server.

Download BugHunter 2.2 in Softonic

VisNetic AntiVirus for Workstations provides reliable virus protection to your computer, whether the threat arrives via email, web, or other delivery methods. Comes complete with scanner and an automated update scheduler.

Coupled with the Server or Network admin kit, VisNetic AntiVirus can be administered from a central location providing total network virus protection. Definitions can be downloaded directly by the Server and automatically distributed to each Workstation, immediately freeing up valuable Internet resources.

Download VisNetic AntiVirus for Workstations 4.5.0 in Softonic