With the antivirus market crowded by giants like AVG and Avast, ZoneAlarm has to differentiate itself. ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall does just that by giving users two of the most important security features in one simple to use program.

Features

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall includes many powerful features for both their antivirus and firewall. There is real-time protection against viruses, as well as auto updating definitions and scheduling. ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall will only check for new definitions once every 24 hours, while its paid versions will update as soon as new definitions are available.

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall's firewall features a log of the different programs that are accessing the internet. The firewall will also give users a list of programs and their "Trust Level," which is a good way to quickly glance at suspicious applications. There is also phishing and spyware protection built in.

One surprising feature of ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall is "Game Mode," which allows you to temporarily suspend ZoneAlarm's popup notifications for uninterrupted gaming. Users can also set it to allow all firewall requests, which is obviously less secure.

Performance

Performance of ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall is very good. Quick scans take only a few minutes. Full scans will take some time but are still an improvement over older ZoneAlarm programs. The speed increase is a result of a redesigned scanning engine. Still, we found ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall to be resource intensive on our system and slowed our boot times down. Competiting antivirus applications were quicker and less resource heavy.

Conclusion

While other programs have more advanced features, ZoneAlarm has successfully combined two of the most important security features for the average user and all for free. This makes it a very useful program for virtually anyone needing this type of protection.

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall is a comprehensive application that provides basic firewall and antivirus features for the average user.

Download ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall 10.2.047.000 in Softonic

After some months in beta stage, Microsoft has launched the final version of its security application, though I have to say Microsoft Security Essentials hasn't changed that much in the final release. It still features a simple, clear tabbed interface with four main areas in which the user can take a look at the system's security status, update virus and spyware definitions, check the history of previously detected items, and tweak the program's settings, respectively.

Microsoft Security Essentials includes three types of scan - quick, full, or customizable. They can be scheduled to run at a give time or particular location, and can be modified to work when the computer is not actually in use. Handily, Microsoft Security Essentials automatically updates its database, and is fully integrated with Windows Explorer and the Windows Firewall. It also boasts a system restore point, in case you need to undo any over-enthusiastic cleaning.

Microsoft Security Essentials is Microsoft's first attempt at a standalone security application for home use. Given its simplicity and suitability for beginners, it probably isn't the best choice for more advanced users or professional network administrators, but for the average user, it covers all the bases. Bear in mind, however, that Microsoft Security Essentials doesn't disinfect files - it only deletes them in case of infection.

Microsoft Security Essentials is a gentle introduction to the sometimes complicated world of home computer security.

Download Microsoft Security Essentials (64 bits) 2.1.1116.0 in Softonic

How does it do?

On first looks, Ad-Aware , properly known as Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+, looks good. Installation is fast, but it does insist on a scan upon start-up, which can slow things down a little. You can skip it if you like, though, and if you do, you’ll see a crisp, clean interface divided into user-friendly Basic and Advanced protection areas.

Scans

As you might expect, Ad-Aware offers lots of scan options, making things very flexible for the user. There are 3 initial scan options, Quick, Full and Custom. The Custom option is particularly nice, allowing you to completely customize the scan with easy checkbox inclusions. You can also schedule scans, a must-have option for a modern antivirus. Scans aren’t particularly quick, but can be paused.

Advanced options

Something that users of Ad-Aware might find confusing are the settings under Advanced Protection. There are 3 versions of Ad-Aware – Free, Pro and Personal Security. In effect, they are the same program shell, but more advanced features become available as you move through the versions. This will annoy some users who would prefer a unique free version without extraneous distractions – although we have to admit that Ad-Aware doesn’t nag about upgrades, which is great.

Other options

The rest of Ad-Aware’s options are divided into two parts – the ones under Protection Settings (top right hand corner) and under Options. Under Protection Settings, you’ll be able to tweak the real-time protection and browsing options, although Safe Browsing can only be enabled and disabled, and not customized. Under Ad-Aware’s Main Options, there are various settings related to basic operation, updates and an explanation of Gaming Mode (although this can be quickly toggled in the main interface and from the task bar).

Conclusion

In all, we’re impressed by Ad-Aware’s transformation to antivirus, and we’re looking forward to trying it over time and seeing what future updates bring. Right now, it’s a solid app, with impressive detection rates, a nice interface and all the basic options. It’s not exactly mind-blowing, however, and doesn’t have as many nice options as competitors such as Avast!, but it’s well on the way to becoming an antivirus to reckon with.

Download Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ 10.1 in Softonic

Remote Security

The trick is that Panda Cloud Antivirus is based on so called cloud computing, and is only partially installed on your system and keeps core files on a dedicated server on the Internet. Thanks to this special cloud structure, Panda Cloud Antivirus doesn't have to be manually updated. You can simply forget about complicated configurations and having to download new signature files!

The cloud-based functionality doesn't mean you remain unprotected when disconnected from the network: Panda Cloud Antivirus features a local cache that keeps the program up and running, working at 100%.

Analysis

Panda Cloud Antivirus features two types of analysis: Optimized scan – which presumably analyzes the most important areas in the system, though you can’t know for sure – and Other scans, where you can select specific folders and files to be analyzed. The program includes a behavioral analysis and blocking system that detects suspicious actions typically found in malware. Another nice feature in Panda Cloud Antivirus is the USB vaccine tool, which protects your computer from potentially dangerous files in USB portable memory devices.

Though Panda Cloud Antivirus can’t be scheduled to run automatic scans and doesn’t include filters for web or email, it’s still a perfectly valid antivirus for netbooks and low-spec computers.

Conclusion

Panda Cloud Antivirus is a lightweight, simple to use antivirus tool that keeps your system safe without nagging you with messages and updates.

Download Panda Cloud Antivirus 1.5.2 Free in Softonic

One of avast!'s features, in fact, is the way it automatically updates to the latest virus definitions, meaning that simply using it on a computer with an internet connection is all you need to do to keep you up to date. Up-to-date definitions are important, as they let avast! know about the latest viruses and threats it needs to keep an eye out for.

So why might you need to use avast! 5 VPS update? Well, if you have don't have a regular internet connection, you'll need to download these updates when you do. You can then run the avast! 5 VPS update file, and make sure that avast! is working properly.

avast! 5 VPS update is what you need if you don't have a regular, reliable internet connection.

Download avast! 5 VPS update 17.02.2011 in Softonic

AVG Rescue USB for your USB offers the same options AVG's traditional Rescue CD. You've got antivirus protection, and now it's portable so you can take it anywhere you like. It will update and analyze any Windows-compatible hard disk and eliminate any viruses it detects.

The advantage of using AVG Rescue USB as opposed to just an antivirus program installed directly on Windows is that many viruses disable your operating system. Not having to start Windows means the virus will be unable to disable AVG Rescue USB, so you will be able to locate and delete the virus more effectively. The scans are pretty slow at times, but it gets the job done.

AVG Rescue USB also offers several security tools. The antivirus itself joins joins a comprehensive toolkit. It includes Midnight Commander, a two panel file manager, Windows Registry Editor, TestDisk, a hard drive recovery tool, Ping, a network resources tester, and common Linux programs and services such as vi text editor, OpenSSH daemon and more.

To use AVG Rescue USB, just copy the contents of the RAR file onto a USB drive that has at least 256MB of free space.

With a lot of great security and recovery features, AVG Rescue USB is a powerful tool to add to your PC's security arsenal.

Download AVG Rescue USB 120.120126 in Softonic

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

Boot CD

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

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

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

Download Avira AntiVir Rescue System 14.06.2011 in Softonic

It's a relative newcomer to the anti-malware software scene and users have already noted that it bears more than a passing resemblance to IObit Malware Fighter. It has a very similar interface and also features a "Smart-Engine" although does not appear to be connected with IOBit in any way. Although the developers don't have a physical office, they do seem genuinely concerned with helping users stay virus/malware free as evidenced on their blog and Facebook page, albeit in poorly written English.

There are five function modules: Scan, Cloud Scan, Guard, System Optimization and Update. Scan features a continually updated database which protects in realtime from malware threats. Cloud Scan scans the most commonly infected areas of your compute and uploads them to Anvi Online Cloud Server for verification if you choose. Guard is probably the most important function as it provides real-time protection as users surf the net such as chatting online, making online transactions, downloading, etc. System Optimization is less concerned with protection and more with speeding-up yourPC. Finally, the Update Center allows you to automatically check for the latest malware threats and latest program versions in one-click.

Overall, Anvi Smart Defender works very well for a new anti-malware tool. It scans fast and seems very good at picking up malware. However, users have also reported that it's a bit over zealous too - identifying certain files or folders as malware which are perfectly safe.

At the time of writing, Anvi Smart Defender is still a work in progress although already gaining in popularity. However, it should be used with caution until a full release is made.

Download Anvi Smart Defender Anvi Smart Defender 1.01 RC2 in Softonic

Either way, JottiQ sends the files to the Jotti website, where they’re analyzed with popular antivirus engines such as Avast, AVG, BitDefender, Kaspersky, Nod32 and Panda. JottiQ displays the results on a table, with advanced details about each scan on the right hand panel.

Besides analyzing manually selected files, JottiQ can also scan the executable files for the currently running processes on your system in just one click – an interesting scan mode you don’t usually find in other security tools.

JottiQ is simple, easy to use and quick – though the program’s speed depends on Jotti’s server workload. Luckily Jotti stores results of previous scans, which often speeds up the queue. Bear in mind though, that JottiQ doesn’t disinfect files – it only detects viruses – and that file size is limited to 20 MB.

Though it’s no replacement for a traditional desktop antivirus, JottiQ is a useful tool that provides you with an extra layer of security when dealing with suspicious files.

Download JottiQ 1.0.2 in Softonic

When you first run RogueKiller, it will search for services and processes that may be hidden on your computer. It scans quickly and will rapidly quarantine anything suspicious.

Once the scan has been completed, RogueKiller will delete the files. It's best to look at the text reports generated by the app though, to make sure everything picked up by RogueKiller is in fact, harmful. In our tests, RogueKiller was very aggressive, taking innocuous programs for malicious ones. Overall, you should be very comfortable with system processes and the inner workings of Windows to safely use the program.

The other features of the program allow RogueKiller to undo the damage caused by fake antivirus tools, such as repairing host files, proxies, DNS and shortcuts. You'll even be able to read the Roguekiller developer's opinions on why you most likely got infected.

RogueKiller is a straightforward, minimalist app that detects rogueware of all kinds. It's not for beginners though.

Download RogueKiller 7.3.2 in Softonic

With Multi Virus Cleaner 2011 you're limited just to scanning your PC. The program does offer four different ways to scan however. You can search with a quick scan, a full scan, a deep scan, or look solely in particular files with a custom scan.

Multi Virus Cleaner 2011 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.

The program only gives you two options when a virus is detected: delete automatically or verify with the user what to do. The latter usually requires you to delete the virus anyway, meaning there aren't many customizable features available in Multi Virus Cleaner 2011.

You are not shown the time you spend scanning your PC with Multi Virus Cleaner 2011. You can follow the progress by seeing how many files have been scanned, as well as viewing what files the utility is working on.

Multi Virus Cleaner 2011 is unfortunately not a security suite. It provides basic scanning possibilities that, while useful, are not sufficient to keep your PC secure on their own.

Download Multi Virus Cleaner 2011 11.0.2 in Softonic

The beauty of Dr.Web CureIt!, however, is its simplicity. Although it doesn't require installation, it provides a comprehensive scan and has many of the configuration options you would expect with a fuller-featured version.

Adding to its attraction is that Dr.Web CureIt! is available in a huge variety of languages, comes with an excellent help file, provides you with lots of statistics on its scans and discoveries, and last, but not least, automatically creates log files, in case of over-enthusiastic deletion. Dr.Web CureIt! didn't seem to conflict with any of the antivirus solutions already installed on the test machine, either.

So, in what situation would you use it? Well, perhaps you need to work on a computer that you don't trust completely, or you've offered to help a friend out with some issues he or she has been having. Running a quick scan before starting could put your mind at ease. Even rookie computer users know that they need a real-time antivirus installed on their machines at all times, so Dr.Web CureIt! is strictly an emergency measure - especially taking into account that it doesn't have signature updates.

Dr.Web CureIt! - simple, straightforward safety.

Download Dr.Web CureIt! 6.00.05.0810 in Softonic

With Ninja Pendisk you won't have anything to be afraid of. This security tool works as a kind-of shield for your USB device, protecting it from common malicious files that can be hidden in the USB. It's by no means a complete anti-virus solution, but rather a disinfecting tool for known malware.

Ninja Pendisk doesn't require installation. Simply launch it and it'll sit unobtrusively on the system tray, waiting for you to connect your USB device. The moment you do it, the program will scan it for malicious content and erase it if necessary. Ninja Pendisk can also immunize your USB memory stick against future potential risks.

The idea of having a security layer for your USB device is very good, especially if you use it on public computers. However, Ninja Pendisk lacks a more intuitive user interface and could also do with a proper configuration window, rather than just a plain text file.

Ninja Pendisk can protect your USB memory stick from malicious files that can harm your system if you use it on different computers.

Download Ninja Pendisk 1.5 in Softonic