And The Best Antivirus Is…

One thing I always hate to do is to find the best Antivirus program that will protect my computer. The two best paid versions that I have always heard about are Kaspersky and NOD32. For free software, I always look towards Avast or AVG. Of course, that is what I knew before but it looks like there may be some new people climbing the ladder.

Virus.gr tested quite a few different software companies to see how they would stack up against each other. How did the 147,000+ virus test pan out? Here are the results (the ones in bold are the ones I expected to do good):



1. Kaspersky version 6.0.0.303 - 99.62%
2. Active Virus Shield by AOL version 6.0.0.299 - 99.62%
3. F-Secure 2006 version 6.12.90 - 96.86%
4. BitDefender Professional version 9 - 96.63%
5. CyberScrub version 1.0 - 95.98%
6. eScan version 8.0.671.1 - 95.82%
7. BitDefender freeware version 8.0.202 - 95.57%
8. BullGuard version 6.1 - 95.57%
9. AntiVir Premium version 7.01.01.02 - 95.45%
10. Nod32 version 2.51.30 - 95.14%
11. AntiVir Classic version 7.01.01.02 - 94.26%
12. ViruScape 2006 version 1.02.0935.0137 - 93.87%
13. McAfee version 10.0.27 - 93.03%
14. McAfee Enterprise version 8.0.0 - 91.76%
15. F-Prot version 6.0.4.3 beta - 87.88%
16. Avast Professional version 4.7.871 - 87.46%
17. Avast freeware version 4.7.871 - 87.46%
18. Dr. Web version 4.33.2 - 86.03%
19. Norman version 5.90.23 - 85.65%
20. F-Prot version 3.16f - 85.14%
21. ArcaVir 2006 - 83.44%
22. Norton Professional 2006 - 83.18%
23. AVG Professional version 7.1.405 - 82.82%
24. AVG freeware version 7.1.405 - 82.82%
25. Panda 2007 version 2.00.01 - 82.23%
26. Virus Chaser version 5.0a - 81.47%
27. PC-Cillin 2006 version 14.10.1051 - 80.90%
28. VBA32 version 3.11.0 - 79.12%
29. ViRobot Expert version 4.0 - 76.22%
30. UNA version 1.83 - 75.44%

There’s the list and as you can see there are several towards the top that really shocked me. The one I am most happy about is the Active Virus Shield by AOL because it is offered to the public for free. Sure it branded as AOL but underneath it is all Kaspersky and this goes to show it.

I expected NOD32, Avast, and AVG to perform a little better than they did but NOD32 and AVG definitely fought back at the heuristic testing. Heuristic testing is extremely important because that is what gives an Antivirus the ability to catch a virus even it is not in the database. Here are the top 10 from that list:

1. Nod32 2.51.30 - 41503
2. Vba32 3.11.0 - 32911
3. VirIT 6.1.9 - 16469
4. AVG 7.1.405 Professional - 13624
5. AVG 7.1.405 freeware - 13624
6. Rising AV 18.41.30 - 12214
7. McAfee 10.0.27 - 10708
8. Ikarus 5.19 - 7191
9. F-Prot 6.0.4.3 beta - 6247
10. Ukrainian National Antivirus 1.83 - 5506

One thing is for sure and that is Norton needs some work for as much as it costs. So many people rely on Symantec’s software because that is what comes installed on most computers but it obviously won’t provide the protection that is needed.

I fix computers for people all of the time and when I find that their Antivirus subscriptions have expired I normally install Avast. After seeing these tests it definitely makes me ponder using Active Virus Shield by AOL because of the high ranking. Avast does have the Web Shield which stops malicious attacks through your Web browser and I really like that feature. I wonder what is more important, the overall ability to find a virus or being able to block Web attacks?


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Discovering The Best Antivirus Software For You

Antivirus software refers to computer programs or tools that are used for identifying, blocking, and removing malicious applications such as computer viruses and malwares from the system. They have become essential tools for any computer user in today’s world of constant threat from virus attacks, spywares, system hijackers, etc.

An antivirus application performs two basic functions. The first is to scan all files, according to user preference, and identify the virus based on matching definitions in its database. This is known as virus dictionary or database approach of identifying viruses. Secondly, if run in real time, it tries to identify and suspicious activities occurring in the system, which may be triggered by other computer programs in the operating system. This is known as suspicious behavior approach. These two functions are the basis on which most antivirus software programs are built.

The Database Approach:

When the antivirus identifies a virus that matches any code or definition in its database, it will alert the user, and the user has the option of repairing, quarantining, deleting or analyzing the infected file. If the virus cannot be removed from the infected file, it is usually set to quarantine. However, users also have the option of immediately deleting the file thereby eliminating any further threats, or before the virus can execute itself. The infected file can also be sent to the software company for analysis and inclusion in the database, or if the antivirus has the feature, the user can analyze the infected file by self.

Since new viruses are created everyday, the virus database of the antivirus has to be updated continually. Almost all database updates are free and they can be scheduled or done manually.

Suspicious Behavior Approach:

There is no attempt to identify known viruses here like in the dictionary approach. Every activity and behavior in the system is monitored here by the antivirus. Therefore, this approach may protect from new viruses which has not yet been identified out of suspicion. However, this approach has mostly been abandoned by many antivirus companies because of its tendency to sound too many false positives. And today, there are so many non-malicious programs which can modify other executable files in disregard to the false positive issue. So this technique has become almost obsolete.

Popular Antivirus Software:

Norton Antivirus: One of the most well-known antivirus software, Norton automatically detects and removes viruses, rids computer of unwanted spyware, and scans email and IM attachments for threats.

McAfee VirusScan: The antivirus detects, blocks, and removes viruses and spyware, and protects irreplaceable documents such as digital photos, family movies, and financial spreadsheets, identity theft and slower PC performance.

PC-cillin Internet Security: From Trend Micro, it is an award-winning antivirus security and a personal firewall. Protects against viruses, worms, Trojans, and hackers, detects and removes spyware and blocks spam. Also protects your wireless network with Wi-Fi Intrusion Detection.

Panda Titanium: It uses TruPrevent Technologies, offering a double layer of protection against unknown viruses and intruders. It also protects system from hackers, phishing and other online fraud.

By: George Royal -

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Should I Buy An Anti Virus Software Or Not

As you sit in front of your PC tapping away on your favourite programme, playing your favourite game or just writing an email to close friend or relative, when suddenly your mind wanders and you keep asking yourself why would anybody want to hack into my computer or even send a virus my way to destroy my computer. What possible enjoyment can anybody get from doing this, I have often asked myself the same question, but who knows how the minds of some work. Today’s modern criminals don’t care who you are or even what would happen to you should they succeed in their attempts to invader your privacy, but don’t despair there are answers.The first thing you should consider is a good anti virus software solution, but don’t be fooled into thinking I will just get one of those free solutions available on the internet, why would anything that’s free be in any good. Remember you are protecting your computer, your life. As you consider what to buy ask yourself some important questions, if I run into difficulty trying to install it on my PC is there support available for me, what about ease of use, you know yourself how computer literate you are, buying something you will never really know how to use is a complete waste of time really.Other things you should consider are updates, will you get these free or will your new anti virus software be a complete drain on your wallet, how will you know if they become available. With my anti virus I get a prompt in my system tray to inform me that updates have become available saving me the need to keep checking an internet site to find them. What about scheduling jobs, can it check your computer regularly without you having to set it going and can you control when and how often it does it. Will it work with my email software as I know this is a proven way of a virus being sent?Lots of things to consider I know but with all the available anti virus software on the market today you should really not be leaving yourself vulnerable to these sort of malicious attacks from people who really couldn’t careless about the damage and upset they cause. I know what your know thinking I have heard that anti virus software can actually interfere with some of the programmes already on my computer and in some cases this is true, I have experienced this myself especially with online software, but do you really want to leave yourself open to these sorts of attacks, I know I would rather protect my privacy and computer then be able to use some nice piece of software on the internet that is going to leave me open to attack.Something else you may wish to consider is back ups, if you use your computer regularly you should back up your important files to CD or even use an online resource to do this for you, One I know of is Carbonite, as should the unthinkable actually happen and a virus does attack your computer it could all be too late.I know I enjoy my online experiences and love using my computer and can’t believe how far the world has progressed in my lifetime but for all the good things in life there is always somebody wanting to ruin it for you so if you don’t take my advise seek that of others and protect yourself with a good anti virus software and don’t live to regret the day that you decided that’s not for me, I have better things to spend my money. With many good products around from companies such as kaspersky, Norton, Trend and McAfee you should really protect yourself today so that you can live for the future.
By: shaun100367
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Shaun Sawyer Webmaster@www.doubleclickandgo.com

Everything You Need To Know About A Computer Virus

What is a computer virus?So, what is a computer virus, not only is it something that can damage the performance and life of your computer, but your mental well being as well. Combating a virus, without the help of anti-virus software such as AVG internet security, can be extremely nerve wracking and depressing because it can literally affect various parts of your computer.How are computer viruses distributed?Computer viruses are distributed in many different ways. One of the most common methods of distribution is via email. Some of the most widespread and destructive viruses are distributed via email. Typically, they come in an email that looks completely legitimate and they can even come disguised with an email you might be familiar with. Some viruses are simply spread by opening the email or by downloading an attachment. Many free emails such as Yahoo come with email virus scanners installed, which will not allow you to download the attachment if it detects a virus. Another method of virus distribution is via internet downloads. These viruses are bundled in a download and typically come from websites with hacks or peer to peer programs. When asking the question, what is a computer virus, you should also ask how you can combat or prevent the viruses from affecting your computer. There are many programs available to help you detect, remove, and prevent viruses. One of the most popular and best programs to date is AVG Internet Security, or any of the AVG products. AVG, a product created by Grisoft, is an excellent software program that is perfect for detecting and removing computer viruses. Their internet security program not only provides anti-virus protection for your computer from Trojans, worms and viruses, but it also includes anti-spyware and anti-spam protection against phishing, spam, malware, adware and spyware. Additionally, AVG internet security provides protection with a firewall, preventing hackers from accessing your computer.AVG is the best and easiest to use all in one program available for computer protection. You are constantly made aware of instant definition updates and program versions, as well as twenty-four hour a day technical support. So if you want to find out just what is a computer virus and how computer viruses are distributed, AVG is a great place to start. Not only can you get the best protection, but a number of resources are available to you as well. This enables you to learn about the latest virus threats and how you can eliminate the possibility of infection on your computer.
By: Jason Frovich
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