what is the best antivirus software for 2009 and why? I saw the same question but it was several years old. has the answer changed?
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LOL!
"Best" questions will usually generate a huge number of 'Mine is Best' responses, and not a few electronic fist-fights.
NOD32 is clearly a sufficient product, but my preference for the past year or so has been AVG.
You should give us more information on the actual usage.
Stand-alone computer? Network - and if so - describe your general topography.
And before anyone else says it - "Anything But Symantec/Norton".
yes the premise is to get the "mine is best" response. I have had experience with Symantec/Norton, and McAfee. After some time with norton, I have read articles that McAfee is better. Although having some issues with McAfee, and not being able to get support from them for their product, I began looking for another solution for anti-virus. I'm not looking for a popularity contest, but I do apprecitate the opinions of the "experts."
primary use for starters would be home network consisting of one desktop and one laptop. internet use and general e-mail.. replacing the mcAfee. I also have the free zone alarm firewall. Will also be replacing zone alarm with the ant-virus package. I have not had problems with viruses in the past. Adware and pop ups are under control. I use outlook for junk mail control now. my list is long for those on the junk-mail block list. Parental controls are not needed.
I spent several years working with Norton/Symantec, Trend, and McAfee on networks that were generally in the 1,800-2,500 host range. I don't load any of those products on my customer's computers for home use.
For what you are describing, I would go with the AVG 8.x (current) product. It will give you all of the protection you need for the AV/Anti-spyware side.
I have never been a fan of any software FW product. Use the native XP/Vista FW on your computers and add a small Linksys FW/Router (hardware) at your incoming internet connection.
Use a pre-built "HOSTS" protection (http://www.mvps.org/winhe
Cookies - "First Party" set to 'Prompt' (Allow Session) and "Third Party" set to 'Block'.
This might make you change your mind:
The below site use a few dozen popular software programs to scan possible virus files.
The AV programs that actually detect new viruses, might surprise you.
Of course, if you test these sites using an old virus; most will find it.
One program in particular that found a fairly new virus over almost all the rest...was Sophos.
For submissions you can submit to these sites.
Online Virus, Malware Submission Sites
(Taken from the Malware bytes forum:)
" Jotti's malware scan
http://virusscan.jotti.org
" VirusTotal - Free Online Virus and Malware Scan
http://www.virustotal.com
" VirSCAN.org FREE on-line scan service
http://www.virscan.org
" Virus.Org Rogue File Scanning Service
http://scanner.virus.org/v
" NoVirusThanks.org virus scanner
http://scanner.novirusthan
I think AVG is a great product, but the problem with it lately is virus writers are targeting it specifically.
My detection rate on AVG is much lower than what it used to be and the free version is useless.
I have read lot of reviews and Bit Defender is usually in the top 3 on most reviews.
It's only 75.00 for 3 licenses.
I started using it lately since my detection rate with AVG has dropped and so far so good.
In my opinion the top spot for Antivirus software changes every 6 months.
Virus writers become aware of what people are using and target that software.
My list for Corporate:
Mcafee
Trend Micro
AVG
I would stay away from Symantec Endpoint it is really restrictive, it reminds me of vista and all of it's annoyances.
Most people do disable the firewall built in to Symantec to improve this.
Corporate 10 version of Symantec is almost the same as not having any protection.
Home:
Bit Defender
Kaspersky
AVG
Nod32
Avira
Malware Bytes is a good free tool.
Combofix also helps get rid of some of the new nasties.
I used to use Hijackthis but it doesn't work as good as it used to.
More things are being hidden in root kits and other registry keys this does not check.
Toolbarcop is nice for cleaning out the unwanted toolbars inside of IE and Firefox.
Stay away from free versions!!!!
They usually lack spyware, malware and other forms of detection.
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by: b_haynesPosted on 2008-09-16 at 09:27:47ID: 22490273
There is no better AV than NOD32. I have used this in my corporate environment and at home for more than a few years. I have tested it side by side with others; Norton; Kaspersky; Trend Micro;
AVG.......
NOD32 has consistently been a clear winner and it has a small footprint. In my corporate office I use the Remote Admin and Mirror update server which reduces my traffic on the network for updates and have been VERY pleased with the performance.