I’d had been working on a long comprehensive test of anti-virus suites out there. Then I realized after a quick google search that the work had been done for me already.
After hours of reading several sites and results I’d like to share a few with you and point you to the most detailed results. Don’t simply look at the initial score given by a reviewer. It is often misleading and not reflective of the product itself. Some sites rate the product not only in terms of its effectiveness as an anti-virus but the support options as well. I personally would not include support in my decision when choosing an anti-virus but you may be different.
I’m not going to tell you which security software is better because it is a subjective answer for some people. What I will do is show you where all the information is so that you can make up your own mind.
1. – AV-COMPARATIVES
This site offers a wealth of information for those will to dig a tiny bit for it. By clicking on the “Comparatives” tab you can choose to view the results of the two most recent tests. Please view both as they are different tests. The first one is a test of known viruses while the second is a test against unknown viruses as well as a look at false positive results.
2. PC WORLD
The above is one giant URL link to a chart with all the security suites they tested on a comparison chart. Saves you the time from selecting all of the suites and hitting the “compare” button.
To view the more detailed results that this provides you do have to register but it generally echoes the information found on the previous two sites. This site is more than just an anti-virus comparison website. It also tracks malware and appears to have a large community behind it. Well worth registering for in my opinion.
Happy Reading!
Peter
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grace watson wrote, on April 9th, 2009:
my problem is not in choosing a anti virus but in installing it, I have managed to follow the instructions to get a desktop on right click, but when I try to download the AVG Grisoft free package it doesn’t install. I am used to the programme installing itself. I have been trying the 7.5 red hat version. Any suggestions?
Morris Lee wrote, on April 9th, 2009:
Which distro are you using? Ubuntu? Fedora? OpenSUSE? Please specify.
Are you referring to Aspire One?
Linux doesn’t really have the need for anti virus, it is kind of like Macs.
Most benchmarks for anti virus programs are referring to Windows platform, as for the Linux edition, you might get different results from brand to brand.
Peter wrote, on April 9th, 2009:
Except that even Apple now recommends every user get an Anti-Virus. It’s full of holes, they just never been widely exploited till recently.
Morris Lee wrote, on April 9th, 2009:
Yes peter, I am aware of that, but I am pretty sure it is just for marketing purpose to increase the sales for antivirus programs, Apple might have signed some contract with the antivirus developers maybe. To think about it, they are not loosing much to just help antivirus developers, and eventually, YES, all OS will require A/V.
Ultimately, program like Deepfreeze will be the “most” virus proof option(but a virus can still break Deepfreeze someway). and this is what I have done to my parent’s computer, so I got nothing to worry about! XD
grace watson wrote, on August 5th, 2009:
I know you say there is no real need for anti virus, but whilst I was on the internet a flash came up saying i had all these trojans etc.and viruses. Also suggesting I sign up immediately for their anti virus. I thought it might have been a bit of a scam so I merely got out of the site. Now I am not so sure. Have tried consistently to download the free avg system I use on my other acer. Without success.Many thanks for any help
Morris Lee wrote, on August 6th, 2009:
@grace watson,
Go into safemode by pressing F8 DURING boot up, there you can select Safemode with Internet connection (internet connection is important)
Now, open Internet Explorer when you are in Windows Safemode
Use this http://www.bitdefender.com/scanner/online/free.html to remove viruses in your computer
Good luck, and don’t get your hopes up with AVG…
grace watson wrote, on August 10th, 2009:
Thank you. The important information I left out is that I have Linux. Have been into the site, but I note it doesn’t mention Linux. Should I try anyway, or will this lead nowhere.
Thank you,