Top 10 Virus Protectors
- Anti-virus software is a necessity in the modern world.virus alert image by dead_account from Fotolia.com
Computer viruses are a fact of the digital age. Every year governments and security companies send out warnings about the newest and most malicious viruses. Microsoft states that email attachments, instant messages, audio and video files and greeting cards are the most notorious virus carriers. As of 2010, the sheer number of worms, Trojan horses, email spam and rootkit viruses has made it necessary for us to be forever vigilant about PC security or risk irretrievable data loss. Choose the best anti-virus software by comparing price, protection, usability, extra features and customer service. - Norton Internet Security perennially ranks as one of the top anti-virus protection programs. In 2010, Av-Test gave it a high score of 16.5 out of 18 for usability, protection and repair. It provides comprehensive protection against malware, adware, rootkit viruses and spyware. It has both static script blocking technology and heuristic (meaning a self-educating, trial and error, problem solving technique) real-time detection features. It has the highest rated and quickest update system and retails for around $39.99.
- In 2010, Kaspersky was the most expensive, top rated anti-virus suite on the market at $59.99. Consistent top ratings make it a reliable purchase. It offers the standard package of malware protection included with all other top systems, along with inbound and outbound email scanning, spam protection and advanced startup scanning. It also includes a new Kaspersky Toolbar that warns you of possible dangers during Web browsing. It has an advanced gaming mode that allows you to temporarily suspend scanning during online gaming.
- This highly touted family anti-virus software updates every hour while your PC is connected to the Internet. It comes with the most advanced child protection controls of any anti-virus system on the market and has an easy-to-use interface control. F-Secure's patented DeepGuard behavior monitoring system allows parents to stop viruses before their children can find them.
- Panda's new Smart Clean technology scans a computer for unwanted viruses 30 percent faster than any previous versions. They claim to have the fastest scanning technology on the market. The standard package includes anti-phishing (the illegal practice of acting like a trustworthy entity for the purpose of gaining sensitive information like usernames and passwords) and anti-banking Trojan protection, as well as a USB vaccination program and complete wireless network configuration control.
- AVG is the Internet's highest rated free anti-virus program. Its Full Internet Security bundle has all the features of other systems for $34.99. Its 95 percent detection effectiveness is good enough for all home users. The AVG interface is easy to navigate, simple to install, and its malicious attack warning system clearly demarcates the level of security risk.
- At $29.95 as of 2010, this is one of the cheapest Internet security systems available. Av-Test gave it 5.5 out of 6 points for both protection and usability. This program incorporates a standard malware detection and removal package with an advanced self-learning system that analyzes all incoming and outgoing data in your PC.
- Anti-Virus Software Review gave this application top scores for ease of installation and use. You don't have to be a computer expert to keep your PC protected with ESET NOD 32. It uses the TreatSense heuristic malware analysis system to stop threats before they enter your PC, but you don't have to do anything as this novice-friendly system thinks for you. In 2010, it retailed for $39.99
- Winner of the 2010 Bronze Award, Webroot Anti-Virus is a high-quality system suitable for users at any level of experience. Its full security package includes Sophos Internet security engine and Spy Sweeper malware guard. Geek Squad promotes and installs Webroot and this top-rated antivirus software has received 11 awards for software excellence.
- At $29.99 for the standard package, Bit Defender ranks as one of the most comprehensive and usable programs. Bit Defender's Active Virus Control system waits in the background of your PC operating system, constantly monitoring your system for threats. You can set it to automatically inoculate against dangers or just warn you of possible threats as they happen. The advanced user interface allows personal control over script blocking, heuristic modes and optimization features.
- Just as its name implies, Avast! stops even the most notorious of Internet pirates from infecting your PC. It has an innovative user interface that allows you to control your security settings while gaming and Web browsing with a few simple clicks. It successfully protects against all forms of malware, rootkits, spyware, adware and email spam. The standard package costs approximately $39.99.