Monday, 21. July 2008, 20:52:44
I've noticed that many users still use either cracked security software or no security software at all.
Now using cracked security software is like relying on locks bought from some strange guy, not running anything today is not that smart even if you are very cautious while browsing. Besides, who ever said you have to pay for anything? Many already know them, others don't. You really can't lose anything, just gain.
Here are three most known antivirus programs that keep milions of users secured online.
I'll make a small description so it'll be easier to decide but feel free to try all three (separately of course) and decide which one fits your needs...
avast! Antivirus Home EditionOne of the oldest antiviruses around, first program to achieve VB100% award, the avast! Antivirus from Czech based ALWIL Software. Their philosophy is to offer security to every home user for free without any catches or detection limitations. What is detected by their payable version is also detected by the free one. Too good to be true? Nah, it's all there!
Quick description:
+ provides protection against all malware types (even against spyware/adware & active rootkits!)
+ fast with small footprint
+ also supports legacy operating systems (like Windows 98)
+ very small and fast fully automatic updates (checks every 4 hours, even 56k friendly!)
+ very good technical support through forums, e-mail and phone+ very configurable even for free version
+ sound/speech effects for warnings
+ strong self-defense
+ update servers are the same as the ones for payable users (over 80 hi-speed servers!)
- no scan/task scheduler
- detection is not the best (though it's not that bad as it might sound, they're improving it fast)
- requires free registration every 14 monthsAVG Antivirus Free EditionThats correct, another Czech based antivirus company called Grisoft. Their antivirus has been known for very low footprint and good compatibility in the past. With acquisition of Ewido Networks they've gained quiet some technology which greatly reflects in their detection rates in their latest versions of their antivirus. Investments from Intel Corporation also help them greatlly i assume...
Quick description:
+ offers malware and spyware/adware detection
+ quiet fast
+ very good detection
+ easy to use (not all that configurable)
- does not support legacy operating systems anymore (like WIndows 98)
- does not protect from active rootkits
- checks for updates only once per 24 hours (thats bad)
- uses special a bit slower free servers
- tech support limited to forums onlyAVIRA AntiVir Personal FreeFormerly known as H+BEDV with their flagship product AntiVir. They've renamed their company to AVIRA some time ago and since then, it's getting better and better...
This one used to be the ugly duckling in the past with rather mediocre detection, ugly interface, huge and slow updates. Something no one would really want to use. German engineers changed all that in just 2 years. Today, AntiVir is one of the most highly rated antiviruses there is, with brutal detection in all fronts, nice interface, incrimental and very frequent updates. But free version has its downsides...
Quick description:
+ very configurable even for free version
+ very high detection
+ very high scan speed
+ very frequent almost hourly released updates
+ offers Scheduler to schedule scans or update checks
- does not support legacy operating systems anymore (like Windows 98)
- offers only malware detection (no spyware/adware detection)
- does not protect from active rootkits
- uses special a bit slower free servers
- checks for updates only once per 24 hours (thats bad)
- displays advertising popup for their Premium version after each virus definition update
- tech support limited to forums onlyEach has it's own limitations and bonuses so don't look just at minuses... Check the list and decide what you need the most. Or simply try each of these three and decide then. I'm quiet sure anyone would find something useful for himself/herself. Better safe than sorry!
Surf the net in a safe way!
WIDGETIZE