Best AntiVirus (Free) From my this List?:?

Question

AVG Free Edition

Avira AntiVir

Avast! Home Edition

AOL Active Shield

McAffee Internet Security Suite
("New" AOL Active Shield) http://safety.aol.com/isc/MaximumSecurity/

From the list above which would be the best?

Answer 1

AOL Active Virus Shield *was* the best of that group, but unfortunately is no longer available.



The new McAfee could very well be *rated* the best, but based on past issues, it is bound to be a resource hog.



Of the remaining three, Avira is consistently rated the highest, although I personally find AVG to be more user friendly.



So in summary, the best product (McAfee) will probably slow down anyone with less than 2GB RAM. Between AVG and Avira it's a coin toss for a little better detection (Avira) or a little more user friendly (AVG).



Edit: I gave a 'thumbs down' to a "Top Contributor" above because they cited a source for test results and they weren't there. Your source should be/do what you say it is.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Get Avast Free. It's the most effective free antivirus going. None of them delete cookies, to my knowledge. You can do that within your operating system. Don't rely solely on an antivirus for protection: There are several other applications you need to be using as well.

Answer 4

For a good anti virus scanner look for the following:

->Scanning accuracy

->Ability to clean threats along with detect them



Virus Bulletin is a site that compiles past and present results of a scanner's performance in its ability to detect all known 'In the Wild' threats at the time of testing. Below is compiled total of 52 sessions, including the most recent of June 2007



Mcafee - 32 pass, 19 fail, 2 no entry

Avast - 24 pass, 19 fail, 10 no entry

AVG - 18 pass, 22 fail, 31 no entry

Avira - 10 pass, 1 fail, 42 no entry



I would not go on these test results alone but use them as historic baseline. Consider PC requirements whereas some scanners may use more memory and resources to scan. There various reviews from CNET or Firewallguide.com for other things to consider. All of these scanners listed above are certified by either ICSA Labs or Westcoast labs in their ability to not only detect threats but to clean threats as well.

Answer 5

If it were free, I would go with McAffee Internet Security Suite, I have a problem with the AVG Free Edition... ONLY when it pops up by downloading the updated files it needs when I am in the middle of doing something.. I use it.

Answer 6

The 2 AOLs or Avira or 1 that's not in your list: Comodo (they've got the best free firewall also PCwolrd states that even not as popular as zonealarm)

Answer 7

AVG ALL THE WAY,the rest say smiley central is corrupt and full of viruses when it isn't,have used AVG for several years with no problems at all and it will catch viruses from different sites you visit or downloads from sites.

Answer 8

AVG Free Edition no doubt!

Answer 9

DUDE AVG or Avast.

Answer 10

McAffee Internet Security Suite this tool is rated as a better one than the rest by pcworld.com they test all tools put out there and rate them. you can read the test results your self if you like. http://www.pcworld.com good luck.

Answer 11

mcafee will protect you the best from the list you have

Answer 12

AVG and Avast.

Answer 13

AVG hands down.

Answer 14

I use AVG. It's never failed me before.

Answer 15

avast by miles

Answer 16

avast