Antivirus
software
Guide
Picks.. From
Mary Landesman,
Antivirus
software is must-have protection. This review picks the best antivirus software
based on its virus detection abilities, features, and breadth of protection.
Whether you're seeking total system coverage or an ala carte solution, each of
the following products provides superb virus protection for Windows-based PCs.
Because every system is unique, evaluate several of these antivirus products to
find the software best suited for your PC and your level of experience.
1) PC-cillin
Internet Security Suite 2004
Building on its solid antivirus capabilities, PC-cillin 2004 also includes spam
and spyware protection, wireless device protection, customizable firewall,
privacy data protection, parental controls to block unsavory sites, and a year's
free tech support via a toll-free number. The software automatically checks for
new virus updates every 3 hours and the spam prevention includes a whitelist,
blacklist, and Bayesian filter - all at a price lower than many standalone
antivirus products.
2) Panda
Antivirus Platinum v7.0
Panda
Antivirus Platinum v7.0 combines antivirus and firewall protection to provide
robust security with minimal system impact. Configurable script blocking and
attachment filtering combined with daily antivirus updates help ensure
protection against even fast spreading new email threats.
3) F-Prot for
Windows
F-Prot for Windows continues to impress with its stellar performance on virus
detection tests. The interface is extremely pleasing - easy enough for novice
users to navigate yet sophisticated enough for the more advanced. An excellent
addition to any antivirus arenal. Should be used in conjunction with a firewall.
4) NOD32
Antivirus System v2.0
NOD32
is a solid performer, easy to use and with little impact on system resources.
Version 2 builds on the product's past accomplishments, remaining true to a
singular theme - virus detection. Should be used in conjunction with a firewall.
5) Norton
Internet Security 2004
Norton Internet Security 2004 offers antivirus protection, a personal firewall,
spam filtering, privacy filters, and parental controls to block unwanted
websites.
6) BitDefender
Professional Edition v7
Softwin's BitDefender Professional protects against viruses, spyware, and
instant messaging threats, as well as offering firewall rules to block
undesirable traffic and a privacy gateway to keep your identity and preferences
private while surfing the Internet.
7) Kaspersky
Anti-Virus Personal
Kaspersky offers excellent antivirus protection, perhaps unsurpassed in its
ability to recognize various compression algorithms and accurately detect
infected files contained within the archives. However, their interface is rather
convoluted and may be best suited to more advanced users. Should be used in
conjunction with a firewall.
8) McAfee
VirusScan 2004
McAfee VirusScan 2004 offers focused antivirus protection coupled with an
intuitive interface and streamlined update process. Unfortunately, much of their
interface is cluttered with advertising for other products in the McAfee family
and configuration options for VirusScan are extremely limited. However, McAfee
has played catch-up this year and the 2004 version now offers the same level of
POP3/SMTP email protection offered by other vendors. Should be used in
conjunction with a firewall.
by-http://antivirus.about.com
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