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Best Antivirus Program
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Antivirus Software Performance
When it comes to virus protection, antivirus software reviews agree there's one criterion that towers above all others -- the software must protect your system with a very high degree of success. If it doesn't meet that standard, the program isn't worth buying or downloading, even if it's free.
Antivirus Software Protection.
Most people choose virus protection software based on how well it shields their PC, not on how slick it is or how many non-virus-related bonus features it includes (such as file shredding). Based on this benchmark, expert and user antivirus software reviews assert that Norton Antivirus 2011 is one of the best antivirus programs. PC World rates it "number one" among the best antivirus programs for its excellence at detecting malware and viruses. Norton also scored very high in lab tests by PC Magazine; it didn't beat the competition in every contest but logged the best scores overall. For the best free antivirus scanning, Ad-Aware Free is the program for you. PC Magazine grants it an Editor's Choice award and tests by experts at Softpedia found that Ad-Aware Free detected more than 90% of malware threats. Users posting antivirus software reviews on CNET also applaud Ad-Aware Free's efficacy, noting that it blocks threats and wipes out cookies.Our two picks as good antivirus protectors also exhibit muscle. McAfee has long been one of the most popular security software makers, and its AntiVirus Plus 2011 draws praise in antivirus software reviews on Amazon for basic functionalities that keep viruses and malware at bay and for signaling unsafe websites. An antivirus software review by PC Magazine hedges a bit, noting that McAfee's protective prowess in lab testing was about average -- it missed some malware threats and didn't clean up existing malware as thoroughly as it should have -- but the reviewers like the extra features, including antiphishing capabilities and a firewall (users agree). Regarding Kaspersky Lab Anti-Virus 2011, an expert antivirus software review on PC World extols its ability to sniff out malware, particularly when blocking live attacks, as well as its cleanup efforts. On the other hand, Antivirusware.com points out its updates to the virus definition database occur less frequently than is the rule with other well-regarded antivirus shields.
Some antivirus programs just don't seem to provide adequate protection. Bitdefender Antivirus Pro 2011 does a fine job defending against phishing attacks and detecting rootkits, according to PC Magazine's antivirus review, although it can't seem to completely remove them or stand tall against other malware, either in terms of blocking attacks or removing infestations. Users offer up harsher assessments, with one reporting on PC Magazine that viruses have multiplied on his computer and others commenting in virus protection reviews on Amazon that the program sent messages indicating the computer was vulnerable and removed a backup program that it misidentified as a virus. A few reviews on Amazon, however, champion Bitdefender 2011 for its reliability. Trend Micro Titanium Antivirus 2011 also attracts strong criticism from expert and user reviewers. Antivirusware.com, for example, says this latest version of the software is disappointing, partly because it's so bare-boned and automated but largely because it's not very effective. The antivirus review further notes that independent testing labs found that Trend Micro Titanium didn't adequately detect viruses or malware, an assessment likewise stated by PC Magazine,which adds that it's particularly weak in the face of older threats and already-present infections.
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Trend Micro Titanium Antivirus 2011
This program earns mixed reviews from experts, who assign low to mediocre ratings based on performance in test labs. Users like its speed and ease of use, but some grouse about limited control options. Read more »
Bitdefender Antivirus Pro 2011
Bitdefender Antivirus Pro 2011 has some strong points, such as a flexible, innovative user interface, but it underperformed in several expert tests. Some users say the program causes errors and may not install properly. Read more »
Products Mentioned in This Review
Panda Antivirus Pro 2012 ReviewAVG Anti-Virus 2011 Review
Trend Micro Titanium Antivirus 2011 Review
Bitdefender Antivirus Pro 2011 Review
McAfee AntiVirus Plus 2011 Review
Kaspersky Lab Anti-Virus 2011 Review
Ad-Aware Free Review
Norton Antivirus 2011 Review
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