Need an Antivirus program?

Eldon · Apr 17, 2015

Here's an interesting comparasion of Real-World Protection Test results by AV-Comparatives.

http://chart.av-comparatives.org/chart1.php?chart=chart2&year=2015&month=3&sort=1&zoom=2

Details of how the tests are carried out are available at the website.

http://www.av-comparatives.org/

DavidGP · Apr 18, 2015

Hi

Comparisons are great and the tests are a good guide for how an AV performs at that given time, the tests when you review them over a year, the AVs perform with some variability, but thats no major issue, and I would pick a top 5 performer.

However my main advice is to pick a top 5 performer which is from a known company with a track record but also choose one that you like the GUI and options of, plus some are CPU intensive so if you have a lower end PC/Laptop try a few out (only one at a time and fully uninstall before trying a new one) and see what your PC can handle.

Also do not rely on an AV to keep you safe, it is good but you need to update Windows or OS and all software to current versions and safe surf and download, as its the user in the main that allows malware in to a PC.

But good links Eldon, cheers.

Eldon · Apr 18, 2015

DavidGP said: ↑

...as its the user in the main that allows malware in to a PC.
Click to expand...

Thanks David.
I could not agree more. Someone on MajorGeeks said the best security is between your ears. The interesting result is Avira being #1, alongside Kaspersky & BitDefender. And Avast, that I use, at #10, and to many false positives.

Nick T · Apr 18, 2015

Hey guys, I use Bitdefender Free, Panda Free, and Avast Free on my computers. One on each of course, and haven't had any problems yet. All three seem to be low on resource usage, but Bitdefender seems to have the least impact on my system speed.

satrow · Apr 19, 2015

BitDefender Free also has the oldest engine and is the least configurable, that might be fine for many careful users, as would MSE but MSE is least likely to have issues with other software/drivers.

I use Avast Free - but not the full install - I have a number of other security programs both active and passive, that give a decent spread of protection without undue FPs or performance hit. In real world usage, Avast doesn't give me any FPs, even if it did, it's probably the easiest one to tweak to whitelist/ignore them with.

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Need an Antivirus program?

Eldon Major Geek Extraordinaire

DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

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