What is the best real-time AV program for malware protection?

Hello!

I'm looking into getting a new real-time AV program and would like to hear some opinions as to which is the most effective in malware/spyware prevention and removal. I'm currently using Norton Antivirus 2011 and I do run Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware scans - but I'm running scans daily due to paranoia (I was only using Norton, and when I ran those spyware scans for the first time, it found some pretty scary stuff). So I'm looking into replacing my current AV with one that preferably has a good rep with effective malware/spyware prevention/detection/removal - just to feel more at ease and go back to weekly scans rather than panicking and scanning every time something seems slightly off.

(Does anyone have experience with Norton 360? From my understanding, it's supposed to offer better protection against malware, but is it actually effective? )

I would greatly appreciate any suggestions! I don't care in terms of it being a free program or a paid one - I'm just looking for one that gets the job done well.

 

AV and anti-malware are generally handled by separate applications. AV alone won't handle malware and vice-versa. There are programs out there that do both, but niether one particularly well. 360 comes to mind.
My suggestion is to buy Malwarebytes anti-malware for real-time protection from malware, along with the free AV of your choice (I use Avast).

 

Hey CarlyZ,

you may want to try ThreatFire for AV protection http://www.threatfire.com/

Techsent

 

Threatfire's closer to a HIPS than any A/V, and to use it effectively, you'd need a fair bit of knowledge.

 

Hi,
I have just recently dumped AVG as it was bloating my system, I am now using Comodo Internet Security and my machine is loving it!!!! . I also have Malwarebytes that I use as a back up scanner that I scan with once a week, BUT, AV's and spyware scanners can only prevent KNOWN varients of infections, and the best line of defence lies with the USER !!!!

http://majorgeeks.com/Comodo_Internet_Security_d6234.html

http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free

iain.t :major