Antivirus or anti-virus software is software used to prevent, detect and remove malware (of all descriptions), such as: computer viruses, malicious BHOs, hijackers, ransomware, keyloggers, backdoors, rootkits, trojan horses, worms, malicious LSPs, dialers, fraudtools, adware and spyware. Computer security, including protection from social engineering techniques, is commonly offered in products and services of antivirus software companies. This page discusses the software used for the prevention and removal of malware threats, rather than computer security implemented by software methods.
Therefore an Anti-Virus program is necessary in PC to prevent malware attacks. So, lets see the Top AntiVirus programs of 2013, according to users rating.
| #1 Bitdefender | 9.58 / 10 |
| #2 Kaspersky | 8.75 / 10 |
| #3 Norton | 8.73 / 10 |
| #4 F-Secure | 8.50 / 10 |
| #5 AVG | 7.70 / 10 |
| #6 Avast | 7.58 / 10 |
| #7 Quick Heal | 7.55 / 10 |
1). Bitdefender: If you’re looking for strong and easy antivirus software, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus stands at the ready. Offering effective security, simple usability, effective resource usage and an enticing price point, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is the best antivirus software. It is a top-tier antivirus software solution with superior protection and performance whether you’re an advanced user looking to control the whole process manually or an average user who simply wants a set-and-forget solution. This antivirus software provides protection and peace of mind without taxing your PC performance or paycheck.
Installation is quick and includes step-by-step instructions. The process includes a pre-installation scan and doesn’t require a reboot before you’re up and running. The user interface is elegant and minimalistic. You can drag and drop modules to perform actions directly from the main window. The application uses a feature called Autopilot to make security-related decisions without prompting you for responses. There is nothing to configure, no alerts and no pop-ups. If you choose to make any manual changes to the security settings, Autopilot shuts itself off in the same way that your car's cruise control cancels itself if you tap the brakes.
2). Kaspersky Anti-Virus is one of the best antivirus software solutions available. Kaspersky Anti-Virus protects your computer against bots, worms, Trojans, rootkits, spyware and viruses. It also detects new threats and prevents them from infiltrating your system.
The product includes three licenses. Installation doesn't require a restart. An included bootable recovery disk can rescue your computer by detecting and removing malware without booting the compromised OS. If you aren't able to download the software because of a malware infection, you have the option to download a specialized tool to preemptively scan your PC and remove the threat to accommodate a clean install.
The Kaspersky interface is effectively organized. You can set your preferences and let the software protect your computer without constantly monitoring it. Scans and updates happen automatically by default. The software includes real-time security as you surf the web, communicate via email or IM, and download, access and open files. In the event of an infection or potential threat, the software immediately lets you know and provides quick access to identify and fix the problem.
3). Norton AntiVirus is effective antivirus software from Symantec. It protects against viruses, worms, bots and spyware. Norton AntiVirus is easy to install and use. It scans quickly. And you can get free customer support every day at any hour. Extensive testing by AV-Test labs in Germany reveals that Norton Antivirus competes at the head of the class in terms of its ease of use, ability to protect against malware and ability to disinfect machines that are already infected.
4). F-Secure Anti-Virus is among the best antivirus software programs. It is streamlined, fast and effective. With advanced protection technology and additional integrated security features, F-Secure protects against viruses, spyware, worms and Trojans. F-Secure can also locate and eliminate rootkits. This antivirus software also protects against viruses spread through emails, cookies or malware that attempts to infiltrate the PC registry.
Taking F-Secure Anti-Virus from start to scanning is straightforward. The installer automatically removes any other antivirus software you have installed (as they interfere with each other). The software is a fairly resource-conscious program and protects without sacrificing resources.
F-Secure Anti-Virus has a number of useful resources available online for additional product support. You can contact technical support 24/7 by phone, email live chat. Online they feature several help articles and a knowledgebase. Direct in-product help is in the form of a user manual.
5). AVG Technologies began in 1991 and is now one of the biggest players in the antivirus software market with corporate offices in Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. AVG Anti-Virus is one of a handful of the best-performing antivirus software products in the world.
One of the most respected and objective independent IT-security institutes, AV-Test, torture tested AVG Anti-Virus and scored it for its ability to protect and repair. AV-Test also tested AVG for usability. The test results show that AVG is one of the very best-performing antivirus software products and makes it into the top handful of products in its category.
AVG Anti-Virus software uses layers of protection. The first layer is traditional antivirus, which recognizes threats by matching them to a database of known threats. It also defends against spyware and adware in order to protect personal information. Another layer, AVG Resident Shield, prevents you from opening infected files. Every day there are new threats that aren’t in any antivirus software vendor’s database. AVG collects data on fast-breaking infections from the installed base of users who opt to share zero-day data and then updates customer PCs automatically. This security product monitors your protection level and reports back to the AVG lab if it finds a problem. The alert will pop up an Auto-Fix button, and if you press it, AVG will make the correction and set itself back to the best protection mode.
6). Avast Pro Antivirus is good antivirus software. Avast Pro has a striking interface and many practical features such as:
• WebRep – provides proactive link scanning with color-coded security reputation ratings on search results
• SafeZone – an inside-out virtual desktop (sandbox) tool for discreet online shopping or banking
• AutoSandbox – automatically opens suspicious applications in the protected virtual sandbox
• Security Gadget – a small desktop widget for Windows 7 or Vista to help you stay up to date on your security status
Scope of Protection:
Avast Pro Antivirus uses several layers of protection, keeping your PC and resources safe from several angles. With built-in protection from spyware, rootkits and Trojans, the software is equipped for all major security threats. The application includes protection from malware spread through email (by scanning both inbound and outbound messages), and it also has an integrated IM shield. Avast also includes specific protection for several popular P2P file-sharing applications.
Avast Pro Antivirus has an advanced heuristic scanning engine to proactively detect malware that tries to bypass traditional virus scanners. While the files may look harmless, if they show malware-like behavior, the heuristic scanning engine can stop them.
With a combination of features, tools and technologies, Avast Pro Antivirus is equipped to effectively protect your computer. The antivirus software is able to keep your personal files and information safe while keeping any intruders at bay. The security application is equipped to locate and remove existing threats, as well as detect, deter and defend against any new threats.
7). Quick Heal Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is a leading IT security solutions and ISO 9001 certified company. The solutions are well integrated systems that simplify IT security management across the length and depth of devices and on multiple platforms. They are customized to suit consumers, small businesses, Government establishments and corporate houses.
