Criss

I assume this is the correct forum to ask this, so here goes.

I saw the Opinion: Which AV is best? thread in the FAQ forum, but I am curious to see if there is some sort of independent research somewhere that actually tests the different AV's (free and cost) that has a somewhat definitive answer as to which one is "best".

I have seen lots of supporters for AVG and NOD32, and lots of "haters" for Norton. I didn't bother to read too much into the opinion thread, but was wondering if a lot of the Norton hate was a result of it not being free. I have access to the "Enterprise Edition" (no firewall or other unwanted crap, just the AV engine), and wanted to know how it measured up against the freebies like AVG and NOD32. *I get it as part of my campus agreement if any of you were wondering*

I realize the term "best" can apply to many different aspects of the software, but in this context I mean for catching and removing virii. The smallest footprint etc etc doesn't matter much to me, as long as it's doing what it's supposed to do.

ebotnf

As long as the company provides updates on a regular basis(whether free or not) I think its cool... like you said as long as its doing its job

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Crimsonite

I've seen too many of those AV program comparisons, and all of them have different results. How do you know which one is true?

The only effective way to find out is to try them yourself. I have two spare rigs in my room that I use to play with malwares and viruses. I'd flood them with viruses and try each AV to see which one is the most effective at detecting/removing the viruses. Free versions of course cuz I'm cheap.

Then it turned out that Active Virus Shield by Kaspersky, written for AOL initially, is the best overall. Small program, tiny file footprint, VERY strong detection ability + active protection shield + powerful removal capabilities. Free and constantly updated.

Whatever you do, just don't use Norton or McAfee.

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Criss

Care to expand that statement? Just stating something doesn't exactly help me decide what to use. If it's because Norton costs money, or is a corporate entity trying to squash the little man, then you're wrong. Can you supply some evidence to back up your claim that Norton is an inferior engine so that I would be better equipped to make my AV decision?

burrbit

This website will let you know how each AV program performs each month. Decide which one you prefer.

http://www.av-comparatives.org/
http://www.av-comparatives.org/seite...se_2007_02.php

I personally like NOD32/ AVG.
AVS is also very good because its now a comibation of Kapersky, and AVG. So its essentially 2 AVs in 1.

-The reason you shouldn't use Norton or McAfee, is because they are such popular AV programs, some viruses specifically target those scanners. If you get one of those viruses, good luck finding / disinfecting it.

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Criss

thank you, +rep for the links and norton/mcafee reasoning.

stanrc

i got mcafee free the past 4 years from school and never had any problems. i used norton for a while because i got it from work for free, but then it tried to block cs:s so i got rid of it. now i use avg and still have no problems.

also from what i hear norton is a real memory hog, never looked myself though

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Criss

Consuming resources wasn't really the main focus of the thread, but thanks for the input. I am more interested in which engine does the best job at detecting new (and old) viruses. The better they are at sniffing out the new viruses the better off my computer is.

The Will

NOD32

Just recently I upgraded to vista and installed a convertor program avi to mp4 and apparently a new virus varient also. It hijacked my browser although my firewall stopped it from getting out. I scanned with norton and nothing showed up but as soon as I downloaded NOD32 within a few seconds it detected the virus and removed it.

I dont think symantec is as bad as everyone makes out. In fact they are amongst the top. Up there with nod and kap. Although after there recent failure im using NOD32.

Also NOD is very light on system resources, compared to Norton.

Raptors06

I can confirm what Will stated above - NOD32 takes up far fewer system resources. I've set it up to continually scan opened files across the network and my clients at my office. Additionally, the program scans the server and clients in a full, indepth scan that used to bog down all of the computers to the point where I had to set it up and hope it finished before employees began showing up in the morning with AVG and Norton - both of which I used for a time. Since I've found NOD32, though, I have noticed no hits on bandwidth through the systems. I have it set up now to begin scanning about the time I normally get to the office, and I have the option and flexibility to be able to run it at any other point during the day without the fear of impacting the employees. I support NOD32. I love AVG and still use it at home, but given the chance and the opportunity (which I just haven't taken yet), I'd upgrade to NOD32. Hope it helps.

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