|
|
|
|
|
CONS |
 Firewall avail with BitDefender Security 2009Setting choices could use more explanation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2008
(Windows XP, Windows Vista)*
The name Kaspersky may not be widely recognized to most consumers when it comes to antivirus software, but they've certainly been champions in the antivirus arena for quite some time now.
Founded in 1997, the company has mainly been involved in antivirus solutions for home and business users. Their antivirus scan engine can be found in over 50 software security products from different manufacturers, so they're no slouches when it comes to virus protection.
Despite its relatively high cost, overall this product is one of our picks for best antivirus firewall software this year with plenty of great features.
$59.95
|
CONS |
No Firewall
Slightly more expensive than the competition
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONS |
No Firewall
Slightly more expensive than the competition
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
McAfee VirusScan Plus
$39.99
|
McAfee once was a top dog in the antivirus arena, and still is to some degree. While McAfee VirusScan Plus does exactly what it says it does, compared to the competition, it falls short in other categories.
For one thing, it doesn't offer hourly antivirus updates like our top picks do: it only updates daily. With the speed that viruses grow, a day is just too long. Another minus is the fact that McAfee is big on selling your upgrades with this VirusScan Plus package.
The interface has open tabs and options for product that you didn't buy with the antivirus software – which they expect you to upgrade to. This is both confusing a bothersome if you don't want to upgrade to their parental controls software, for example.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Panda Antivirus 2008
(Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista)*
Panda has been an average software package since its inception. And this year, there are no significant improvements that warrant Panda Antivirus 2008 anything but an average rating.
It's got all of the basics: anti-spyware, anti-phishing, anti-rootkit, etc, but not much else. Panda Antivirus 2008 is also heavy on resources and overall a bit slow.
We found the support lacking, and the interface dated. However, it does what it says on a basic level: scans and removes viruses, malware, etc. However, due to lack of thorough independent studies, we can only give this a marginal rating.
$49.95
|
CONS |
No Windows 2000 support
Poor tech support
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2008
$39.95
|
Trend Micro may not be a household name, but they hold their own when it comes to lean and mean antivirus protection. The program runs light on resources, has a sleek user interface, and decent virus blocking capabilities, and good antispyware.
So why is Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2008 lower on our list? There haven't been enough independent tests done on their actual antivirus capabilities, especially against its top competitors.
Could this mean they're trying to hide something? Hard to say. But without independent confirmation of its abilities, we're reluctant to give it greater endorsement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CA Anti-Virus Plus CA Anti-Spyware 2008
(Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista)*
 On one hand, CA Anti-Virus Plus CA Anti-Spyware 2008 is better and faster than its 2007 version, but that's about all the praise we can give it. Otherwise, this 2008 antivirus version is mediocre at best. It's got simple antivirus and antispyware functions, but not much else.
The tech support is entirely lacking, and the install is geared towards up-selling and installing third party applications (Yahoo toolbar, etc).
CA Anti-virus is relatively expensive for the minimal features you get. You can do far better with one of our other top picks: VIPRE Antivirus, Kaspersky, or BitDefender.
$39.99
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Overall, BitDefender is a solid antivirus program. Like Kaspersky, BitDefender offers hourly updates and a great bang for your buck.
