Which AntiVirus Has the Best (and Worst) Protection? - Comments Page 1

LOL!- Look at ALL the independent test facilities. They're all different! I have been using avast! Internet Security (Paid version) for 3-4 yrs. with absolutely NO issues. It is a bit heavy on my XP Pro system, however. When it expires in December, I will be taking a look at the other Internet Security suites. BitDefender and Kaspersky will be the first!

Well, this is disconcerting, especially in light of the fact I moved to Webroot specifically as a result of a recommendation on this website about a year ago. Guess I'll try again.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I'd wait until the AV-TEST results are out in February. Different labs come up with different test results, based on their test methodologies.

I am intrigued by two things: 1) There were no Symantec/Norton products. Although PC Tools uses their virus definitions, it's still interesting. 2)I'd like them test or at least mention testing a brand new "wild" virus that would test the more advanced heuristic capabilities. I think they do this on some other releases, but it should be at least addressed here.

Seems like we need G-Data to find it and Kapersky to clean it. Good luck with getting two different security systems to work seemlessly on one computer

I'm surprised you left off one of the best: ESET NOD 32. I've used paid and unpaid AV apps and nothibng comes close to it.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I didn't forget ESET. It just didn't do very well in the detection or removal tests. But it was very good at not reporting false positives, if that's any consolation.

I have been using Iolo System Mechanic Professional for a few years with no issues. Yet nobody tests this.

Re: Your response to Scott. "EDITOR'S NOTE: ... Different labs come up with different test results, based on their test methodologies."

Exactly! There doesn't appear to be any industry wide standard for testing anti-malware products. When one lab uses XP w/SP3 and another uses Windows 7 without SP1, how is that doing the consumer any good? A product rated # 1 today may be a dismal failure tomorrow.

Besides, if someone chooses to use a product that has an 80% detection rate, that's still 80% better than someone who doesn't use anything at all.

Are these the paid-for versions listed? I'm short on money, as many of us are, and I use free versions whenever possible.

I am a long time Norton Internet Security client. They are not mentioned anywhere here. I get live teck support on chat and on phone. I use Norton for the wifes business, and our personal needs. Never had a problem with them.......and this is a comment on the article..... "just saying"

It is relevant to point out that McAfee is now owned by Intel. This means:
a) Intel believed in there technology enough to
acquire it.
b) McAfee technology is now embedded in the
newest and future Intel chips. It is
therefore the only hardware-based anti-
malware.
c) The heuristics in embedded McAfee are
designed to block Day Zero attacks even
before they reach the OS kernel.
d) McAfee development now has the full power
of Intel resources.

Maybe not #1 at any one thing, McAfee does almost everything well. By contrast, Trend Micro is kind of a one-trick pony.

One final comment. Pure Anti-Virus is fast becoming irrelevant. We are swimming in Advanced Threats that need more sophisticated solutions.

Enjoyed reading the anti-virus and -malware article but was REALLY surprised that Malwarebytes wasn't mentioned in the latter sectioon. I must presume it wasn't tested or that its score fall between the best and the worst of the tested group.

Why isn't Anti-Malware bytes not listed or not tested?

I too am irritated they did not test Norton. Very odd decision. I wonder if the February test will correct this.

I'm somewhat dismayed that there is no mention in AV-Comparatives methodology document about Windows 7. This document was last revised April 2009. (It DOES state that the document is undergoing an update but doesn't mention when the update is expected.) In the FAQ section (page 19), item 15 says:

Q. Under which operating system are the tests currently usually performed, and why?
A. About 75% of our website visitors still use Windows XP and only about 20% are currently using
Vista... As soon as the majority of the users use Vista, we will test under Vista (or whatever the most used operating system after XP will
be).

I'm assuming this is just an oversight and Windows 7 is part of the test stream.

Bob..A few days ago VIPRE was reported in your site as the top anti-virus program to use now I do not see it in any of this recent article. I am more confused then ever which one is truly the best.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I don't recall mentioning VIPRE recently. It does appear in the report, and also in my article.

I noted that Norton Security Suite was not included in the test...wonder why not, and how they would have rated compared to those tested.

Bob:
Thanks for your article on the top anti-virus programes. I downloaded and installed Avira Anti-virus and ran a scan,and the programme found three viruses not found by Microsoft Security Essentials,after I ran a full scan this past weekend. MSE and Malewatebytes have been deleted from my PC.
Thanks.

Like others, I wonder why Norton/Symantec is not listed or mentioned, nor is Malwarebytes. You also seem to be unwilling to address this question in this comments section, although you do respond to other questions. What's up? I have been using NIS for about 4 years, with no problems (also Malwarebytes). I like your newsletter, but your silence is puzzling. Do you have a problem with Norton?

EDITOR'S NOTE: I was not the one who ran the test, or created the report! So I can't tell you why they didn't include the very popular Norton product. It does seem like a serious omission. You'll have to ask the folks at AV-C why they made that decision. I've sent a query and will report back here if they reply.

As for MBAM, most don't consider it a full-blown anti-virus program. It's certainly a debatable point, but it's historically been treated as a second line of defense option. I'd like to see it compared head to head with the others.

Bob,

I'm still happy enough with the free Panda, which I've used almost since it was a beta.. But I do also run Malware bytes about once a week, and Spybot about once a month, usually over a dinner break when nothing else is happening.

But I dare say much of my nearly 100% freedom from infections is caused by the fact my computer doesn't often visit dodgy sites and I'm not a compulsive clicker of unexpected and unwanted pop-ups ;-)

Gyppo

Such studies are usefull, though not inherently thorough. 'A' may not catch them all nor 'B' nor 'C' nor 'D,' etc. But maybe A + C or C + D, for example might. I'd like that kind of study. Now personally I use MSSE and keep Malwarebytes and Spybot on the side to use as necessary and this has worked fine ( for years so far.) And they are both free too.