Description Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7.0 is a top-of-the-line antivirus designed for the power user. If you want extensive interaction with your antivirus software, do not need extensive technical support with setup or other common functions, and want the ability to customize as many features as possible, this is the antivirus for you. Top Features LIST ITEM Detects, blocks, and removes spyware including rootkits. Lots of configurable settings for power users. For novices, the default settings work just fine. Free 30-day trial version. (Quarantines only. Must purchase the product to remove malware.) 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee. Highly configurable via user interface (for power users.) Provides extensive data on malware found. Good logging and reporting features. Very aggressive virus detection and removal. Good integration with Microsoft Internet Explorer. Integrates with Microsoft Security Center. Monitors network traffic from certain ports for intrusions.

SCREENSHOTS AWARDS

Description Panda Antivirus 2008 is a good, solid antivirus application. It blocks both known and unknown viruses very well with database comparison and heuristic analysis. It performs less impressively with spyware; it does not detect spyware proactively. Top Features Easy, intuitive user interface. Graphical reporting and good logging information. Easy to configure advanced options. Good, aggressive protection against viruses. 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee. Very aggressive virus detection and removal. Good integration with Microsoft Internet Explorer. Integrates well with Microsoft Security Center. Fast scanner with informative display.

SCREENSHOTS AWARDS

Description Norton AntiVirus 2008 is a top-tier anti-spyware application, blocking all of the malicious applications in our testing, including a broad range of viruses and spyware. Norton claims to be the fastest scanner, however our comparative testing indicated otherwise. Top Features LIST ITEM Thorough: Detects, blocks, and removes spyware viruses, worms, and rootkits. Removes viruses from e-mail and IMs. Stops browser hijackers. Free 15-day trial with full functionality. Free unlimited technical support for registered users. One-click support launches Norton AutoFix. Network mapping provides a view of your home network. The 15-day trial version is fully functional. LiveUpdate is integrated into software. Blocks malware proactively. Minimal memory usage (11 Mb for all services/drivers, 60 Mb or more when scanning/updating.) Good integration with Microsoft Internet Explorer.

SCREENSHOTS AWARDS

Description McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008 performs well with virus detection and removal. It is easy to learn and easy to use. Top Features Mcafee SiteAdvisor rates search returns for safety. Very good virus detection and removal. Monitors incoming and outgoing Internet traffic and flags suspicious activity. Detects, blocks, and removes spyware including rootkits. Includes firewall. Easily add machines and manage security for multiple PCs. Includes phishing protection. System diagnostic tools shred deleted files and defrag hard drive. Performs faster and requires fewer system resources than previous versions. 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee.

SCREENSHOTS AWARDS

What is a Virus?

A virus is a program or programming code that replicates by being copied or initiating copying from one host file to another. Some viruses are benign or playful in intent and effect; some can be harmful, erasing data or causing the user's hard disk to require reformatting. Because viruses by definition replicate, they can be used to spread the speed of spyware and other types of crimeware without the victims' knowledge. 

A  virus is typically hidden within another seemingly harmless program. It produces copies of itself and inserts them into other programs or files without permission or knowledge of the user, and then performs some malicious action, such as destroying or corrupting data, or reformatting the hard disk. Two categories of viruses, macro viruses and worms, are especially common today. Although computer viruses are created by human hackers, they can be spread without human intervention.

Not all viruses are programmed to destroy or corrupt data. Even some relatively benign viruses, such as those programmed to announce their presence by displaying text, video, or audio messages, can cause trouble. They usually hog computer resources required by legitimate programs, and as a result, often cause computers to behave erratically, freeze or crash.

Unlike spyware, malicious programming written exclusively for financial gain, hackers often write viruses to show off their technical abilities. This is a distinction that may be lost on victims of any type of malicious programming.

What is an Anti-virus?

Anti-virus is a software program that scans a computer’s memory and mass storage to detect, quarantine, and kill viruses. Once installed, the best of these applications also scan incoming files in real time to prevent the user from becoming infected with viruses again. 

Why You Need an Anti-virus Application:

Computer viruses can cause a wide range of problems. Some are designed to replicate themselves over and over until they use up all available memory. Other viruses attack e-mail applications, instant messaging programs, file-sharing applications, or other online activities, and can send themselves to everyone in your e-mail address directory. The Internet is a means of linking computers with one another. You need anti-virus software to protect your own computer and all those computers with which yours can be linked. Without meaning to do so, you can infect your friends, family, and business associates, and they can infect you. A good anti-spyware will block these malicious programs, maintain the integrity of your data, and protect you from infection by incoming malicious files.

How We Rate Anti-virus Applications:

All Star Reviews’ experts provide our readers with a quick, high level review and an in-depth technical review of each application. Then, we rate the top anti-virus applications according the following criteria: