This site is dedicated to comparing and reviewing free windows software. I started this site because I could never find a proper, unbiased comparison of free software. The thing that really pushed me to make this, though, was a horrible bittorent “comparison” I found on digg; it was just someone rambling about the software with absolutely nothing to back it up. Please, tell me if you have an idea for a comparison. I realize some of my tables go off the page, there’s nothing I can do about it and I’m sorry.
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Hey theymos,
I tried finding the appropriate link for this….just a note to thank you for your info. I’m looking at alternatives for previous AV programs (eg) Norton (yuck) and Trend PC-cillin (ho hum).
I’m considering Ashampoo AntiVirus but can’t find any info with meat on it…mostly vendor’s links and download portals, all with the same promo “reviews”.
Anyway, thanks again.
Burt from DownUnder
Comment by Burt — August 8, 2007 @ 5:36 am
You’re welcome.
Unless you have kids who often use the internet or administrate a business computer network, I don’t see why you would would need to use a non-free antivirus. However, if you really want to buy, here are the best antivirus applications(ordered best to worst), based on a few online comparisons(my recommendations are bold):
NOD32
Norton
Antivir
Trustport
F-secure
AntiVirusKit
eScan
Kaspersky
F-prot
Bitdefender
McAfee
Forticlient
Dr. Web
Microsoft OneCare
Avast!
NormanVirusControl
AVG Anti-malware
If you use any of the applications on that list, you’ll be fine. Be aware that the list is based on their scanning engine only, and doesn’t take their interface or memory usage into account.
Ashampoo antivirus uses a “borrowed” back-end to their antivirus(they do this for most of their software). They have the same scanning engine as Antivir, with a different user interface.
Comment by theymos — August 8, 2007 @ 6:47 am
Hi theymos,
I was rapt when I got your email because I’d just minimized by browser after prowling around (wait for it) NOD32, Kapersky, Antivir and Avast websites (in descending order) Unbloodybelievable!!!!!!!!
My short short-list was down to NOD32 and Antivir because Kapersky seems a bit techy for this little duck and Avast came in last place because of your test results.
I don’t redally want to pay for an AV program BUT I think it may be money well-spent in this day and age.
I’ll get a glass of wine, look at ALL my saved info & try and work out my best options.At least I have 2 months before my PC-cillin expires…
You’re a champ,
Burt
Comment by Burt — August 8, 2007 @ 8:33 am
Haha, what a coincidence!
I definitely recommend NOD32, even though it is a bit pricey, I’ve heard over and over again that it’s the best antivirus in existence. Antivir is great at detecting viruses, but I don’t think the advanced features you get with paying will be nearly as good. I’ve used kaspersky, and it’s easy to use, with good detection; it uses too much memory for my taste, though. Like you said, Avast doesn’t have the best detection, and you don’t get very much for paying. Good luck, I hope you find what you’re looking for!
Comment by theymos — August 8, 2007 @ 8:56 am
Hi theymos,
It is very impressive piece of work that you are doing here.
I wonder if you intend to enter the area of software which performs a “Health check” on you computer. I am involved only in a very narrow and unique niche (Disk Fragmentation measurement and management) but I think that making a comparative analisys in this area will be highly appreciated.
Koby.
Comment by Koby Biller — November 1, 2007 @ 2:48 am
Thanks, Koby. The problem with “health check” type software is that they all do very different things, and what they do are difficult to measure. If I was to do a comparison of Disk Fragmentation measurement applications, how would I be able to tell which was the most accurate? I’d have to use one of the applications to get a baseline, and then the comparison wouldn’t be objective.
Thanks for the link to your site, I was wondering how I’d test defragmenters. Now I know that I can use your LaceLevel software!
Comment by theymos — November 1, 2007 @ 1:09 pm