Top 9 Windows Antivirus

Antivirus software is must-have protection. This review picks the best antivirus software based on its virus detection abilities, features, and breadth of protection. Whether you're seeking total system coverage or an ala carte solution, each of the following products provides superb virus protection for Windows-based PCs. Because every system is unique, evaluate several of these antivirus products to find the software best suited for your PC and your level of experience.
1. Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Premium
AntiVir is a consistent leader in independent antivirus tests. Avira's AntiVir PersonalEdition Premium is a low-impact, easy to use virus scanner that also includes rootkit detection and phishing protection. Five euros of each purchase is automatically donated to the Auerbach Foundation, a non-profit that supports various charity and community-related services. AntiVir PersonalEdition Premium should be used in conjunction with a firewall.

2. Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal
Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal offers excellent antivirus protection, perhaps unsurpassed in its ability to unpack and scan compressed files - something that trips up a lot of other vendors. Should be used in conjunction with a firewall.

3. BitDefender Antivirus Plus
Softwin's BitDefender Professional protects against viruses, spyware, and instant messaging threats, as well as offering firewall rules to block undesirable traffic and a privacy gateway to keep your identity and preferences private while surfing the Internet.

4. McAfee VirusScan Plus
McAfee VirusScan Plus is an ideal candidate for those seeking an antivirus/firewall combination without all the bloat of traditional Internet security suites. McAfee VirusScan Plus makes an easy job of removing adware and spyware, something not all antivirus products deliver.

5. Panda Antivirus 2007
Panda Antivirus 2007 combines antivirus, antispyware, and antiphishing with its highly touted behavior-based TruPrevent Technology. License covers use on two computers and includes free tech support via email (telephone support options are also available).

6. F-PROT Antivirus
F-PROT Antivirus for Windows offers a feature that's increasingly harder to find - it includes a command-line scanner that can be used to create a rescue CD for scanning the system in Safe Mode. This is a particularly effective way to remove stubborn resuscitators. Firewall not included.

7. G Data AntiVirusKit (AVK)
AntiVirusKit (AVK) provides a double layer of protection, bundling two of the best antivirus engines - Kaspersky and BitDefender - under a single, easy-to-use console. Like Nod32, you'll also want to bolster G Data's AVK with a firewall.

8. AVG Anti-Malware
AVG Anti-Malware combines traditional virus protection with adware and spyware scanning, in a low impact footprint ideal for resource-strained PCs or those who just want the best performance possible out of their computers. Free tech support is available via email and the standard license includes two years of protection. Should be used in conjunction with a firewall.

9. Eset Nod32
Nod32 features a small footprint, low performance hit, and fast scan speeds, providing focused virus protection ideal for gamers or those with an older PC. Should be used in conjunction with a firewall.

Trojans, Dialers and Worms – Oh My! Anti-Virus Software

Remember in the Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy and her friends were walking through the dark forest with threats lurking in every shadow and around every corner? That's kind of how it is when you surf the Web without adequate anti-virus protection. Unfortunately, when you're on the Web, the threats aren't imagined – they're very real.

According to a recent Washington Post article, there were about 5.5 million viruses introduced to the Web last year alone. That's more than 15,000 new viruses a day – or 625 new viruses each hour. Quite a challenging number for anti-virus companies to keep up with.

Getting adequate anti-virus protection is only half the battle. You have to keep that anti-virus program updated and have to scan your system regularly. Just having outdated anti-virus software on your PC isn't going to do you a lick of good. Fortunately, some of the anti-virus products make it easier on you with automatic updates and scheduled system scans.

Companies like Star Reviews give consumer some insight as to which anti-virus programs are easiest to use and which ones offer the most protection. By researching reviews conducted by investigative sites such as this one, consumers are better able to determine which anti-virus solution would best meet their needs without taking the antiquated "trial-and-error" approach.

Tips on avoiding Viruses and Worms: Anti-Virus Software

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  Install antivirus software, update regularly, and use it regularly.
  Do regular backups. If you contract a virus it may be the only way to recover your data. Ideally, you should backup your entire system on a regular basis, however if this is not practical, at least backup files that you can’t afford to lose or that would be difficult to replace: documents, bookmark files, address books, important emails, etc.
  
• When possible, avoid e-mail attachments both when sending and receiving e-mail.
• Never open email attachments with the file extensions VBS, SHS, or PIF. These extensions are almost never used in normal attachments but they are frequently used by viruses and worms.
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  Never open attachments with double file extensions such as NAME.BMP.EXE or NAME.TXT.VBS.
  
• Disconnect your network or modem cable when you’re not using your computer-or just power it down.
  
• If you feel that an e-mail you get from a friend is strange (if it is a foreign language or it just says odd things) double check with the friend before opening any attachments.
  
• When you receive e-mail advertisements or unsolicited e-mail, do not open attachments.
  
• Avoid attachments with sexual file names.
  
• Do not trust the icons of attachment file. Worms often use executable files which have an icon resembling icons of picture, text, or archive files to fool the user.
  
• Never accept attachments from strangers in online chat systems such as IRC, ICQ, or AOL Instant Messenger.
  
• Avoid using floppies to excha>nge information between computers.