What is the best antivirus for your computer? The best free antiviruses Which antivirus is best to download for your computer.

People whose computers have ever been affected by various viruses are sure that an antivirus for their computer must be selected extremely carefully and very seriously.
Important warning: you need to protect your device right now so that it does not suffer from various malware. Sometimes even real money located in online wallets can be stolen by such programs. Read a useful article for beginners,
There are currently a huge number of antivirus programs, but they operate on almost the same principle. They study the computer and find the most vulnerable places in order to protect them.

There are two types of antiviruses: paid and free

There is no need to think that if the program is expensive, then it protects much better. Today there are a huge number of free offers that will help protect your computer from unwanted viruses. So, next we’ll talk in detail about the best antivirus programs for 2017.

Most likely, this antivirus is the most popular. The program functions very well, users immediately liked it, so to this day they actively use it for their own purposes.

Advantages of Kaspersky Free:
1. The software works very quickly.
2. The free version uses the same databases as the paid version.
3. With its help, all financial transactions are reliably protected.
4. It protects your internet connection using a VPN.
5. There is a function.
6. Compatible with Windows, Android, Mac and other OS.
7. Low license cost.
8. You can use a free trial period (1 month)
9. Do you want a Kaspersky license for a year? Then this is the place for you!

Disadvantages of Kaspersky Free:
1. Some viruses are undetectable.
2. Many features are not available in the free version.

Even those who rarely use a computer have heard about this defender. Avast is a free, but at the same time very convenient and capable antivirus. In order to start using the program, you will first need to provide an email address and go through a short registration. The analysis shows that the antivirus is able to eliminate up to 99% of threats.

Benefits of Avast Free Antivirus:
1. The program has a very nice and simple interface.
2. Lots of add-ons to customize Avast personally for yourself.
3. Protects against applications that can cause even the slightest harm to your computer.
4. Quickly check for threats.
5. Ease of updating the virus database thanks to direct access.
6. Cloud protection technology.

Disadvantages of Avast Free Antivirus:
1. Once a year you will need to repeat the SIMPLE registration process.
2. The free version can only be used for home devices.

The main task of this antivirus is to scan your computer for viruses, as well as delete infected files. It is worth noting that the program is not a full-fledged antivirus, but is more often used in addition to any program of this kind.

Advantages of Dr. WebCurelt:
1. It is possible not to delete infected files, but to “treat” them.
2. You don’t even have to install the program.

Disadvantages of Dr. WebCurelt:
1. The trial version does not have the ability to update the database.
2. It is not possible to work in web mode.

The paid version of the application is considered the best, but the free program will also be of interest to many. Despite some reduced functions, the antivirus works great.

Benefits of Bitdefender Antivirus:
1. Very nice interface.
2. Huge operating efficiency.

Disadvantages of Bitdefender Antivirus:
1. There is no Russian language.
2. Does not work well on weak computers.

The program is one of the best in the business. It detects and eliminates viruses very well. You can download the antivirus for free; to improve performance, you can download various plugins, which are also free.

Advantages of Avira Antivirus:
1. The program saves system resources very well.
2. The antivirus works stably and without any complaints.
3. Quite good protection mechanism and high working efficiency.
4. Reliable protection against threats from the Internet;
5. You can customize data processing and set filters for applications;

Disadvantages of Avira Antivirus:
1. Sometimes advertising windows pop up asking you to purchase a paid version.
2. Sometimes the program may skip Trojans.

Download 360 Total Security

This program has very good protective functions, and at the same time configure 360 Total Security very simple. Various subtleties in the settings are, of course, present, but even a “beginner” can cope with them. Even Microsoft has included the program in its list of recommended ones, so you should pay attention to this antivirus.

360 Total security

Benefits of 360 Total Security:
1. The virus database is constantly updated.
2. The interface is very clear and simple.

Disadvantages of 360 Total Security:
1. The program does not include Russian language.
2. There is only a comprehensive scan.

The program is not particularly popular, but it does its job well. The fact is that it uses the same databases as the paid version of the program.

Advantages of AVG AntiVirus:
1. Very effective protection against viruses.
2. The program is economical in consuming system resources.

Disadvantages of AVG AntiVirus:
1. The check is quite slow.
2. The program sometimes works falsely.

The first antivirus program that managed to use cloud technologies, allowing for better scanning.

Advantages of Panda Free Antivirus:
1. The interface looks very attractive.
2. The virus database is constantly updated.

Disadvantages of Panda Free Antivirus:
1. Not supported on weak PCs.
2. Sometimes the program works falsely.

Comodo Antivirus

Comodo antivirus is in great demand only among experienced computer users, because setting up the program is not so easy.

Comodo Antivirus

Benefits of Comodo Antivirus:
1. The program can identify potential threats.
2. The software is updated frequently.

Disadvantages of Comodo Antivirus:
1. In some cases, test results are controversial.
2. The program may conflict with some files.

An excellent application that can function both during scanning and in real time.

Benefits of SecureAPlus:
1. Databases are updated frequently.
2. Quiet mode is included in the program.

Disadvantages of SecureAPlus:
1. It will be buggy on weak devices.
2. The program is very demanding on computer resources.

The computer is an integral part of everyday life. For some it is a means of earning money, for others it is a means of spending leisure time, for others it is a means of communicating with friends and relatives through the computer, and for others the computer has even replaced going to the store. Therefore, people try to protect their computer and the data stored on it as best as possible. But how best to do this in the world of advanced technology? What guides people when choosing protection for their personal computer? How to achieve the maximum level of security? In this article we will help you understand everything and make the right choice.

So, in order to protect your “machine” you need to definitely install an antivirus on it. This is a program that will protect your computer from malicious software, scans the files and folders we work with to detect viruses, destroys the viruses found, and also disinfects infected files. There are a huge number of antivirus programs, and each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Before you start choosing an antivirus, you should understand the fact that you need to install not two or three antiviruses, but only one. Since after installing several, a conflict of programs will begin, which will affect the performance of the system. If you want to install another antivirus, you must first uninstall the installed one.

Let's now look at the main antivirus programs. They are free and paid. Let's start with the free ones.

Free antivirus programs

Avast Free Antivirus;
AVG Antivirus;
Avira Free Antivirus;
MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials).

Avast Free Antivirus

1. Avast Free Antivirus is one of the popular antiviruses that not only protects your computer when viewing Internet content, but also protects against spam and hacker attacks. This program scans the entire OS for viruses at boot time. Adds suspicious or malicious files to quarantine. This program also has built-in self-defense, that is, no virus can remove it from the computer.

Advantages:

High functionality and level of protection;
Fast data scanning;
Does not load the processor;
Nice interface.

Flaws:

Triggering false alarms;
There is no blocking of pop-ups and banners.

AVG Antivirus

2. AVG Antivirus - protects your personal computer from spyware and viruses, and also blocks web pages with suspicious content. This antivirus is updated free of charge and supports common operating systems. Mainly used by home network users.

Advantages:

Does not load the processor;
High level of protection;
User-friendly interface.

Flaws:

Slow computer scanning;
Intrusive advertising content.

Avira Free Antivirus

3. Avira Free Antivirus – reliably protects against viruses, worms, and Trojans. One click is all it takes to remove malicious software. Doesn't burden the system.

Advantages:

Low resource consumption;
Lightning-fast system scan.

Flaws:

The absence of a module that warns about visiting a malicious site;
A huge amount of advertising;
Lack of Russian menu.

MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials)

4. MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) is an antivirus program that will protect your computer from malicious files and spyware. The program is updated every 24 hours. After installation on your computer, you do not need to restart it.

Advantages:

Ease of use;
Nice interface;
Doesn't load the system.

Flaws:

It is worth noting that to use a free antivirus you need to install it and go through the registration procedure. Some antiviruses, such as Avast, are available in both paid and free versions. After the free demo version of the program expires, you will need to purchase it, but after purchasing the program’s capabilities expand significantly. But if you have enough of the functions that the demo version is equipped with, and you have neither the desire nor the need to buy it, then after the program expires, the activation procedure should be repeated.

Now let's move on to considering the main paid antivirus programs.

Paid antivirus programs

Kaspersky
Dr.Web
NOD32

Kaspersky

1. Kaspersky is the most popular and revered antivirus. This program perfectly protects the system from worms, viruses and other “virtual nastiness”. It also has the following functions: payment protection, parental controls, anti-spam and anti-banner.

Advantages:

High scanning speed;
Effective protection;
Instantly block threats.

Flaws:

Expensive license;
To fully scan your computer, you need to close all programs.

Dr.Web

2. Dr.Web is at the origins of antivirus programs. It effectively protects your computer and allows you not only to remove virus software, but also to treat and restore infected files. Using this antivirus, important information is restored. Dr.Web also has excellent self-defense; it will not be removed by a pest program.

Advantages:

Ability to check archives;
High level of self-defense.

Flaws:

High license cost;
Needs regular downloading of updates.

NOD32

3. NOD32 – perfectly protects the system from malware, spyware, and resists scammers. This program includes anti-spam protection and a personal firewall. There is an opinion that this is the best antivirus for experienced users, as it requires some settings.

Advantages:

High speed;
High level of protection;
User-friendly interface.

Flaws:

High license cost;
Some settings required.

We reviewed the main anti-virus programs, which, according to their criteria, occupy leading positions in the ratings. All of these programs are compatible with the Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems. Of course, the main indicator when choosing antivirus software is the security and protection of data stored on the computer. But when choosing antivirus software, you should also consider the power of your computer.

Which antivirus is better to choose for Windows 7?

The Windows 7 operating system was created in such a way that it has built-in functional protection, which is many times greater than previous versions of the OS. And everything seems to be fine, but the “evil geniuses” who develop malware are one step ahead, and their pest programs penetrate the system, infecting and destroying everything in its path. Therefore, like any other version of the OS, Windows 7 needs additional protection. This means that you definitely need to install an antivirus program on your computer.

But what is the best antivirus program to choose? There is no clear answer to this question. Of the programs we have listed, all are considered good, but none of them guarantees 100% protection for you.

When choosing an antivirus, keep in mind that the operating system can be 32- or 64-bit. Antivirus software is developed specifically for each type. And, of course, computer parameters. If they are very weak, then an antivirus like Kaspersky will simply slow down all the work.

Also, when choosing an antivirus, you need to decide what kind of work you need a computer for. If you use a computer to play games or surf the Internet, then Avast (free version) is suitable for you. If you also work on it, then, by the way, Kaspersky (paid) will suit you. So, the choice is yours!

Which antivirus is better to choose for Windows 8 and 10?

The Windows 8 operating system, like its predecessor, is equipped with a basic level of protection. Each new OS version has expanded and improved security features. Finally, we see that Windows 8 has reached the point where programmers claim that this system is so developed and debugged that it can easily protect itself without antivirus software. But after weighing all the pros and cons, we still recommend installing an antivirus on your computer.

Since Windows 8 is significantly different from previous versions, not every antivirus program is suitable for this system.

And yet, which antivirus is best to install to ensure stable system operation and protect your computer? Hand on heart, we can safely say that Kaspersky antivirus is ideal for Windows 8. It was this company that was the first to “conquer” and adapt antivirus software for Windows 8. The system’s operation with this antivirus is stable and safe.

Antiviruses such as NOD32 and Avast have also performed well in terms of system protection and stability.

Summarizing what has been said, we can conclude that choosing an antivirus program is your personal choice and we have no right to impose our opinion on you, but please give advice on choosing a particular antivirus program. There is no need to chase popularity and brand, this is not always an indicator of quality. And also follow the reviews of friends and acquaintances, because every user praises the antivirus that he uses. But, be that as it may, the choice is yours. Make no mistake, read, take a closer look, because the security of your computer depends on your choice.

Reading time: 7 minutes. Views 158 Published 02/07/2017

Greetings to all readers of this site, in previous posts we discussed in detail on the computer. Now, we are faced with another task, this is to ensure the protection of the computer from viruses and malware. Therefore, in today’s article we will talk about which antivirus is better.

I suggest considering both free and paid versions. Each program has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you must decide for yourself which antivirus to choose. Many of you probably know very well that nowadays, your computer must have a virus protector that can protect your personal data from theft, as well as protect information stored on hard drives from malicious code. After all, it’s no secret that some viruses can not only damage the user’s files, but also disable the computer. As a rule, to protect your home computer from threats, it will be enough for us to install one of the antiviruses.

Which antivirus is better - choose the right protection.

As I already told you, there are free and paid antivirus programs, but you should not disdain free utilities, since they can be no worse than their paid counterparts. We will try to determine which antivirus is best for Windows.

In order for you to protect your computer from viruses, you need to choose only one antivirus, since if you install two or more programs at the same time, a conflict will begin between them. At the same time, it often happens that antiviruses come into battle with each other over something, and in this case there can be no talk of any protection, since they block each other’s work. I also want to recommend that it does not conflict with a third-party antivirus.

It is quite difficult to unequivocally recommend which antivirus is better, since each developer praises their own products. We can only choose favorites based on the results of using certain programs. As for me, most popular antiviruses are very similar to each other. Their only difference is that some programs specialize more in protecting computer files, while others provide maximum protection when working on the Internet.

The best free antiviruses.

I suggest starting to consider the list of which antivirus is better with free products. As a rule, free antiviruses have all the basic functions that will be enough to protect your home computer. Such programs can be classified as “set it and forget it”, since they work independently and do not require paid license renewals or other actions from the user. If you are interested in such antiviruses, then let’s start our list.

Avast! Free Antivirus is a fairly popular antivirus program among users. The utility is completely free, but at the same time it can perfectly protect computers in various fields of application. Once installed, Avast! Free Antivirus, you won't have to delve into its settings, since after installation it will be configured by default to perform its basic duties. But if you want to apply some additional parameters, the program can offer you a large selection of options. Avast can quarantine infected and suspicious files, perform a full scan of your computer for viruses, supports game mode and many other functions. After installation, the program requires a one-time registration. Therefore, if you don’t want to worry too much about choosing a defender for your computer, then Avast is perfect for you.

Avira Free Antivirus is another popular free antivirus program that is ideal for home use. Avira differs from other programs in that it uses little computer resources, thereby not slowing down its operation. The program can constantly monitor the state of the PC, or check it for viruses on a schedule. Avira can update automatically and also monitors the installation of unwanted software. Thus, the utility, without interfering with the user, protects the computer from viruses and malware.

Microsoft Security Essentials is the latest contender for the title of best free antivirus. This is a small anti-virus program from Microsoft, which has a minimum set of all necessary functions, but at the same time protects your computer well from viruses. The program is constantly updated, so it is able to repel the interference of any modern viruses. You can scan your computer on a schedule. Microsoft Security Essentials is suitable for those who do not want to install third-party software, but at the same time care about protecting their PC from viruses. It is advisable to use this antivirus software in conjunction with Windows Firewall.

I would also like to mention to you such free antiviruses as 360 Total Security, Comodo, Panda; they are less popular among users and have more modest functionality, but just like the products described above, they can provide basic PC protection. All of the above programs can be downloaded from the official websites of the developers. Also in the following articles I will tell you how to install them.

The best paid antiviruses.

Let's now look at several paid virus protectors, and also talk to you about which antivirus is better to install. Paid products are quite interesting. They have very broad functionality, support work on devices with different platforms, and are constantly being improved and updated. At the same time, some programs were developed quite a long time ago and were loved by users so much that they became undisputed leaders. At the same time, they can provide device protection at a professional level.

Kaspersky Antivirus– probably one of the best paid antiviruses. Of course, you can use its free version, but it will have reduced functionality. In order to have “protection to the teeth”, you need to buy an annual license. Kaspersky can provide a full-fledged firewall, has a rich set of functions, and also allows the user to customize protection to suit any needs. I would also like to say that the cost of the license is not particularly high, so I recommend installing this antivirus and using its capabilities to the maximum.

Dr. Web is another fairly old antivirus program that almost all users of computers, laptops and smartphones know. Doctor Web, like Kaspersky Anti-Virus, has different versions, and after installation it provides the user with a month-long trial period. Thus, you can later make a choice whether to keep this product on your computer or look for another option. But as a rule, due to its comprehensive functionality and impeccable protection, users prefer Doctor Web. The price for a licensed product is less than for Kaspersky, the subscription is also issued for a year.

ESET NOD32 completes our list. This contender is one of the three best paid antiviruses. It can effectively protect your computer from viruses and provide constant control and monitoring of the system. Unlike the antiviruses described above, this product does not slow down the computer and copes with its task with five points. The program is constantly updated and improved, so if you choose ESET NOD32, you can rest assured about the security of your computer.

Let's summarize.

Summing up the results of today's article, of course I want to choose which antivirus is best for my computer. Undoubtedly, paid products are the undisputed leaders, as they can provide professional-level protection for your devices. If you need to protect your home PC from viruses, and you don’t want to spend money on paid antiviruses, then you can install a free program. In general, as always, the choice is yours, I can only advise you. I also ask you to unsubscribe in the comments what antiviruses you use.

This article presents the best free antiviruses for the Windows operating system. The review of the best antiviruses is based on tests from leading antivirus laboratories and my personal experience.

Many antivirus software manufacturers release, along with paid antiviruses, free versions of their products. Quite often, free versions of antiviruses from well-known manufacturers turn out to be no worse than their paid counterparts, and often even surpass paid antivirus solutions from lesser-known manufacturers.

This review of the best free antiviruses for the Windows operating system includes the following programs: 360 Total Security, Avast Free Antivirus, Kaspersky Free, Panda Free Antivirus, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition, AVG AntiVirus FREE, Avira Free Antivirus.

It should be taken into account that users have different preferences and their own security requirements; it is also necessary to familiarize yourself with the system requirements for the computer hardware, because on different hardware, antivirus programs can work differently (faster or slower).

All free antiviruses presented in the article have been time-tested, so you can be sure that these antiviruses will reliably protect your computer from viral and malicious threats.

360 Total Security is one of the most powerful free antiviruses produced by the Chinese company Qihoo 360 Software. This antivirus has extensive functionality that even many paid competitors do not have. Protection is provided by five antivirus components that can be used together or separately.

Provides real-time protection, the following security components are built into the program:

protection using multiple antivirus engines
system protection
Internet protection
sandbox for running programs in an isolated environment
fixing vulnerabilities, protecting personal data
safe online shopping
protection of popular browsers from hijackers (hijackers of browser home pages)

To ensure network security, you can install a special GlassWire module - a firewall. In addition to security modules, the antivirus has built-in tools for cleaning and optimizing the system.

360 Total Security has support for the Russian language, provides a high level of protection, read the detailed article about the antivirus.

Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus is a powerful, popular free antivirus from the Czech company AVAST Software. The antivirus contains all the necessary components to fully protect your computer.

Avast Free Antivirus includes:

antivirus
anti-spy
smart scan
home network protection
HTTPS scanning
phishing protection
application update
password manager
SafeZone secure browser
other protection components

With Avast Free Antivirus, your computer will be reliably protected from malicious threats.

Avast Free Antivirus works in Russian; you can read more about the program in the article.

Kaspersky Free is a free antivirus from the famous Russian manufacturer Kaspersky Lab. The free antivirus is based on the company's paid product. Currently, Kaspersky Anti-Virus occupies a leading position in all independent tests, so it makes sense to turn your attention to the free Kaspersky Anti-Virus.

Kaspersky Free includes the following modules:

file antivirus
web antivirus
IM antivirus
Anti-Phishing
Screen keyboard
Kaspersky Security Network cloud service is used

The free Kaspersky antivirus contains all the basic components necessary to protect your computer.

Kaspersky Free works in Russian, reliably prevents your computer from infection, you will find a detailed overview of the antivirus on the page.

Panda Free Antivirus is a lightweight cloud antivirus from the Spanish company Panda Software. The main actions to protect your computer are performed in the cloud; the application works on the “set it and forget it” principle.

Panda Free Antivirus provides real-time protection using cloud-based “collective intelligence” technology, Internet traffic filtering with behavioral analysis, protection against new and unknown threats, anti-spyware, anti-rootkit, vaccination of USB flash drives to protect against autorun (you can use this component) on your computer, regardless of the antivirus, read more about this), the computer is protected offline.

The antivirus program Panda Free Antivirus works in Russian and ensures computer security.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is a simple, very lightweight antivirus from the Romanian manufacturer Bitdefender, which provides automatic system protection. The Bitdefender engine is used by many antivirus software manufacturers in their antivirus programs. Judging by tests from leading antivirus laboratories, Bitdefender is consistently among the best antiviruses, and at this point in time, its engine may be the best.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition supports real-time computer protection, the application uses cloud technologies, Active Threat Control, anti-rootkit, early boot scan, active virus control, intrusion detection, web traffic scanning, protection against phishing and fraudulent sites, scanning during just me.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition works in English. The program is optimally configured by default; the user only needs to install the application on his computer to protect it using security technologies from this manufacturer.

AVG AntiVirus FREE (AVG Free Antivirus) is a popular free antivirus from the Dutch (Czech) company AVG Technologies. AVG AntiVirus Free provides basic protection for your computer without affecting its performance.

AVG AntiVirus FREE antivirus includes the following components:

antivirus
anti-spy
anti-rootkit
protection of confidential data
email protection
Internet protection
real-time cloud protection
fast smart scanning

AVG AntiVirus FREE antivirus supports the Russian language and provides basic computer protection.

Avira Free Antivirus is a free antivirus from the German company Avira Operations. The application provides real-time protection; the program uses cloud technologies for a faster response to known and unknown threats; the antivirus is not demanding on computer resources.

Avira Free Antivirus includes:

antivirus to protect against virus threats
anti-spy
anti-rootkit
Avira Protection Cloud

The program implements Windows Firewall management to protect against network threats, to protect the Internet, and the Avira Browser Safety toolbar is installed in popular browsers.

Avira Free Antivirus supports the Russian interface language, the program provides basic computer protection.

Conclusions of the article

The best free antiviruses: 360 Total Security, Avast Free Antivirus, Kaspersky Free, Panda Free Antivirus, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition, AVG AntiVirus FREE, Avira Free Antivirus will reliably protect your computer and users’ confidential information from all types of malicious software in Windows 10 operating systems, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7.

They are provided with special programs - antiviruses. Ratings of the best free antiviruses, amateur and completely reputable tests are published with enviable regularity, but choosing a high-quality and functional product is not so easy.

In addition, free programs are not considered to provide as much protection as paid software. In fact, even in the segment of free applications you can choose the optimal solution. The ratings of free antiviruses are presented below.

Standard antivirus from Microsoft: prevalence and performance

Windows Corporation is the undisputed leader among suppliers of operating systems and related software. As of 2016, Windows 7 was installed on 55% of all devices, while Linux and Apple's OS X 10.11 accounted for 2% and 7% of users, respectively.

The ratings of free antiviruses rarely include standard solutions, but they are also acceptable programs to ensure the required level of security. Windows Defender, which comes with Windows 8 and 10, recognizes and eliminates up to 95% of common threats and about 85% of so-called zero-day attacks, i.e. the latest viruses against which protection algorithms have not yet been developed.

Is Windows Defender enough for the needs of the average user?

In general, along with compliance with basic security rules, the use of a modern browser and regular software updates allow you to successfully use a standard antivirus (reviews and the Windows Defender rating confirm this possibility) as the main security solution. But for those who often download pirated content, are active Internet users, or store important data on their hard drive, it is better to take a closer look at other, free, but somewhat more functional programs.

Testing in independent antivirus laboratories

Comparative tests with a large number of samples are regularly carried out by leading antivirus laboratories. Test results allow developers to improve their own products, so participation is usually paid. Basically, the ratings of Windows antiviruses (the operating system is the most common, which is why tests are carried out on it) include paid versions of programs, but if a free solution provides complete protection, the software is also rated.

In May 2016, AV-Comparatives conducted dynamic testing of 19 antivirus programs. The study used the Windows 7 platform (with up-to-date third-party programs, such as Adobe Flash or Java) and 350 malicious test samples. Below is the rating of free antiviruses according to AV-Comparatives.

Results of practical research

The “Free Antivirus” rating (Windows 10 and other corporate-based operating systems) was topped by Bitdefender and ThreatTrack Vipre, which did not miss a single threat and worked without false positives. Trend Micro and F-Secure also took leading positions with a 100% malware recognition result, but 7 and 15 false positives, respectively. Kaspersky Internet Security closed the top five, missing 0.3% of threats but passing the test without false positives.

Free analogues of tested antivirus programs

Bitdefender's free counterpart, Free Edition, is used as an alternative to many paid applications, provides background virus protection and is capable of detecting spyware. ThreatTrack Vipre is not available in a free version. Trend Micro Titanium Antivirus+ is freely distributed only as a trial version (6 months of free use), like F-Secure (90 days). An analogue of Kaspersky Internet Security is Kaspersky Free Anti-Virus (Free) with a free license, which has somewhat limited capabilities compared to KIS or Total Security, but remains the optimal solution.

Antivirus rating for Windows: functionality

“Antivirus for free” (the rating is compiled by many reputable sources and amateurs) often differs in functionality from paid versions. However, this does not mean that free software is not capable of protecting your computer from viruses, malware and spyware.

In general, antivirus programs provide the following capabilities:

scanning for threats upon user request;

Constant system protection in the background;

scanning the file system while the computer boots;

an algorithm for detecting the latest malware, methods of combating which are not yet included in the general version of the application;

working with cloud storage;

network traffic control (firewall or Firewall);

third-party intrusion detection system;

Recognition of malicious attachments;

web protection;

interactive analysis and spam recognition;

automatic update.

At the same time, the best free antivirus for Windows 7 (ranked by functionality) does not necessarily have to include the entire set of features. The main thing is that the chosen solution meets the requirements and subjective ideas of a particular user.

Rating leader: ESET Nod32 Smart Security

All of the above features include a comprehensive antivirus with multi-level protection ESET Nod32 Smart Security. In addition to standard phishing protection, file system security, Internet access, and email in desktop email clients, ESET has some other interesting features. Among these additional features:

A serious disadvantage of the antivirus is the lack of protection in the free version against software that records user actions (mouse movements, keystrokes, clipboard, snapshots, and sometimes video recording of the screen).

Rating of free antiviruses: performance and tests

Another rating of free antiviruses is based on testing results and analysis of program performance. Panda Antivirus Pro and 360 Total Security have a slight effect on the loading speed of the system; AVG Antivirus Free, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition and ESET NOD32 Smart Security are not far behind. Avira Free Antivirus significantly slows down loading (more than three minutes).

Scanning system folders (even if malware is detected) takes about ten minutes for Avast Free Antivirus, AVG Antivirus Free, Avira Free Antivirus and ESET NOD32 Smart Security. Comodo Antivirus showed the worst result - the scan took more than half an hour.

Avast Free Antivirus and Panda Antivirus Pro use the least amount of memory (only 40 MB), and the real heavyweights are Avira Free Antivirus (175 MB), AVG Antivirus Free (130 MB) and 360 Total Security (120 MB). At the same time, Avira uses the processor by only 5%, while the smaller AVG Antivirus Free uses as much as 16%.

Distribution of places based on rating results

In general, free antiviruses for Windows XP (rating by performance), as well as for other platforms (Windows 7, 8, 10) are ranked as follows:

Panda Antivirus.

360 Total Security.

AVG Antivirus Free and Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition.

Avira Free Antivirus and Comodo Antivirus.

Brief review of Panda Antivirus Pro

One of the main advantages - the low load on the system from Panda Antivirus, along with providing sufficient protection - is explained by the fact that the program is The software has most of the necessary functions, USB scanning is additionally available, but there are quite a lot of significant disadvantages that can be listed.

For example, a free antivirus (rated as the best solution based on test results) does not provide any protection against data interception by third-party programs, requires an active Internet connection to scan the system, and does not provide web protection. In addition, some users find malware in the installation files of the antivirus itself. The unsightly interface is another drawback of Panda Antivirus.

Antivirus apps for Android

If Windows occupies a leading position in the computer equipment market, then for mobile devices the Android operating system is almost a monopolist: 80% of smartphones run on Android. Mobile antiviruses are represented both by analogues of the already mentioned extended versions, and by programs that operate exclusively on smartphones.

The AV-Test laboratory tested mobile antiviruses. The rating of free antiviruses for Android is topped by the AhnLab application. The application carries out a comprehensive scan of the mobile device, prevents Internet threats, and allows you not to worry about the security of files and other personal data. At the same time, most of the programs presented in this rating are not common in the Russian-language segment, so you should rely more on real user reviews - there are no authoritative laboratories that would evaluate Russian-language applications.

Quite good solutions for choosing active users are CM Security, Dr.Web Light and a free antivirus (reviews, rating below). CM Security does not load the system and effectively copes with its duties, Dr.Web Light provides powerful protection, but irritates many users with frequent advertising . AVG AntiVirus is also a universal solution, in addition, in the Pro version of the application many useful additional functions become available, but this build consumes a large amount of resources, which is why the device may work slower.

Finally

An antivirus is a necessary program, because the user’s needs are not always met by standard options for protection against viruses and malware (especially on mobile devices). The choice of the optimal solution here largely depends on individual needs and subjective judgments, so you can be guided by various ratings, but you should not rely entirely on testing. What is the use of an antivirus that, according to research results, copes well with its tasks, but is extremely inconvenient to use or significantly slows down the operation of a laptop or smartphone? Many users need to first try several options in order to ultimately choose the only one that is convenient.

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