Who can tell me which is the best Antivirus right now?

To think that any one product is the best antivirus is putting all your S***on the line. I prefer to use hardware first IE: router, then OpenDNS, then Microsoft Security Essentials, I use Abine in my Firefox browser, along with Adblock and I get Norton via my ISP at no cost. All play very well together and I have never encountered an issue they did not detect and eliminate. So far so good and total cost is only for OpenDNS (which is free but I prefer to send them $$ to support their efforts, great product). Finally I use caution in where I go and what I download...just ttrying to be ahead of the curve. I'm sure many folks have their own winning recipes for staying safe.

The best Antivirus right now is Comodo Anti-Virus. It's free, easy and don't use much system resource.

I used another free product starting with 'av'. After switching to Avira I detected weird software (fortunately, not running) that was on my PC for at least 6 months.

http://www.av-comparatives.org/en/comparativesreviews

More here:
http://www.esetscandinavia.com/products/eset-smart-security/
A bit costly but very good. But then it depends on peoples wallet and how much they are willing to spend to protect their data.

I also don not believe there is one best anti virus I have use almost every product I have found some very poor MEM hogs on others.. I also use ESET, AVG, AVAST, Spybot and Malwarebites I love combo, for search on the internet I run in VMWARE XP pro IE 8 with AVG and Spybot and yes I sent them $$ for their help

If you are looking for a corporate anti-virus, I would highly recommend Sophos' line of solutions. They are designed for extremely low overhead, are very flexible and are usually rated at the top of reviews. I have used them for years with excellent results.

I always tell my customers, "you can buy an executable for $100 or you can get it for free". Meaning if you click it you bypass any AV program.

Kaspersky is very good. There are several reviews, it is near the top. I like Avira. The free version at home, the network version at work. Works, light on the resources, free or cheap depending on the version.

Why go round and round on this? Kaspersky is a quality product. Sophos, and Avira are as well. Unless you have a hard price or quality position, go with it.

Now, McAffee and Norton/Symantec? I'd rather live with the viruses.

Currently, AVG has performed extremely well. Especially, with the suite of other offerings. They have a solid support team when issues arise that need greater expertise. They do have a free version that will suffice for the home user.

There are even other Anti-virus softwares than the ones mentioned so far (Like Panda, Trend-Micro). I guess it comes down to taking the initiative to do "something". If you don't have ANY virus-protection, at least get something on the machine quickly. Any protection is better than none. It will also give you time to research.

Usually it is a combination of AV Software on the machine, good firewall rules, Spam / Malware detection and general Internet Use principles that will help keep you safe.

I am currently running Security Essentials and Malwarebytes (free ware) Malwarebytes takes care of the files that I cannot find and Security Essentials does pretty well at catching some threats.

On my XP machines I use Microsoft Security essentials, Zonealarm free as wall, and SuperAntiSpyware to clean up. MSE is slow but uses little in way of resources, and has been efficient. Zfree has always done a good job for me, and SAS is the most agressive malware detection and removal tool of all I've tried. They pick up what Malwarebytes misses.
On my win7 machine I found zfree and mse to be incompatible, and caused w7 to shut down about every 20 mins. I broke down and spent 29.95 for Vipre's Suite and it's OK for low priced all around protection. But I still sweep with SAS on win 7 after a prolonged browsing session, or at the end of a day. The free version requires manual updates and has no realtime protection, but my Vipre suite takes care of that, and two real time protection applications is very likely to cause problems.

I've used avg in the past, before switching to MSE, and found it to be slow, buggy, and a resource hog..

It depends what you consider 'best' should be. Do you mean best technical solution? The most secure against viruses? The best value for money? I suspect the answers to these three are all different. And it will depend on the needs of the client - someone managing sensitive or financial information will want high security, but the average home user will want something that covers the obvious risks and preferably for free.

I've never found that one size fits all!

Hi...
First of all, I want you to know that no Anti Virus can give your computer 100% protection.
I'm saying this 'cause I've worked as a Norton Support Associate. From the training class I got the info that "No Anti Virus can give your computer 100% protection".
However, Kaspersky is the best one, 'cause it works well with good config. Bit Defender is also good, however it slows down the PCs performance.

I had trouble with Norton, Win 7 updates did not play nice with AVG, so now I use Microsoft Essentials and Malewarebytes. So far, so good, on my home PC.

This rule is seldom wrong. If you don't pay, you're on your own. For your perusal:

Free AV as of July 2011 (Ranked by detection rates @ AV-Comparatives.org)

#1 Avira
#2 AVG
#3 Avast

Paid AV as of July 2011 (Ranked by detection rates @ AV-Comparatives.org)

#1 F-Secure
#2 Panda
#3 Trend Micro
....
#6 Kaspersky

If you pay for antivirus, power to you. If you're a high risk user that enjoys downloading off of sites with gambling ads, foreign languages and/or other questionable activities, you probably need the full support of an antivirus company.

Forefront from Microsoft they have a free version which is called Microsoft Security Essentials .It's working fine on windows 7 , 32 and 64 bits

The first rule in IT...however, I don't think I would get into a 'heated argument' with a client I care to keep. lol That being said, if you work in IT and you have a client that has hired you for your expertise, I would kindly remind them of that. "You hired me for expert advice, based on what I know about your needs and my knowledge on these products, this is what I recommend and why." I agree you shouldn't dismiss a #1 seller, but if you have a list of what you would recommend, be prepared to back that up with knowledge of the product. Which to be honest, if you had it, I don't think you would be asking what the best was on this thread. Many of the clients I work with have limited funding so I always test and recommend freeware. I also consider who owns the software and what their plan for development is for the future. I would recommend based on the OS they have and their internet behaviors because Antivirus behaves differently based on that and the version. AVAST is a top contender with MSE as a good backup. Avira would be excellent had they not mucked up with the recent controversy, not to mention the clunky interface, no email scanning ability and 'nag-vertisements'. It is also tough for clients that use dated computers with little RAM. AVG will probably top my list come October with an excellent new release. Yes, it is Czech owned, so no federal endorsements there, but most smaller organizations won't care of such things. Hope this was informative. Good Luck!

Used Sophos products in a corporate environment and have to say that it is the best by far. The only downfall is that there is a lot of work to do if there was a previous anti-virus suite installed, particularly McAfee.

I've found that Malwarebytes is really the best FREE anti-malware out there which is what most people get now-a-days.

I have tried so many but currently use Vipre for enterprise and Bullguard & eScan for SOHO/Home users.

You're question reminds me of another: "How long is a piece of thread?" There are so many variables the question is impossible to answer.

That said, for years Trend Micro and F-Secure have topped my list because they get results and have decent management consoles though, admittedly, Symantec Corporate and Microsoft ForeFront have better management consoles. If she has a large network a decent management console is a huge win for everyone.

I shy away from the top sales leaders because those are the anti-virus solutions most targeted by viruses. Symantec lets more viruses by not because it isn't a good antivirus, but because the virus creators know how to get around or defeat Symantec's approach.

Some good free anti-virus solutions have been mentioned, like Avira and even Security Essentials, but keep in mind there is no management tool for these and you are depending on clients to run scans and updates (never a good thing).

The very best anti-virus of them all, however, is education. Educate users how to identify bad software, to stay away from suspect sites, to not accept toolbars with other software downloads, how to identify phishing emails and links, and what to do if they think a virus is trying to gain access to their PC.

Another comment mentioned the need to start with good hardware configuration, which is paramount. Network security against malware really does need to be tackled from every angle. If Kaspersky fits your clients needs from a software perspective and is something you can support, then by all means don't give any push back. But if the network environment would be better served by another product, then help her understand why and she may just come around to your way of thinking.

I started using Eset Nod32 about 4 years ago after Norton/Symantec decided it was more important to bring my PC to its knees than allow me to do anything. Price is competitive with Norton, McAfee, Trend Micro, and others. Overhead on the PC seems very small; I don't notice any slow downs since removing Norton and installing Eset. I am running version 4 now; it updates the virus signature daily and has caught several viruses/trojan horses during the download phase. I bought the 3-PC license and installed it on my wife's PC, my daughter's, and my own.

About 4-5 years ago we needed to replace our corporate security package and went through an evaluation of the packages available at the time. We chose McAfee over Eset only because of a dashboard interface that McAfee offered that Eset didn't. We still wished we had chosen Eset for its performance and track record but it costs a boatload of money to convert from one package to another in terms of license purchase and internal deployment costs. McAfee has been okay for us performance-wise and also in terms of catching viruses and malware before they make their way onto our PCs.

As for the customer chosing the security software... ask her this: GM used to outsell Toyota. Did that make GM the best car company in America? If you look at the quality of the products GM used to make it's clear to see why Toyota moved to the top of the list. I would think the same thing is probably truly with security software. Just because it sells doesn't necessarily make it the best.

Eset Nod32 is better. I have used it many years. It do much better then Kaspersky & Norton in speed.

Regarding to different test results, you can find your answer easily.
Take a look at this, and decide yourself.
http://chart.av-comparatives.org/chart2.php
I've installed F-Secure recently, because I fount it much more better.

No matter which AV program is used, there are two things that should be done on a regular basis, keep it up to date and run a virus scan once a week or more often depending on the computer usage.

According to PCWorld: Top Free Antivirus Software

Avira AntiVir Personal
Alwil Avast Antivirus Home Edition
AVG 8.5 Free
Microsoft Security Essentials
PC Tools Antivirus Free Edition
Comodo Internet Security

To learn more about the above, check out:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/170587-2/can_you_trust_free_antivirus_software.html

From PCWorld, Top 5 Paid Antivirus Programs for 2011:

Symantec Norton AntiVirus 2011
BitDefender Antivirus Pro 2011
G-Data AntiVirus 2011
Kaspersky Lab Anti-Virus 2011
Trend Micro Titanium Antivirus Plus 2011

To learn more about the above, check out:

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/collection/6706/top_paid_antivirus_for_2011.html

just remember crackers release malware in changing code so after relese of update only it can detect as virus waht i want to say only antivirus protects 75% remaing we should detect files they may use binders ,hiders lol , say example like a file photo.exe.jpeg its is a virus in windows by default you cant see extention we have to enable it from folder options .
to judge antivirus open virustotal.com or some similar to that upload a virus file and check how many detected observe result ,now upload virus free file observe the result ,now compare result and google on each efficiency and use it , dont think kaspersky ,comodo ,avg ,avasta,nod etc ae only anivirus there exist more than 65 hope it helps

I have made several hundred dollars over the last 6 months REMOVING Karpersky and installing Trend-AV with Internet Security. The K went away because the support calls where about slow machines and K was sucking all the CPU. A tech article I found described an issue with the product which required the user to remove the product via a tool from their site and re-install it. I've used Symantec Corp. Products for years and it's ok but like mentioned by others doesn't catch anything like some home users think. I have used Sec. Essentials with Malware Bytes Combo on some cheap clients as well. However if they can afford it I'm currently installing Trend.

Best lightweight scanner -- ESET Nod32 --
Not for PE based cleanup after a virus.
PE Based Cleanup -- I like VirusBlokAda
http://www.anti-virus.by/en/index.shtml

Hey you can refer this article where the top 10 anti virus are listed down with its good and bad. So you can read this article http://www.techiesguide.com/10-best-antivirus-software-and-firewalls.html

started using Panda CLoud AV at home a few months ago. clients often are not good at keeping theeir AV up to date. Panda does that for them - a big plus in my mind. and it's effective. i'm not running MSE despite good press because you get to pick ONE AV - not two.
i have lots of anti-malware options at home: SAS, MBAM, Spy Sweeper ... what one misses the others pick up. for a tough infection i find i turn people on to MBAM first ... also have been recommending MS's new (?) System Sweeper, firguring if MSE is good, they probably haven't dropped the ball on their new sweeper.

I use Microsoft's security essentials because its free and uses very little CPU power and resources. I used to use AVG free but its become bloated as of late. If your into porn sites and file sharing illegal stuff. Then a really good purchased Suite is probably better. But in the end a lot of malware never gets caught or defined until it gets on a bunch of computers. Then it depends on how fast the Anti virus program gets updated. I have cleaned several computers of malware which had a properly running and updated Anti virus suite running. Sometimes being careful is better then any program. Its like having more air bags in your car. That's great, but maybe driving more defensively is even better.

Well for awhile I was using AVG, then I started noticing that it was a major resource hog, not only in my systems but my clients whose PCs I've worked on or rebuilt for them. I then started using MS Security Essentials, and noticed a major improvement, and a lot fewer issues.
NORTON/Symantec or McAfee, OMG come on will you.
Just like one user posted earlier. You'd be better off just dealing with the virus
as opposed to using any of the 3-stooges AV.

Have had good luck with Avast, although I also use ClamWin. I know that they say you should not use more than one, but it works for me! May be overkill, but no viruses.

I have a bad habit of trying different programs now and then. This sometimes screws up my computer big time. Acronis True Image has saved my sanity more than once! Great program...could not survive without it. Install on external or USB drive, and you are good to go...also, don't forget to make bootable disk for same.

According to me few of the best antivirus are
1.Bit Defender Total security
2.Eset Nod32
I tried many antiviruses to safeguard my pc with malware, torjans, etc.,. to test which antivirus is good. I found the above mentioned two are good and also Nortron which consumes a lot of memory(drawback).

Well I would say that Keep Chaging and whichever works best is the longest to keep AV's differ so do viruses

AVG Internet Security 2011 (2012 is in Beta)
I use it myself with zero infections and also use it in the field to remove infections from systems that are 'supposedly' protected by other AG products....regularly.
Support here in Australia is second to none.
There is a AVG Free version but does not have as many features. Still better than many paid products.
I once had a user of Norton say how pleased he was with Norton because when his computer got a virus they only charged him $200 to remote into his computer and remove the virus.....WT?

As an IT consultant I and finding that the 30 day trial periods that are pre-loaded on machines now and worse than having nothing.
At least if the machine has no AV pre-installed then action can be taken.
With pre-installed AV the user sees the familiar icon on the desktop and...30 days later...they think they are still protected.
I am seeing so many of these cases, and the ones who have 3 or 4 different 30 day trials installed - together - all expired!
Keeps me in business though.

I have been using the Endpoint Security and Control suite for over five years. I have it deployed at many different client sites. Set it up and forget it about it. It allows you to focus on security at the edge.

in a Network or Corporate environment Sophos is the best

been using it for years

Central Consol great interface & their Support is 5 Star Plus
( it's the Support that counts at the end of the day )

Agree with others, define best!
I have had experience will all major and some lesser a-v programs and have yet to find one that is anywhere near 100%. I have had clients with infections that got through all major brands (e.g. Norton, McAfee, CA, Trend, AVG). Vigilance is the only defense, constant monitoring. You can also check sites such as http://www.av-comparatives.org/en/comparativesreviews/detection-test for comparison tests. Interesting that some of the lesser and free ones are often near the top (e.g. Avast, Avira, AVG Free).
And I would be lost without malwarebytes!

If you can answer the question above, you will probably get the best answer for question on which antivirus is the best. Check the McAfee's research "Operation Shady RAT". The research suspected an intrusion from a part of the world.
To hit the nail on the head, I think you need to go to china ask of rising, etc

Seriously, it is as if MS decided to create a whole new industry that works at trying to keep viruses off of their largely poorly secured systems. At home about every 18 months with Windows I wind up reinstalling the OS on my daughter's machines WITH an anti-virus product installed. On the two shared machines, Windows and a Mac no problems and no av software installed.

About a year back my company conducted a massive search for an antivirus program we could support fully on our client computers. We looked through dozens. The best program we found is an Antivirus from ESET called Nod 32. We dont have any issues with it on any of our client computers. I personally haven't seen a computer get infected whilst running Nod32. Not to say that its impossible to get a virus with this program active, it just seems to be the most secure option we have found.
However, its not free. I believe its $40 a year for the full package.
Good luck with this!

Q: What's the "best" Anti-virus?
A: The one that does what you need it to do, effectively, with the least impact on system resources, performance and throughput.

After that, it's just brand preference.

In my experience there isn't any one stand alone antivirus that is the best. Now, if your looking for free- I like to use the combination of Microsoft security essentials with either Panda Cloud Antivirus or Immunet 3.0... If looking for a calmer peice of mind Use NOD32 with either Panda Cloud Antivirus or Immunet 3.0. and scan weekly with spybot search & destroy. I understand that many IT professionals will have negative comment on my approach on virus security but this method has worked very very well for me.

The best antivirus is Kaspersky as it is relatively light and works fine. It detects a lot of different malwares without interference to your system files. In a corrupted machine, an additional of a smart virus remover (free) works very fine.
I suggest you go for Kaspersky!

I have used Avast free anti virus for a number of years, and it never lets me down,using avast web rep, helps keep you safe online

i use avast pro 6. it is fast and reliable.
DONT forget firewall. i use sunbelt personal firewall (free version).
window xp firewall is suck.

Too many variables with AV software to single one out as being the absolute best, although there are definitely some that are absolute dogs. For the past year or so we have been using Vipre on our network which so far has been excellent. The management console itself makes it more than worth the money. And it seems to be very light on resources except of course when a scheduled scan kicks in.

Best combo I've used so far is Avast and MSE. Both have detected malware and clickjacking attempts. I did a total scan with Avast after I installed it and it detected a suspect file and dealt with it.

I have switched to Vipre for all computers on my network. Have been using if for over a year now, and am rather impressed. I use the deluxe version which includes an integral firewall and spy blocker bundled together. I employ the "learning mode" so have good control on what get blocked and what I will let thru. It is not a memory hog like 2 other big name AV products out there. The site licensing and renewals is very seamless and easy to work with.. I run other utilities as a backup check, and nothing comes up, so I tend to believe that Vipre is doing its job fairly well. My favorite feature is the lack of background glut.