Which antivirus program is the most reliable? Antiviruses for Windows

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 the 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.

Both products score very well in antivirus labs and PCMag's own tests and include several additional security features. Avast, in particular, includes a built-in password manager and a home network vulnerability scanner. If you have a budget set aside for computer security, the best commercial solutions will provide more effective and comprehensive protection. Otherwise, feel free to choose from the free solutions presented here.

Free protection against various types of threats

These days, new computers and laptops come with antivirus protection. As a rule, trial versions of commercial antiviruses from well-known brands are pre-installed on devices. If your trial ends and you ignore the subscription purchase reminders, Windows Defender will keep your PC safe. However, you can get more reliable and better protection with third-party solutions. Don't worry if your budget doesn't allow for a paid antivirus. You can get really good protection without paying a penny. PCMag tested 17 free antivirus programs to help you choose the right solution to protect your computer.

Your antivirus should definitely do a great job of cleaning up existing infections, but its main job is to protect your PC from ransomware, botnets, Trojan horses, and other types of malware. All antiviruses in this collection offer real-time protection. Some solutions additionally offer web protection to prevent you from visiting fraudulent sites and web resources with malware.

Free or commercial antivirus?

If free antiviruses are truly effective, why would anyone pay? First of all, many of the antiviruses proposed in the rating are free only for non-commercial use - if you want to protect computers in an organization, you will have to purchase a paid version. In this case, it is recommended to buy a comprehensive antivirus product because business security is at stake.

Even for personal use, many commercial tools offer much more functionality than the corresponding free versions. For example, Kaspersky Free does not include the powerful Activity Monitor component that is present in the paid version. This security module monitors suspicious activity and allows you to roll back malicious changes. The paid version of Adaware Antivirus comes with a similar behavioral detection tool, as well as a malicious site protection component that you won't find in the vendor's free antivirus. Panda also reserves some advanced security features only for commercial solution customers—among them firewall, software monitoring, and detection of insecure wireless networks.

In addition, many companies do not offer full technical support to free version customers. If you need professional help cleaning up stubborn infestations, you may regret not having this option.

Independent laboratory tests

Researchers from independent laboratories spend a lot of time and effort testing antiviruses. Some organizations regularly publish reports with test results. PCMag tracks results from 4 major labs: AV-Comparatives, AV-Test Institute, SE Labs and MRG-Effitas. Certification from ICSA Labs and West Coast Labs is also appreciated.

Typically, antivirus developers pay for the opportunity to participate in testing. In turn, the laboratories provide vendors with detailed reports that help improve products. Thus, the number of laboratories that test a particular product is an indicator of the significance of this decision. In any case, to test an antivirus, two conditions must be met: the laboratory must consider the product important enough, and the development company must be satisfied with the cost of participation. Labs are not required to test free products, but many vendors include full protection in free solutions, adding only advanced features to paid products.

PCMag tests

In addition to in-depth analysis of lab test results, PCMag conducts its own amateur antivirus testing to block malware. Each antivirus encounters a set of different types of malware, after which the product's reaction to the threat is recorded. Typically, an antivirus removes most samples at once and detects several more instances of malware when it tries to launch. Based on the test results, the product can receive between 0 and 10 points for blocking, depending on how thoroughly it protects the system from the test samples.

The test collection has been in use for months, so the malware blocking test does not provide any indication of an antivirus's ability to detect the latest threats. A separate test attempts to download malware from 100 online sources less than a day old, provided by the MRG-Effitas laboratory. The testing process notes whether the product blocked access to a network location, cleared the malware payload during download, or ignored the threat. Norton received the highest score in this test, followed in the final table by Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security and Avira Free Antivirus.

Useful features

Each antivirus product in the collection scans files on access to prevent potential malware from running, and also scans the system on demand or on a set schedule. Blocking access to malicious links is another effective way to avoid trouble. Many products extend protection to prevent you from visiting fraudulent or phishing sites that try to steal your credentials. Some solutions assign rankings to search results by flagging suspicious and dangerous links.

Behavioral detection is featured in some products in the collection. On the one hand, this component can detect malware, which are unknown threats. On the other hand, behavioral analysis can lead to false positives for reliable programs.

Any antivirus should detect spyware, but some products include separate anti-spyware components. Features such as privacy encryption and webcam protection help keep sensitive information safe from third parties, but they usually come with paid solutions. However, some free antivirus programs include an on-screen keyboard to protect against keyloggers.

One simple way to keep your computer as protected as possible is to install security updates for Windows, browsers, and other popular programs. In Windows 10, updates are mandatory and fully automated, but there remain a large number of gaps in older Windows systems, popular applications and plugins. Vulnerability scanning in the form of missed updates is a feature often found in commercial antivirus products. However, some free antiviruses have similar functionality.

Who is not represented in the ranking

This rating contains information only about free antivirus solutions that have received at least a “Good” rating according to PCMag reviews - from 3 points or higher. In the latest review, Windows Defender Security Center received just 3 stars and worked better than last time. However, it is more of a Windows component than a standalone product. The best free antiviruses offer more layers of protection.

Some free security tools are designed solely to protect against ransomware. Cybereason RansomFree, Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware Beta and Trend Micro RansomBuster all serve one primary purpose - preventing any ransomware attacks that may be undetectable by mainstream antivirus protection. Bitdefender Anti-Ransomware tries to trick ransomware Trojans into thinking that the system is already infected. They were not included in the rating because they are not full-fledged antivirus products.

There are numerous free antivirus utilities that exist solely to clean up malicious infections. You turn to these utilities only if you suspect an active infection. Once the problem is resolved, they are not used because they do not offer ongoing protection. The title of “Editor's Choice” in this category belongs to Malwarebytes Free - this product is worth using in case of malicious infection. Since such solutions are usually free, you can use several scanning programs at once. Once the threat has been removed, you will need a full-fledged antivirus for ongoing protection.

List of all tested free solutions

• Avast Free Antivirus. Avast's free antivirus combines highly effective antivirus protection with a comprehensive collection of additional tools.
• AVG AntiVirus Free. Free antivirus AVG has received an updated interface and new security technologies. Tests from independent labs and PCMag's own tests show that protection is stronger than ever.
• Acronis Ransomware Protection. If your antivirus misses the latest ransomware and your data is at serious risk, Acronis Ransomware Protection will add an extra layer of protection for your files and provide 5 gigabytes of cloud storage for backups.
• Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition. The free Bitdefender antivirus includes the same antivirus protection as the paid Bitdefender antivirus, but lacks the additional functionality of the commercial version.
• ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+. Free antivirus ZoneAlarm combines a high-quality and powerful firewall with a licensed antivirus protection engine from Kaspersky Lab. This is a great choice for users who don't need advanced security features.
• Cybereason RansomFree. The consequences of a malicious ransomware attack can be catastrophic. Therefore, the possibility of strengthening protection against this type of threat should be considered. Cybereason RansomFree is a free solution for organizing an additional level of protection against ransomware.
• Kaspersky Free. Kaspersky's free antivirus offers full-featured basic antivirus protection that scores excellent in lab tests.
• Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware Beta. Malwarebytes Analyzes program activity to look for suspicious behavior that is typical of ransomware. This lightweight utility will help you identify ransomware Trojans that can bypass basic anti-virus protection.
• Sophos Home. Sophos free antivirus allows you to provide the capabilities of a powerful corporate antivirus to ordinary home users absolutely free. Users have access to a cloud console that allows them to control up to three product installations.
• Avira Free Antivirus. Avira's free antivirus gets excellent scores from independent labs, but in PCMag's amateur tests it was very slow to scan the test system. Additionally, web protection only works in Chrome and Firefox.
• CyberSight RansomStopper. RansomStopper offers free advanced ransomware protection, but PCMag's own tests found that the product failed to respond to one rare strain of ransomware.
• Adaware Antivirus Free. The free Adaware antivirus has a new name and a new look. However, its testing results are not the best, and competing free antiviruses offer more features.
• Bitdefender Anti-Ransomware. Bitdefender Anti-Ransomware protects your PC from infections from four ransomware families. Tests have shown that the product successfully copes with this task. However, you will need additional solutions to protect against other types of ransomware.
• Comodo Antivirus. Free antivirus Comodo has received a new look and showed an ideal detection rate in the malware blocking test. However, the product performed worse in other PCMag tests and in independent lab tests.
• Panda Free Antivirus. Free Panda antivirus has an attractive user interface and an unusual USB vaccination feature. However, the product didn't perform the best in independent lab tests and PCMag's own tests.
• Qihoo 360 Total Security. Qihoo 360 comes with a powerful set of additional tools, but its basic antivirus protection can't compete with the best free antiviruses.
• Trend Micro RansomBuster. Built-in folder protection successfully blocks unauthorized changes to protected documents. However, the behavioral detection system needs improvement.
• Baidu Antivirus 2015. The antivirus has not been developed for a long time and cannot be recommended as the main antivirus protection.
• Comodo Internet Security Premium. Comodo's complete solution combines a standalone antivirus and a standalone vendor firewall in one product. For a free product, this antivirus includes a large number of functions, but not all of them are effective.
• Windows Defender Security Center. Microsoft Antivirus provides security for Windows 10 computers that do not have other antivirus solutions installed. In PCMag's newest round of testing, the product performed better than previously.

Your computer is wandering through a minefield. If it does not have an element of personal protection in the form of software, it can be blown up at any time. Since the information on the computer does not belong only to you - email correspondence, PIN codes of family bank cards, photographs of children - you need to approach the protection of this device with special attention.

Built-in Windows 7 protection

Microsoft continues to improve the security standard in its operating systems. Indeed, by default, Windows 7 offers significantly higher data security guarantees than those provided by Windows XP. First of all, this was done for inexperienced users who are trying to get by without the support of third-party programs. But you need to remember that the OS itself provides only a basic level of system protection, and the computer may still be powerless in the face of a daily expanding list of threats.

If you want to keep your personal data under safe lock and key, find out how to choose the best antivirus for Windows 7 on the software market.

Why do you need an antivirus?

Antivirus software detects, warns, disarms malware, and restores files infected by such programs. However, despite the constant improvement of special software, none of these programs can offer an absolutely ideal solution to the problem. Why then spend time and money installing them? With all possible shortcomings, an antivirus is an important barrier between your computer/laptop and viruses.

All anti-virus programs have approximately the same functionality: their main task is to protect your computer from malware. They can also identify new security risks and deal with them to the best of their ability.

To find a good antivirus for Windows 7, pay attention to some basic rules.

Principle of operation

The most important factor when choosing specialized software is the ability to protect your computer. Ideally, it should not only protect the system, but also find new emerging threats. Good software will detect malicious PHP files, phishing companies, and web pages that can harm your system.

Software Features

Familiarize yourself with the specifics of the main antivirus products for Windows 7 before installation. This is necessary so that you can quickly understand what you need and what you can easily do without. Assess whether you can be confident in the protection of your correspondence, the web pages you open, and the security of the external drives you use. See how easy it is to install and use the software. Does the program's functionality allow you to schedule scans for times when you are not using your computer?

Help and support

A number of antivirus software vendors for Windows 7 provide support via chat, phone and email. These companies understand the importance of providing comprehensive assistance to their users and are willing to make appropriate investments to maintain a good reputation in this area. Their competitors are usually limited to one feedback option (often not prompt), or do not provide such services at all.

The Internet helps us organize our lives in a new way. To transfer money to another account or pay for utilities, we no longer need to go to a bank branch - we can use special websites. We don't make phone calls, but we use WhatsApp and Skype. We don’t go to shopping centers, but we order food and clothes through online stores, paying with credit cards and leaving personal information. Unfortunately, the Internet is not only used to make people's lives easier. Many scammers are developing malware for the purpose of extorting money, espionage, theft, and other things.

You can say that you do not visit sites where viruses are usually caught, never click on unreliable links, and do not install software of dubious authorship. This means you don’t need special programs - the likelihood of catching something that threatens your computer is negligible. But that's not true.

Modern programming allows you to introduce viruses into absolutely any files. The number of tricks that are used to infect computers is so great that the user may not even know that the computer is already full of viruses. Unfortunately, your vigilance alone is not enough here. Only special software can increase the level of system security.

Features that should be in an antivirus

Please note that if you are an active Internet user, the task of your guard should be far more than just identifying and removing viruses. You need to get browsing protection, block unsafe links, as well as annoying ads.

What should an ideal antivirus for Windows 7 do?

Scan

Scanning is carried out to identify viruses on the hard drive and RAM of the computer. It would be better if the program is capable of automatically checking changed and added files.

Monitor programs

Viruses often penetrate programs or disguise themselves as them. If there are any suspicious actions, the type of threat is determined and the information is communicated to the user.

Control web surfing

An important function necessary for monitoring local network and Internet traffic.

Support customization

This parameter is classified as optional and cannot be considered a mandatory selection condition. However, if you use your computer for more than just the standard set of operations, setting up a personal package of functions may be useful to you.

Update anti-virus databases

The software requires constant updating. The more often the function is launched, the stronger the protection.

Defend yourself

Malware should not be able to disable, neutralize or block security software. To do this, a reliable antivirus must have methods of its own protection.

Don't waste too many computer resources

You can only understand how well the security options meet the parameters of this item through experience by testing the free version on your computer. In fact, all the programs that will be discussed below have learned to use computer resources quite economically - they have almost no effect on its speed and functionality. Mostly, such problems are experienced by unsuccessful versions of antiviruses from small companies, but even if you install a good, proven guard, during the trial period evaluate how well your computer works, whether you notice any significant delays in the execution of processes, etc.

The best antivirus for Windows 7

Determining the best antivirus for a laptop/computer running Windows 7 is difficult. If only because all users have their own preferences. Basically, the set of functions that different manufacturers provide with programs is approximately the same. The main differences lie in the interface and satisfaction with design solutions.

If you are looking for security programs for your home, you can safely focus on the basic set of functions and not pursue exceptional offers of individual security parameters. If you do not use the Internet on your home computer, you can install one of the free antiviruses for Windows 7, which is ready to resist viruses that enter the system through external drives, etc. But a computer without Internet access is quite a rare occurrence today. When working with the network, you should choose an antivirus with a firewall, rather than simple protection. What is a firewall? Its main task is to protect the network or its individual nodes from unauthorized access. It monitors network activity - all incoming and outgoing connections.

Rating of the best antiviruses for Windows 7

Here we will not describe in detail the properties, advantages and disadvantages of the software, since they are all very similar to each other. Having collected user reviews on the topic of a good antivirus for Windows 7, we present only the top of the list.

Kaspersky (Russia)

The software has a lot of haters and even more fans. In our opinion, Kaspersky Anti-Virus is the most optimal solution to the problem of fighting malware and is perfect for Windows 7. The laboratory offers a range of versions that differ in functionality and scope. In order to determine which one is right for you, you need to determine the level of protection that matches your activity. We will highlight the most optimal one - Kaspersky Internet Security (antivirus + firewall).
Kaspersky is one of the most popular antiviruses. It is difficult to find a country where Internet users will not know it. However, this is not only the merit of PR. Manufacturers achieved such popularity through constant improvement of their system. Many opponents of Kaspersky still remember the old versions of the program, which slowed down weak computers, but at the moment the problem has been successfully resolved.

The only significant drawback of the software is its rather high price. But you pay for quality and the notorious individual approach.

Dr.Web (Russia)

Photo from the site www.drweb.ru

Antivirus was one of the first on the software market. During its work on the software, the company strengthened its position and is now one of the most popular service providers in its segment. One of the advantages over Kaspersky Lab is low resource consumption. It is ensured due to the absence of some functions, but they cannot be classified as basic.
Among all the variations of releases, the most popular is Internet Security Dr.Web Security Space.

Among the disadvantages: users note that the virus may be missed during scanning, despite the generally good performance of the program on Windows 7.

ESET (Slovakia)

photo from yourmag.ro

Standard equipment - ESET Smart Security. Similar to previous models, it has long been popular among Russian users. Well compatible with all Windows operating systems. Scans quickly and protects against various types of spam.

Avast (Czech Republic)

photo from the site allsoft.ru

Avast is available in the paid version! Internet Security. If you look at the reviews, you will note that the functionality of this model is not flawless. However, the low resource consumption achieved through it also plays a significant role.

Subtotal

All of the programs listed are paid, but each of them provides the opportunity to install a free trial version for a month. We strongly recommend that you do not buy a license right away, but try in test mode how this or that product will work on your computer and how its interface suits your device.

Paid software is not the only protection option that modern companies offer you. In some cases, you may want to look for a more affordable program.

Rating of the best free antiviruses for Windows 7

Microsoft Security Essentials (USA)

photo from the site softbuild.ru

Freely available, Microsoft's antivirus is easy to install, use, and is perfect for Windows 7. It works in the background and doesn't distract you with update requests. At the same time, the program provides maximum protection for your device for free software.

Avast! Free Antivirus (Czech Republic)

photo from the site antivirus-download.ru

Free version of security software from Avast. Provides all the features required for user security. Many people note that Avast is the best free antivirus for Windows 7, while the paid version is inferior in its sector.

Avira (Germany)

photo from store.downloadcrew.com

Suitable for basic computer protection. The main advantage is that it does not consume a lot of resources. In some cases, the system slows down, but you can understand whether this will be a problem for your work only after installation.

Grand total

Whatever antivirus for Windows 7 you consider to be the best - a free one that satisfies the functionality, or a licensed software package - remember that this is not a panacea, but only help in protecting your information. You may not notice the program is working, but you will certainly suffer due to its absence.

The first task of an Internet user is to secure his device, be it a desktop computer, laptop or gadget. An antivirus will help us with this. In the Russian Federation the most popular are free antiviruses, but as practice shows, they do not provide the same level of protection as paid software.

Several factors are taken into account. I will try to help you choose a product. Below is the top 5 best antiviruses in Russia.

Choosing an antivirus

As you already know, there are many different antiviruses on the Russian market, both paid and free. It will be quite difficult for a person who does not understand computers and software to choose the right product from a huge list.

Key points to help you choose an antivirus:

1. The level of protection that the product you are interested in can provide you with.
For this purpose, there are specialized forums where users share opinions, and information can also be found on the antivirus website. The main attention should be paid to the frequency of antivirus updates. Find out if there are additional tools other than malware scanners.

2. The amount of resource consumption of your operating system. You should definitely read the antivirus requirements for the device, since your device (laptop, tablet, smartphone - they usually have a small amount of power), which will lead to freezing and unstable operation of the antivirus, ultimately you will have to abandon this product.

3. Price issue. As already mentioned, there is paid and free software. For people who are not particularly versed in computer devices, in most cases the paid version is suitable, you don’t have to manually check and configure the antivirus every time. Installed it - and for a whole year, no worries, no hassle. But even with the free version you won’t have any problems if you are as vigilant as possible when working on the Internet!

Top 5 antiviruses

1. . Takes a well-deserved first place. Ideal for Microsoft operating systems Windows 7,8,8.1,10 series. You can be calm when using social networks, surfing, downloading various files. This antivirus is equipped with a two-way firewall that protects your computer from external media with virus programs.

With BitDefender antivirus, you can easily restore your system in case of an error. Annual subscription costs from $30.

2. . The second most popular antivirus software in Russia. This is one of the most powerful antiviruses at the moment, protecting against all possible threats emanating from the Internet and removable media. The antivirus is recognized as an antispyware, protecting against bots and spies.

Like BitDefender, it has a system recovery feature. It has a wide database that is updated every day. The cost of this product for 1 PC is 1,799 rubles.

3. . Very popular in Russia. Well suited for beginners, as the design and simplicity of the antivirus are amazing. Kaspersky not only blocks all incoming virus software, but also cures those that escape. With this antivirus you will forget about the word spam, the program simply prevents spam links and messages from reaching the user.

However, this antivirus is not intended for users with weak machines, because it requires a lot of resources. The price of an annual kit with a period of one year is 1800 rubles.

4. . According to the latest statistics, this antivirus is considered the most popular in Russia, due to the fact that it provides a free trial version.

The antivirus constantly monitors the firewall, while improving the performance of the device. Spam protection is at the highest level. The cost of the product is 1439 rubles and above.

5. . To test this antivirus, there is a free version, without some features. The main advantages of this antivirus are the fight against spyware and spam. It protects your device well from malicious viruses. It has a distinctive feature - it not only updates its databases, but also updates other programs on your computer.

The cost of the Premier version package is 1250 rubles. The price of an annual subscription to Internet Security and PRO versions ranges from 700-900 rubles.

Information security in our time is more important than ever; just remember what the Petya.A virus did in Ukraine, to the seemingly protected computers of government and financial institutions. Therefore, you should choose an antivirus program carefully and thoughtfully. We will present to your attention a description of the advantages, disadvantages and rating of the most popular anti-virus software according to Internet users who discussed them, shared their own impressions, and voted for their favorite security programs on social networks and on specialized sites.

Comparative table of the TOP 10 best Antiviruses of 2017

Three safety rules when working with Windows:

1. Do not download or click “For everything”;
2. Install ALL critical updates;
3. Work only under user rights.

1. "AVAST Free Antivirus"

There are two versions of the program from the AVAST company: paid “Pro Antivirus” and free “Free Antivirus”, for non-commercial use. The non-commercial version of the product is considered the most popular free security software content in the world: it is used by more than 230 million people. This fact alone speaks volumes about the real usefulness of the program.

• Software from the “install and forget” series: there is no need to waste time on the initial adjustment of parameters and options;
• Does not conflict when simultaneously working with games and game clients of online projects;
• Copes well with its main task: searching, blocking and destroying virus applications of any type;
• Minimum pop-ups and annoying windows.

Flaws:

• Spends a large amount of PC resources when setting the maximum security level;
• There is a risk of false positives due to the specific base of virus signatures;
• Cannot scan archived files.

2. "360 TOTAL SECURITY"

A good multifunctional antivirus program is, so to speak, three in one: it catches viruses, helps optimize the operation of the operating system, and can clean the hard drive of unnecessary or useless files. An additional advantage is that it is free to distribute.

Advantages and features of the antivirus program:

• Provides almost 100% security in real time;
• Fast and thorough scanning check;
• Automatic scanning of each new connected storage medium;
• Easily integrates with the world's most popular browsers.

Flaws:

• Availability of advertising: nothing can be done, the program is free;
• Inconvenient interface in a number of sections of the application;
• Conflict with the operation of some browser processes.

3.

Easy to install and use antivirus program. Protects the user's PC from the main types of known viruses and Trojans. Maximum security with minimum effort.

Advantages and features of the antivirus program:

• Good performance in automatic scanning mode;
• Blocking access to Internet portals that may contain potential malicious software;
• Daily update of anti-virus database signatures;
• Clear and easy-to-use program interface;
• Monitoring the security level of wireless networks.

Flaws:

• No blocking of network ports;
• Minimum level of effectiveness when attempting to identify phishing malware;
• Reduced software control functionality.

4. "AVG Anti-Virus Free"

Free security software with a deep level of integration into the operating system. Automatically checks every running program on your computer. The user interface is convenient and pleasant to look at.

Advantages and features of the antivirus program:

• Regular updating of databases with anti-virus signatures;
• Ability to regularly check hard drives on a schedule;
• Availability of additional modules for scanning incoming mail and checking the security of sent links;
• User-friendly interface.

Flaws:

• Insufficient level of security to eliminate phishing threats;
• Scanning takes longer than other antivirus programs.

5. "ESET NOD32 Smart Security"

A comprehensive antivirus application with the maximum available functionality. Checks, blocks and removes viruses, Trojans and adware. "ESET NOD32 Smart Security" is good because of the multi-stage protection used to combat viruses of any type.

Advantages and features of the antivirus program:

• Availability of an internal custom firewall;
• Advanced protection against botnets;
• Allows you to create a boot disk for operating systems damaged by virus attacks;
• Minimum percentage of detections from false threats;
• Protection of banking transactions and payments;
• Effective antispam.

Flaws:

• Reduced parental control functionality;
• Insufficient protection against phishing.

6. "Avira Free Antivirus"

A simple but powerful antivirus, notable for a number of features. The first is the use of cloud technologies, which allows you to resist attacks from new, “fresh” viruses. The second is a modular design. After the initial installation, the software has a minimum of functionality. To configure new functions, you need to download individual antivirus blocks from the developer’s website: in this way, the user independently configures the required level of security for his PC.

Advantages and features of the antivirus program:

• Regular database updates;
• Successfully blocks and disinfects files infected with macro viruses;
• Automatic check of OS executive programs at every startup;
• Can work in parallel with other antiviruses without conflicts.

Flaws:

• Not suitable for use with the built-in Windows Explorer browser;
• Long general inspection time;
• Insufficient protection against phishing programs.

7. "Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition"

Version of free antivirus protection software. Compared to the paid version, it has reduced functionality, but even in this form it does its job 100%. The software interface is clear and easy to configure; the virus signature database is constantly updated with new samples.

Advantages and features of the antivirus program:

• High level of protection against common viruses and Trojans;
• Easy and quick to set up;
• Minimal use of operating system resources;
• Automatic blocking of sites with malicious code.

Flaws:

• Fewer features than the paid version.

8. Comodo Antivirus

Another worthy software product for protecting information data. It works quickly, without failures, and the virus copes with most of them almost instantly. Convenient initial setup: it is carried out step by step during the initial installation of the antivirus.

Advantages and features of the antivirus program:

• Extensive anti-virus database;
• The best indicator of heuristic testing;
• Increased level of preventive protection;
• Possibility of automating verification.

Flaws:

• There are failures when modified malicious software code is detected;
• Does not protect your PC when visiting sites where virus activity has been registered.

9. "Dr.Web Antivirus"

A decent and time-tested comprehensive antivirus, with an effective heuristic file analysis unit. A proactive and multi-level level of protection will help prevent most virus attacks. The replenishment of databases with virus signatures is entrusted to third-party anti-virus laboratories, which has a positive effect on the overall operation of the program.

Advantages and features of the antivirus program:

• Availability of modules for checking mail, websites and connected external devices;
• Advanced level of protection;
• Fast speed of full and partial scanning;

Flaws:

• Heavily loads the system during a full scan;
• Can independently block absolutely safe sites on the Internet.

10. "Kaspersky Antivirus 2017"

The brand is known to almost every resident of the post-Soviet space. Like most other applications from this laboratory, the program is distributed on a paid basis. Provides reliable protection against virus attacks and helps restore damaged files.

Advantages and features of the antivirus program:

• Daily database updates;
• Additional modules for scanning incoming mail and checking the security of sent links;
• Customizable blocking of spam and banner advertising;
• Good protection against phishing.

Flaws:

• Consumes a large amount of OS resources;
• There are failures when blocking links to sites with viral activity.

Which antivirus is better and which one should I choose?

If you have a weak PC or tablet, then you should choose an antivirus that will use fewer hardware and software resources. For those who have a powerful computer, it is better to choose security software with the most extensive functionality. The final choice depends only on the preferences and needs of the user. All the antivirus programs described above provide the maximum level of security and differ from each other only in some nuances that will not be important for everyone.