Windows 7 what antivirus. The company's products are quite diverse. What is the best antivirus

The Windows operating system, unlike GNU/Linux, cannot fully protect against malware own capabilities. No matter how much the developers praise Windows Defender, it is far from ideal, so you have to use external software. This article discusses the rating of antiviruses in 2018 for Windows 7.

Criterias of choice

Each antivirus product offers users, in addition to the function of detecting and eliminating viruses, a set of additional features. Typically, they are associated with advanced PC management, network security, Wi-Fi protection and so on. The most important criteria for choosing an antivirus include:

• cloud analysis. Ability to scan files in an isolated environment;
• firewall Blocking unwanted Internet resources;
• protection of personal information. First of all, these are banking data and some other personal information.

If an antivirus lacks any of these points, this does not mean that it is bad. The effectiveness of a program is discovered in practice when it performs its main function well. The rest depends on the additional needs of the user.

TOP 12 best antiviruses

Exists a large number of Software offering its services to combat viruses and Trojans. Each of them has its own pros and cons. Depending on your needs and capabilities, you should choose the most suitable product.

Short review

Let's look at each of the antiviruses presented in the table, comparing their advantages and disadvantages.

In addition to the standard security function, the antivirus offers a built-in security gateway when connecting to open Wi-Fi networks and a special password storage for saving personal data in the cloud. Also available Game Mode, disables program notifications and reduces CPU load during gaming session.

Advantages

• Wi-Fi protection;
• the presence of a game mode;
• password container.

Flaws

• no firewall;
• lack of protection against interception of input data.

A free version of well-known antivirus software created specifically for users in post-Soviet countries. The program provides online protection and has the necessary functionality to ensure PC security from the introduction of malicious code.

Advantages

• powerful core;
• checking attachments in instant messengers;
• built-in VPN service.

Flaws

• lack of protection against interception of banking data;
• high consumption of PC resources.

Product Chinese manufacturers. It has become widely known in the Russian-speaking segment due to the combination of the capabilities of anti-virus software and an optimizer. It runs several engines. Key factor Its spread and popularity is a large amount of advertising.

Advantages

• wide functionality;
• there is a firewall;
• several antivirus engines work;
• optimized consumption of computer resources.

Antivirus in a minimalist style. It has a small amount of settings and simple menu. Additional functions of the program include only the ability to force scanning specific folder. Suitable for those new to using a computer.

Advantages

• simple settings;
• convincing virus detection rate.

Flaws

• limited functionality;
• lack of Russian localization.

First product with free license, which implements the cloud analysis algorithm. When scanning files in an isolated container, the collective scanning method is enabled, which means that the scan results of other users are taken into account.

Advantages

• efficient collective verification algorithm;
• minimum number of notifications;
• pre-analysis of flash drives.

Flaws

• small functionality;
• Dependency on internet connection to work effectively.

Unusual anti-virus software that is most effective when connected to the Internet. The ClamAV offline kernel is used for scanning, in parallel with which suspicious objects are analyzed by twelve VirusTotal engines. SecureAPlus works easily on a PC with other security software.

Advantages

• highly efficient cloud scanning;
• software analysis based on a trusted list;
• works in parallel with another antivirus.

Flaws

• the proactive core is not powerful enough;
• lack of protection of personal data.

A very effective free tool. It has the ability to protect personal data, a built-in firewall, and even a task scheduler. It stands out for its high efficiency of cloud analysis.

Advantages

• convenient functionality;
• availability of plugins for data protection in browser forms;
• built-in firewall and task scheduler.

This is not a full-fledged applied antivirus, but a healing utility that works offline. Contains the current virus database at the time of download. The program is recommended for selective scanning of your computer and does not protect in real time. The name of the utility is generated from letters and numbers each time it is downloaded, so that the virus cannot block its operation using a static name.

Advantages

• highly efficient database;
• works offline.

Flaws

• limited opportunities.

AVG

The program uses 5 different object analysis algorithms and effectively copes with investments in emails And malicious files when sent via messengers. Antivirus is recommended for active Internet surfing, because it has the ability to scan the security of a site by URL.

Advantages

• several scanning methods;
• pre-analysis of external drives;
• availability of a file shredder;

Provided special programs- antiviruses. Rating of the best free antiviruses Amateur and quite authoritative tests are published with enviable regularity, but choosing a high-quality and functional product is not so easy.

In addition, it is believed that free programs do not provide as much protection as paid ones. 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. For 2016 year 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.

It is quite rare to include in the rating of free antiviruses standard solutions, but they are also acceptable programs to provide the required level of security. Windows Defender, which comes with Windows systems 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 observing basic safety rules, the use 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 If you are an active Internet user or store important data on your hard drive, it is better to take a closer look at other, free, but somewhat more functional programs.

Testing in independent antivirus laboratories

Comparison tests with big amount samples are regularly carried out by leading antivirus laboratories. Test results allow developers to improve their own products, so participation is usually paid. Mainly in the rating Windows antivirus(the operating system is the most common, which is why tests are carried out on it) include paid versions of programs, but if free solution provides complete protection - the software is also rated.

In May 2016, AV-Comparatives conducted dynamic testing of 19 antivirus programs. The Windows 7 platform was used for the study (with current 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. Rounded out the top five Kaspersky Internet Security, which missed 0.3% of threats, but passed the test without false positives.

Free analogues of tested antivirus programs

A free analogue of Bitdefender - 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 file system while the computer is booting;

algorithm for detecting the latest malware, countermeasures for which are not yet included in general version applications;

working with cloud storage;

control network traffic (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 the above features include a comprehensive antivirus with multi-level protection ESET Nod32 Smart Security. In addition to standard protection against phishing, file system security, Internet access, Email in stationary mail 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. Insignificantly affect the loading speed of the Panda Antivirus Pro and 360 Total Security systems, they are not far behind AVG Antivirus Free, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition and ESET NOD32 Smart Security. Significantly slows down loading Avira Free Antivirus (more than three minutes).

Scanning system folders(with equal detection of malware) 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, antivirus is free (the rating recognized the best solution based on test results) does not provide any protection against data interception by third-party programs, requires active compound with the Internet 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 operating system Android 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.

AV-Test laboratory conducted testing 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 to choose from active users are CM Security, Dr.Web Light and free antivirus (reviews, rating below) CM Security does not load the system and effectively copes with its responsibilities, Dr.Web Light provides powerful protection, but irritates many users with frequent advertising. AVG AntiVirus is also universal solution, in addition, in the Pro version of the application, many useful additional functions, but this build consumes a large amount of resources, which can cause the device to run slower.

Finally

Antivirus is necessary program, because the user’s needs cannot always be satisfied standard options protection against viruses and malware (especially on mobile devices). Choice optimal solution this 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 with its tasks perfectly, 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.

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 in in social networks and on specialized websites.

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 in the world among free content security software: more than 230 million people use it. 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 working simultaneously with games and gaming clients 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 HDD from unnecessary or useless files. An additional advantage is that it is free to distribute.

Advantages and features 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 major types 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. Implements automatic check 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;
• Opportunity regular checks hard drives on a schedule;
• Availability additional modules to scan incoming mail and check the safety 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"

Complex antivirus application with maximum accessible functionality. Checks, blocks and removes viruses, Trojans and software that distributes advertising. "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 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 worthy and time-tested comprehensive antivirus, with effective block heuristic file analysis. A proactive and multi-layered level of protection will help prevent most virus attacks. Replenishment of databases with virus signatures is entrusted to third-party anti-virus laboratories, which has a positive effect on general work programs.

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 covers paid conditions. 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. To those who have it 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 antivirus programs described above provide maximum level security and differ from each other only in some nuances that will not be important for everyone.

Search lightweight antivirus for Windows 7 and older versions of this OS is considered sufficient popular topic today, because not every user has a powerful PC capable of “coping” with intensive applications. Any gadget and device needs an antivirus, since without it the risk of the device becoming infected with malware increases significantly. Various companies offer fast, lightweight and at the same time extremely reliable antiviruses, ideal for budget computers.

As mentioned earlier, not all people have the opportunity to purchase a PC with the latest configuration, powerful processor, a solid amount of RAM, the latest video card, and so on. Therefore, many people opt for lightweight antiviruses for computers with medium and low configurations.

To finally determine whether one or another is suitable protection program for a weak computer, it is necessary to analyze a number of aspects by type:

• simultaneous work with demanding utilities;
• downloading information from the Internet;
• threats from dubious resources;
• speed of copying or transferring information to the HDD;
• background functioning.

The best lightweight antiviruses for Windows 7

Many users have already been able to understand that on weak PCs powerful antiviruses They eat up almost all the system resources, which is why the computer starts to slow down. Some companies took care of owners of budget devices and offered lightweight antiviruses for weak computers, thanks to which data protection is guaranteed without brakes or system overloads.

Comodo Internet Security

It is a well-proven free antivirus designed for budget PCs and consumes a minimum of RAM and other resources. It is able to provide protection both from threats from files and from the Internet. This program includes an antivirus with a firewall and a behavioral blocking system, so the virus will not penetrate the user’s PC in any way.

The following advantages of this utility can be highlighted:

• one service capable of monitoring all devices;
• full protection from spyware applications and Internet attacks;
• blocking dubious resources and downloads;
• assistance in locating devices that have been stolen or lost;
• ability to work on a PC with minimal requirements.

The above-described advantages distinguish this program from all others.

Trend Micro Internet Security 2016

The main feature of Trend Micro Internet Security 2016 is its extremely specific design. The antivirus interface and transitions between windows are considered animated. It is possible to choose one of the proposed design themes or even set absolutely any image as the background of the program.

The antivirus works quite smoothly on weak computers and includes a number of the following features:

• online scanning. This is about file antivirus, which monitors the file system around the clock;
• deb filtering. A special web screen created to filter HTTP traffic opens. Despite the fact that the above program automatically installs its extensions, even without them web protection works fine;
• checking the computer's performance. The utility checks for the latest updates for Windows OS, analyzes account and firewall settings, allows you to edit the list of software that downloads automatically, finds “garbage” in your PC and clears history;
• privacy scan. In this case, the social systems account is configured to make personal data available exclusively to friends.

G Data Internet Security

This antivirus uses a special Bitdefender engine along with new system CloseGap with a cloud component in order to guarantee immediate and constant protection against viruses, spam, online threats and so on. Regional threats are also taken into account, the firewall works in the background and does not bother the computer in any way, even when playing games. The presence of parental controls allows you to protect the younger generation from sites with dubious content.

Among the main advantages of the antivirus are the following:

• high level detection of infected files;
• protection against theft of personal information in the form of passwords, e-mail, etc.;
• the ability to freely surf the web, do online banking and make online purchases;
• ease of installation and use;
• fairly fast startup;
• deletion confidential information in one click.

F-Secure Internet Security

It is a comprehensive software that includes protection against threats on the Internet. The program runs on Bitdefender engine, cloud technologies are used, proactive protection, anti-phishing, there is the possibility of control by parents and safe work with Internet banking.

The antivirus itself:

• protects against infections and spyware. E-mails are scanned regularly;
• There is a Firewall, advanced network protection, application analysis, intrusion elimination and network connection monitoring.

Internet protection is also offered:

• allows you to restrict children’s access to dubious sites;
• thanks to protection when surfing the network, pages with questionable content are blocked and security information is displayed;
• Banking transactions are protected, which protects clients from malicious actions when using online banking and making transfers.

Total Security

This is a free anti-virus program, which in its functionality is no worse than many paid programs, and in certain parameters it is even ahead of them. The program includes a free antivirus, PC acceleration function, system cleaning, device checks and a number of other additional features.

The antivirus offers several scanning modes (we are talking about fast, full and selective):

• quick scan allows you to check your system settings in just a couple of minutes, running programs, startup software and basic system information;
• a full scan differs only in that it also includes files stored on the PC. Therefore, the analysis completion time may vary - it all depends on how many files are stored on the user’s HDD;
• Selective scanning involves the ability to select files, folders or drives that are scanned for malicious elements.

Also, using this program, you can significantly speed up your computer by optimizing startup, scheduled tasks, utility utilities, critical system services, and network connection. All this is done automatically.

The computer cleaning function involves searching for temporarily stored files created while surfing the Internet. All garbage that appears while watching a video and other unnecessary information is also removed.

A few more reasons to choose Qihoo to download antivirus for a weak PC

There are a number of main reasons why you should choose Qihoo to download a security application on a weak PC:

• the ability to simultaneously operate several engines at once (one of them is Bitdefender);
• the presence of additional functionality with which the program makes the operation of a weak PC faster;
• special plugins that are built into the browser and monitor dubious sites, as well as other signs of threats;
• work in background mode, so the user is not distracted from performing key tasks due to constant pop-up windows.

Important! It should be emphasized that it is recommended to download everything for weak computers exclusively on official resources. Only in this case will it be guaranteed that you will receive a full-fledged antivirus without code changes that could harm personal information and Windows 7 itself.

Antivirus installation instructions

Let's look at detailed instructions for installing an antivirus using the latest example, 360 Total Security from Qihoo. The installation of other antivirus utilities is similar, the only difference can be in the installer menu, with which you can easily and quickly install any antivirus.

Important! If your device already has an antivirus, you should remove it before installing a new one.

1. Go to the official website of the utility developer using the link: https://www.360totalsecurity.com/ru/.

   

2. Left click on the “Download for free” button.

   

3. Run the downloaded installation file from your browser's Downloads folder.

   

4. Check the acceptance box license agreement, additional items as necessary, click “Install”.

   

5. Wait for the installation process to complete. After the installation of the program is completed, offer to use the download additional software, click “Start” or close the window by clicking on the cross in the upper right corner.

   

   

6. After installation, the antivirus will open automatically. Select the function you need from the list and click on it. We recommend that you perform a full test of the device by clicking on the large “Test” button.

   

Video - How to install 360 Total Security antivirus

All the antiviruses presented above are free!

Thus, to start using the antiviruses described above, all you need to do is download them to your computer and install them. After installation, you will need an Internet connection to update antivirus databases– thanks to this, the protection will always be relevant. At the same time, weak PCs use a minimum of the system's potential and often miss viruses that are very difficult to detect.

Video - Top antiviruses. Choosing the best

Hello, friends! Many people mistakenly assume that the quality of an antivirus is synonymous with its price; this is not entirely true.

Depending on the purposes for which you use the Internet, you can completely limit yourself to a free antivirus. Which free antivirus should you choose?

When it comes to computer security, the question immediately arises. whole line questions. Which antivirus is better? Is it possible to install several antiviruses at the same time? Paid antivirus or free? How to properly protect your computer? What to do if you need an antivirus urgently, here and now?

In emergency cases, the so-called cloud antivirus which I wrote about. This interesting solutions, which are definitely worthy of attention and will be able to help you out in difficult times. In the meantime, let's look at the usual antivirus tools.

First of all, I would like to convey one simple thing: Protecting your computer should always be comprehensive. It is wrong to rely on only one antivirus, even if you have a paid one. You can always bypass him, no matter how good he is. In nature there is no concept at all best antivirus, it simply does not exist - this is a fact, as is the fact that any antivirus should be supported by additional programs.

When I talk about comprehensive protection computer, then first of all I mean control over startup. I wrote about it in more detail in the article “Startup. How to remove a program from startup." You can read this article.

Any malicious software (software) that has outwitted your antivirus will first of all try to make its changes to startup for its continued presence in your system.

To control startup and remove suspicious elements from it, I recommend installing a well-proven program. This is a very functional and free program with a user-friendly and clear interface, it will allow you to make changes to startup only with your permission.

I will not dwell in more detail on the operation of this program now, because on its official website there is a demo video where all its functionality is described in great detail (http://www.anvir.net).

Don't neglect installing AnVir Task Manager!! When installing the program, use a custom installation and remove all third party software, which is proposed to be installed by default.

Let's begin with a review of the free, most popular and well-proven antivirus programs.

Avira Free Antivirus (http://www.avira.com/ru/avira-free-antivirus)

Product of a German company Avira GmbH. Distinctive feature The program is simple and has a fairly high degree of reliability. He loves Trojans very much)). You can remove malware with one click. There is real-time monitoring, a built-in scheduler, protection against rootkit programs, recognition of almost all types of archives, and low resource consumption. Unlike the paid version, there is no Web Protection module, which warns that the site you want to visit is malicious.

Pros: low consumption of system resources.
Minuses: lack of a Web Protection module (if this can be considered a minus, as many people prefer to disable it due to false positives)

avast! Free Antivirus (http://www.avast.com)

Development of a Czech company AVAST Software. A well-proven antivirus that not only protects your computer, but also has a powerful self-defense mechanism. Provides high-quality file protection, not much inferior to paid analogues. A fairly high degree of protection, but in order to preserve important data, it is recommended not to abandon periodic backups.

Pros: High level of virus recognition, pleasant interface
Minuses: Frequent false alarms.

AVG Anti-Virus Free (http://free.avg.com)

Czech product. The antivirus is fast, simple and easy to use. Includes basic protection against viruses, Trojans, spyware, and other malware. Built-in anti-rootkit and Anti-Spyware. IN new version programs included Windows support 8 and cloud file reputation service.

Pros: Very user-friendly interface, high level of virus recognition, careful resource consumption, official support Windows 8.
Minuses: I personally have not found them.

Comodo Internet Security (http://www.comodo.com)

The whole set free programs For full protection not only your system, but also from hacking attempts via the Internet. Three balanced PC protection modules: Comodo Antivirus, Comodo Firewall and the Comodo Defense+ module. The Comodo Antivirus and Comodo Firewall modules can be installed separately, as independent programs using one installation file.

Pros: User-friendly interface, high level of virus recognition, combination of antivirus and firewall.
Minuses: High level of resource consumption.

Microsoft Security Essentials (http://windows.microsoft.com)

Microsoft Security Essentials- free antivirus for basic protection computer from Internet worms, Trojans, viruses, spyware. As a rule, he does not bother over trifles, which is why he has won the sympathy of many users. Maximum performance, ease of settings, enhanced security, integration with the Windows firewall.

Pros: installs without restarting the computer, ease of use, disinfects infected files.
Minuses: Relatively high level of resource consumption.

It is also worth noting the following products free protection: Panda Cloud Antivirus Free, Ad-Aware Free Internet Security, PC Tools AntiVirus Free 2012, Ad-Aware Free Antivirus +, FortiClient Endpoint Security (Standard), ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall. I don’t know them personally, so it’s difficult to say anything good or bad.

Most modern commercial antiviruses offer their own trial versions And online scanners. I would not compare and put on the same level the effectiveness of free antiviruses and similar versions of commercial protection; after all, they have slightly different goals and are intended for familiarization with the product. But all of them have proven their effectiveness and can certainly be used in comprehensive protection of your PC.

In addition, if you prefer to buy such products rather than, say, look for freebies on, you have an excellent opportunity to analyze their work and make your choice.

Antivirus scanner Dr.Web CureIt (http://www.freedrweb.com/cureit)

The scanner is based on the core of the Dr.Web anti-virus program. Well detects and removes email and network worms, Trojans, file viruses, polymorphic and macro viruses, script viruses, spyware, dialers, password stealers, Adware.

Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool (http://www.kaspersky.ru/virusscanner)

The scanner is built on the engine of original products from Kaspersky Lab. The program is also very successful in combating basic types of malware. Does not conflict with other antivirus products. Process self-protection has been implemented. Can be launched from a flash drive. It is possible to install it on an infected computer.

ESET Online Scanner (http://www.esetnod32.ru/.support/scanner/run)

A powerful and functional scanner for checking your computer and removing malware. The scanner is based on anti-virus product databases ESET Smart Security/ESET NOD32 Antivirus. Recognizes and successfully fights all types of malware: viruses, Internet worms, Trojans, spyware. The scanner uses the same ThreatSense™ technology as the ESET Antivirus NOD32, as well as the latest and most up-to-date virus signature databases.

The main disadvantage of such scanners is the lack of real-time protection and module automatic update virus databases.

If speak about paid antivirus programs, then I had the opportunity to work with such giants as Dr.Web, ESET NOD32, as well as Kaspersky Internet Security and Norton AntiVirus. The protection is built to the highest standards and as such there are simply no complaints about the protection, but unlike its competitors ESET NOD32 not so heavy and that’s why my choice fell on it.

For home use, a combination of an antivirus program is quite enough AVG Antivirus Free Edition, plus close monitoring of startup, in the form of a program (required), plus periodic scanning of Dr.Web CureIt (about once a week).

It should be remembered that we bring most of the malware from the Internet, so it would be a good idea to read. Well, perhaps everyone knows that any device connected to a computer must be scanned. ( 13 ratings, average: 4,85 out of 5)