Best Reviewed
Antivirus Software
- Best antivirus software Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 *Est. $25
- Antivirus software for older/slower computers Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus 2012 *Est. $40
- Security suite with antivirus software Norton Internet Security 2012 *Est. $70
- Free antivirus software AVG Anti-Virus Free 2012 *Est. $0
- Best antivirus for Mac Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac *Est. $0
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- AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic is one of the best programs at detecting malware, and it's free, so there is no financial risk to try it.
- Most reviewers say the AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic is much better at detecting than removing malware. Some reviewers say other free programs are more effective. Users complain about system drag and many false positives.
AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic receives mixed reviews and has mixed performance test data. Tests show the program is exceptional at detection -- even better than some commercial programs. However, it also reports many false positives. Only a few users attempt to claim that AntiVir or any free program is as effective as a commercial program. The relative strengths and weaknesses of the top three free programs lead reviewers to differing conclusions. AVG Anti-Virus Free and Avast! 4 Home Edition are the other two leading free antivirus software programs.
The free version of AntiVir, called PersonalEdition, is reviewed at WebUser.co.uk and About.com, which compare several free antivirus programs head-to-head. BetaNews has hundreds of user reviews for AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic, many of which compare AntiVir with other free and commercial programs people have used. PC Magazine and AV-comparatives.org show test results, but do not review the program in a narrative way.
Our Sources
U.K. Internet magazine Web User regularly reviews security software. Mark Wilson compares six free antivirus programs including Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition. Each program earns overall ratings and sub-category ratings for features, performance, and ease of use. Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic is not one of the higher rated free programs.
Review: Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic Review, Mark Wilson, Oct. 2006
2. About.com
About.com's guide to antivirus software reviews three free antivirus programs: AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic, Avast! 4 Home Edition, and AVG Free Edition. The university-based AV-Test.org tested each program. AntiVir PersonalEdition does the best job of detecting viruses, but manages to remove only three-quarters of them. Although Mary Landesman gives ratings to the free programs, she does not compare them to paid antivirus software.
Review: Review: Free Antivirus Software, Mary Landesman, Aug. 21, 2006
3. BetaNews
This shareware site offers downloads and invites members to review software. At press time, AntiVir PersonalEdition is rated 4.2/5 averaged over 360 user reviews. It has almost 100,000 downloads. Slowing, updating issues, and many false positives are the major criticisms.
Review: AntiVir Personal Edition for Windows, Contributors to BetaNews
The university-based AV-Test.org does not review products, but it tests security products and sells the test results to clients such as PC Magazine. The magazine commissioned a limited test that only determined each program's ability to detect malware (but not remove it). AntiVir PersonalEdition topped all the major commercial brands in this limited test.
Review: AV-Test.org Reports Stats from Antivirus Roundup, Larry Seltzer, May 22, 2007
5. Smart ComputingDetails/Subscribe
In this general article about computer security, Jennifer Johnson devotes a paragraph to antivirus programs. She says, "If you're looking for a free program, consider Grisoft's AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition or Avira's AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic." She does not explain the recommendation, nor provide any documentation or evidence of testing or even personal usage.
Review: Keep Your System Safe, Jennifer Johnson, Feb. 2007
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2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
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