EmailBest Reviewed
Antivirus Software
- Best antivirus software ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4 *Est. $35
- Free antivirus software AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.5 *Est. $0
- Security suite with antivirus software Norton Internet Security 2009 *Est. $45
- Most popular antivirus software Norton AntiVirus 2009 *Est. $20
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Best antivirus software
- Excels at preventing viruses
- Low system drain
- No software conflicts
- Improved user interface
- Doesn't include firewall protection
- Relatively expensive
March 2009. Reviewers give ESET NOD32 a slight edge over Norton AntiVirus 2009 (*est. $20). Earlier releases were widely criticized for their confusing interface, but reviews say the most recent versions -- including version 4 -- are vastly improved. Computer experts say NOD32 offers great protection against viruses, spyware and adware, yet there's no system drain and no software conflicts. User satisfaction with this program is much higher than with its antivirus competitors. Despite NOD32's improved user friendliness, some reviewers say Norton AntiVirus 2009 (*est. $20) is a better choice for beginners or people who want the simplest possible user experience.
Scientific testing sites like Virus Bulletin and CheckVir.com are the best places to learn about the effectiveness of ESET NOD32 antivirus software. Initial impressions about the user experience offered by the just released version NOD32 Antivirus 4 can be found at download sites, like Download.com. Blogger Michael Aulia provides a more in-depth report based on the beta version of the program. CNet.com has an in-depth report of the still widely available and very similar version 3 of the software.
Our Sources
1. Virus BulletinDetails/Subscribe
To receive certification from Virus Bulletin, an antivirus program must detect all in-the-wild viruses "during both on-demand and on-access scanning," according to the website. ESET NOD32 passes all 2008 and 2009 tests.
Review: VB100 Results, Editors of Virus Bulletin
2. CheckVir.com
CheckVir.com tests antivirus programs against nearly a thousand common threats. This table summarizes CheckVir.com's testing results for the last five years. NOD32 has been tested 60 times, and has never failed to gain certification.
Review: Certification Results, Editors of CheckVir.com
Blogger Michael Aulia is a fan of NOD32 because it is effective and doesn't seriously impact computer performance. He reports that version 4 -- even when still in beta -- continues in that tradition.
Review: Thumbs up for ESET NOD32 Version 4 Public Beta 1, Michael Aulia, Jan. 9, 2009
4. Download.com
Download.com gives users a chance to rate and/or review software. While a couple of negative comments are posted, most seem pleased. At the time of our last visit, ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4 had accumulated five user reviews, more than 600 ratings, and a solid four stars out of a possible five overall.
Review: ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4.0.314 Reviews, Contributors to Download.com
5. CNET
CNet.com's Robert Vamosi covers reports on NOD 32 version 3. He writes that NOD32's interface has been much improved and is now more intuitive for beginners, yet experienced users still have access to finely tweak protection.
Review: ESET NOD32 3.0 Antivirus System Review, Robert Vamosi, Apr. 28, 2008
