Best Reviewed
Antivirus Software
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- F-Secure uses several anti-virus engines for the best protection, and reviews say it is one of the most effective programs at preventing viruses and other malware. The program barely impacts system resources and is easy to use.
- F-Secure will not co-exist with other security programs, especially the free version of ZoneAlarm firewall, so you may have fiddle with your other security settings.
According to reviews, F-Secure Anti-Virus is one of the most effective antivirus programs. It does a superb job of detection and removal in lab tests. However, the price is high, and U.S. distribution is limited. Unlike the bestselling brands, it isn't advertised as free after rebates. F-Secure Anti-Virus is not compatible with the free ZoneAlarm firewall, and reviews say it can conflict with other security programs, too. But F-Secure Anti-Virus is a very light program, so it won't consume much of your computer's resources. F-Secure was embarrassed earlier in 2007 by the discovery of a security flaw in this program (which has now been fixed).
We found the most credible reviews of F-Secure Anti-Virus 2007 at Scot's Newsletter; Scot Finnie directly compares it with NOD32 2.7, and previously compared F-Secure Anti-Virus 2006 with eight competitors. His real-world testing is unparalleled, and he addresses all usage issues as well as performance. Computer Shopper judges performance very well, but overlooks usage considerations. AV-comparatives.org and AV-Test.org (through PC Magazine) have informative test results. ConsumerGuide.com, TopTenReviews.com, CNet.com, and Consumer Reports have brief coverage that either covers the previous version or offers too little decision-making help.
Our Sources
Computerworld editor Scot Finnie spends months in 2006 thoroughly testing nine standalone antivirus programs. He chooses F-Secure Anti-Virus 2006 as the Best Antivirus Product of 2006. In a February follow-up, he reviews the newer versions of F-Secure and NOD32. Finnie concludes that F-Secure Anti-Virus 2007 is inferior to last year's product because of conflicts with other utilities.
Review: The Best Antivirus Product of 2007, Scot Finnie, Feb. 2007
This relatively short review of F-Secure Anti-Virus 2007 does a fine job of evaluating performance, comparing products, and assessing the value of F-Secure. However, it fails to address affect on system resources or compatibility with other security programs.
Review: F-Secure Anti-Virus 2007 Review, Simon Edwards, Feb. 2007
AV-comparatives.org is an independent non-profit organization that tests anti-virus software, including F-Secure Anti-Virus 2007. The organization only evaluates the effectiveness of programs at detecting viruses and malware, and does not rate ease of use of system compatibility. AV-comparatives.org does not allow reporting of its test results, which are available without charge on its website.
Review: Test May 2007, Coordinated by Andreas Clementi, May 2007
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 (not remove it). F-Secure Anti-Virus 2007 is judged one of the best; it tops all the bestselling brands.
Review: AV-Test.org Reports Stats from Antivirus Roundup, Larry Seltzer, May 22, 2007
This short, single-product review is on par with a typical user review. Most of the article deals with installation. Testing isn't documented. The review does not address performance of F-Secure Anti-Virus 2007 relative to other products (except for ratings), affect on system resources, or compatibility.
Review: Expert Review: F-Secure Anti-Virus 2007, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Mar. 20, 2007
