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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- Independent test labs rate NOD32 antivirus software at or near the top in its ability to prevent viruses. The program is exceptional at catching new threats. Affect on performance is extremely minimal. The interface is very technical -- something that appeals to computer experts.
- Every reviewer of NOD32 2.7 antivirus software says the user interface is complex, too technical, and unintuitive to use. Even nerds have trouble with it. Reviewers unanimously agree the interface is terrible.
Reviewers and testing labs unanimously agree about NOD32: It is the most effective antivirus program you can buy. It does a good job of blocking spyware, too. Furthermore, it causes no system drain and has no software conflicts. However, reviewers also call the user interface complicated and terrible -- unintuitive and confusing. In spite of strong test results, experts say the intimidating interface makes NOD32 impractical for anyone but sophisticated computer users.
We found the best, most detailed and most comprehensive coverage of NOD32 antivirus software at Scot's Newsletter. Scot Finnie directly compares NOD32 2.7 with F-Secure Anti-Virus 2007, and previously compared NOD32 2.5 with eight competitors. His real-world testing is unparalleled, and he addresses all usage issues as well as performance. Newegg.com has the most thoughtful user reviews of NOD32. Computer Shopper, PC World, BIOS, Pocket-lint.co.uk, and PCAdvisor.co.uk all have good reviews. However, those sources don't consider compatibility with other security software. CNet.com and Consumer Reports only review the previous version of NOD32 2.7.
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Our Sources
Computerworld editor Scot Finnie spent months thoroughly testing the 2006 versions of 16 antivirus programs in real-world use. Additionally, Finnie weighed the feedback of hundreds of expert readers. He chose F-Secure Anti-Virus 2006 as the Best Antivirus Product of 2006 and NOD32 2.5 as the runner-up. He reviews the newer versions of each program in the February 2007 issue of Scot's Newsletter.
Review: Eset's Nod32 2.7: The Best Antivirus Product of 2007, Scot Finnie, Feb. 2007
British magazine Computer Shopper directly compares 12 leading programs, including NOD32 antivirus software. Performance testing seems sound, but results differ considerably from other reviewers. The reviews do not address compatibility with other security programs and rarely mention affect on system resources. Ratings are sometimes out of line with results and commentary. NOD32 is one of the best antivirus programs.
Review: Labs: Anti-virus software, Simon Edwards, Feb. 2007
3. NewEgg.com
Technology retailer Newegg.com allows customers to review and rate products. Many users favorably compare NOD32 with the Norton or McAfee products they've recently used. Of more than 75 customers who reviewed the product, and most rate it as excellent. A few people agree with the commercial reviewers that the NOD32 interface is complicated or counterintuitive.
Review: Customer Reviews for ESET NOD32 Anti-Virus, Contributors to Newegg.com
U.K. small business technology website BIOS generally provides good reviews, but does not review a lot of products, nor are all sold in the U.S. Christian Harris reviews several antivirus programs. His opinions about NOD32 are consistent with other reviewers.
Review: Eset NOD32 for Windows 2.7, Christian Harris, Feb. 12, 2007
Pocket-lint reviews some Internet security products, but not enough to provide meaningful comparisons. In spite of its glaring flaw, NOD32 is rated highly; it earns a higher rating than Norton AntiVirus 2007.
Review: NOD32 2.7 Review, Stephen Patrick, Mar. 22, 2007
