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“I have used many different anti virus products over...”

written by ChrisBUK2 on 17/11/2007

Good Points
Stunning detection rates - one of the best.Extremely light on system resources.Great support at the Avira forums.Classic version is FREE.

Bad Points
Classic version does not scan emails, and premium version only scans non-SSL emails (emails through mail will not be scanned).Does not include a web scanner in Class or Premium.Free version has an annoying pop up after every update urging you to upgrade to the premium version - this can be blocked by some firewalls.

General Comments
I have used many different anti virus products over the years, including AVG, Avast, Anti Vir, NOD32, Norton, Kaspersky and McAfee.I can safely say AntiVir classic is by far the best free antivirus available. It's detection rates are better than some paid antivirus' like Norton and it completely thrashes both Avast and AVG as far as detection rates go. It is EXTREMELY light on system resources, by far the lightest AV I have ever used. It is silent and doesn't keep pestering. It is also very quick at scanning.I have been so pleased with the Classic version that I just started using the trial version of the Premium version for 90 days, and I have no doubt that I will pay once the trial is up. It is only £12 and something like £5 of that goes to charity to help children. It is by far the cheapest AV in it's class.The only slight issue is the mail scanner, it does not scan SSL emails, so it will not scan emails coming through G mail, which is a real shame. However, if you try to open an infected attachment, it should detect/kill the infection - it just won't see the infection coming into your inbox, so I recommend right clicking on all attachments and scanning manually. It will take seconds and put your mind at rest.I would also HIGHLY recommend an Anti Spy ware scanner(s) alongside AntiVir and other anti viruses - many anti viruses miss spyware that can cause even more damage than viruses. Spy ware include key loggers which can silently and track down all your passwords and even bank details if you do online banking. A good anti spyware and firewall will hugely reduce this risk.My favorites are A-Squared free (although this doesn't protect you 24/7, it's on-demand scanner is VERY good). AVG Anti-Spy ware is also good and it is constantly running in case you try to open a file infected with spy ware. Comodo BOClean is excellent for further protection.I would also recommend a firewall if you don't already use one. You might not need one if you have a router with a build in firewall that is correctly configured, if you don't have a router than I would highly recommend using Comodo Firewall, this too is free and it is currently one of the best, if not THE best firewall available. It came 3rd in recent firewall tests against firewalls which cost £30 !http://www.matousec.com/projects/windows-personal-firewall-analysis/leak-tests-results.php (scroll down on that website to see the results).I would highly recommend this anti virus to anyone. I currently have the choice to buy Kaspersky anti virus 7 for just £8 (they have a 50% sale on and I have a coupon for an extra 30% off) but I am so impressed with this antivirus that I am going to stick with this one. It is lighter on resources and beat Kaspersky detection rates.To see some test results on AntiVir go to http://www.av-comparatives.org/