The article intends to draw a comparison among free antivirus
programs available for users who are concerned about both security and
money. Every year, most of the antivirus software vendors roll out free
editions along with commercial security suites. While these suites
comprise a set of enhanced features and utilities intended to give
maximum protection to computing and browsing needs, free versions are
designed to do the needful for security needs of home users who need
their computer only for limited use.
While the use may be limited or limitless, the need for a strong security solution lingers due to rise in the number of the security threats and ultimately the increased cost of maintaining computer security. The year 2012 is expected to see major changes in terms of free security solutions despite the fact that most of them have already made inroads in the last quarter of 2011. Thus, only major improvements along with a few new rollouts are expected in 2012. Below is the list of some of the famous free antivirus software editions as well as their features:
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 12.0.0.374 Final
Kaspersky has been a trusted security solution for years. If one goes by the rating and reviews given by anonymous users, then the program certainly tops the list of security solutions. Look below for more info:
Vital Stats:
License: freeware
OS Support: Windows 7/Vista/XP (SP2 or later)/2k
Browser Support: Microsoft IE 6 or later versions
Installation Type: CD or online download
Technical Support: knowledge base, online forum, free technical support
Pros:
Powerful antivirus engine that detects and removes viruses in real-time, improved user interface, HTTP, NNTP, and IMAP traffic support, next-generation anti-malware technology that allows installation even on infected computers, TheBat! plug-in, Script Checker with browser GUI plug-in, Anti-Rootkit technology, and superior damage cleanup against spyware among others.
Cons:
Routine updates slowdown PC and internet connection. Updating takes good amount of time.
Avira Free Antivirus 2012 12.0.0.872
If you are looking for a decent, free security solution, Avira Free Antivirus 2012 12.0.0.872 is here to do the needful. The program offers excellent protection from viruses, dialers, worms, rootkits, adware, and spyware etc. in addition to the internet and email security. Below are the details:
Vital Stats:
License: freeware
OS Support: Windows 7/Vista/XP (SP2 or later)/2k
Browser Support: Microsoft IE 6.0 or later
Installation Type: online download
Technical Support: email and chat
Pros:
up to 5 times faster scanning, light on resources, user-friendly interface, On-Demand Scan for scanning all the infections, anti-rootkit technology for protection against hidden rootkits and malware, high-speed scanning and multi-threading functions, and On-Access Scan for incessant monitoring and scanning of file access attempts among others.
Cons:
interface needs little improvement, large data files can slow down the scanning speed, not efficient against detection and removal of malware, and is more an affordable program than a security solution.
AVG Anti-Virus Free 2012 v12.0.1890
Ranked among the well-known security solution providers, AVG offers another free tool for personal computer users. AVG Anti-Virus Free 2012 v12.0.1890 has been designed to provide excellent protection against malware and phishing programs. See below for more details:
License: Freeware
OS Support: Windows 7/Vista/XP
Browser Support: Microsoft IE, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome
Installation Type: online download
Technical Support: online forum, knowledge base, and email
Pros:
antivirus\anti-spyware protection, refurbished E-mail Scanner for maximum protection against email phishing, improved installation technologies, light on resources, multi-language program, Facebook access tool, and enhanced Safe Search technology to prevent browser crash or update.
Cons:
complicated user interface, creates issues with third-party firewall programs like ZoneAlarm, slow down internet connection and browsing, overwrite previous settings post-download, upgrade and update issues, and Rootkit scan has to be launched separately from full system scan.
Norton AntiVirus 2012 19.1.1
Another popular name in the world of security solution vendors, Symantec has launched Norton AntiVirus 2012 19.1.1 for
License: freeware
OS Support: Windows 7/Vista/XP
Browser Support: IE 6.0 or later, Google Chrome 10.0 or later, and Mozilla Firefox 3.0 or later versions.
Installation Type: online download
Technical Support: online forum
Pros:
handy, quick installation and configuration, SONAR2 Behavioral Protection technology that scans your computer for wary, online threats, Pulse Updates for updating your system every 5-15 minutes for enhanced protection from newly growing threats and infections without hampering your computer's speed and functionality, Norton Protection System tool for enhanced protection against viruses, spyware, and Trojans among other infections, and Bot protection technology among others.
Cons:
complicated user interface (needs whole lot of improvement), can freeze computer, not so effective detection capability, and heavy on resources.
While the use may be limited or limitless, the need for a strong security solution lingers due to rise in the number of the security threats and ultimately the increased cost of maintaining computer security. The year 2012 is expected to see major changes in terms of free security solutions despite the fact that most of them have already made inroads in the last quarter of 2011. Thus, only major improvements along with a few new rollouts are expected in 2012. Below is the list of some of the famous free antivirus software editions as well as their features:
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 12.0.0.374 Final
Kaspersky has been a trusted security solution for years. If one goes by the rating and reviews given by anonymous users, then the program certainly tops the list of security solutions. Look below for more info:
Vital Stats:
License: freeware
OS Support: Windows 7/Vista/XP (SP2 or later)/2k
Browser Support: Microsoft IE 6 or later versions
Installation Type: CD or online download
Technical Support: knowledge base, online forum, free technical support
Pros:
Powerful antivirus engine that detects and removes viruses in real-time, improved user interface, HTTP, NNTP, and IMAP traffic support, next-generation anti-malware technology that allows installation even on infected computers, TheBat! plug-in, Script Checker with browser GUI plug-in, Anti-Rootkit technology, and superior damage cleanup against spyware among others.
Cons:
Routine updates slowdown PC and internet connection. Updating takes good amount of time.
Avira Free Antivirus 2012 12.0.0.872
If you are looking for a decent, free security solution, Avira Free Antivirus 2012 12.0.0.872 is here to do the needful. The program offers excellent protection from viruses, dialers, worms, rootkits, adware, and spyware etc. in addition to the internet and email security. Below are the details:
Vital Stats:
License: freeware
OS Support: Windows 7/Vista/XP (SP2 or later)/2k
Browser Support: Microsoft IE 6.0 or later
Installation Type: online download
Technical Support: email and chat
Pros:
up to 5 times faster scanning, light on resources, user-friendly interface, On-Demand Scan for scanning all the infections, anti-rootkit technology for protection against hidden rootkits and malware, high-speed scanning and multi-threading functions, and On-Access Scan for incessant monitoring and scanning of file access attempts among others.
Cons:
interface needs little improvement, large data files can slow down the scanning speed, not efficient against detection and removal of malware, and is more an affordable program than a security solution.
AVG Anti-Virus Free 2012 v12.0.1890
Ranked among the well-known security solution providers, AVG offers another free tool for personal computer users. AVG Anti-Virus Free 2012 v12.0.1890 has been designed to provide excellent protection against malware and phishing programs. See below for more details:
License: Freeware
OS Support: Windows 7/Vista/XP
Browser Support: Microsoft IE, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome
Installation Type: online download
Technical Support: online forum, knowledge base, and email
Pros:
antivirus\anti-spyware protection, refurbished E-mail Scanner for maximum protection against email phishing, improved installation technologies, light on resources, multi-language program, Facebook access tool, and enhanced Safe Search technology to prevent browser crash or update.
Cons:
complicated user interface, creates issues with third-party firewall programs like ZoneAlarm, slow down internet connection and browsing, overwrite previous settings post-download, upgrade and update issues, and Rootkit scan has to be launched separately from full system scan.
Norton AntiVirus 2012 19.1.1
Another popular name in the world of security solution vendors, Symantec has launched Norton AntiVirus 2012 19.1.1 for
License: freeware
OS Support: Windows 7/Vista/XP
Browser Support: IE 6.0 or later, Google Chrome 10.0 or later, and Mozilla Firefox 3.0 or later versions.
Installation Type: online download
Technical Support: online forum
Pros:
handy, quick installation and configuration, SONAR2 Behavioral Protection technology that scans your computer for wary, online threats, Pulse Updates for updating your system every 5-15 minutes for enhanced protection from newly growing threats and infections without hampering your computer's speed and functionality, Norton Protection System tool for enhanced protection against viruses, spyware, and Trojans among other infections, and Bot protection technology among others.
Cons:
complicated user interface (needs whole lot of improvement), can freeze computer, not so effective detection capability, and heavy on resources.
