AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2011 10.0.1170

The bottom line: Although AVG has flagged a little in the past few years, AVG Anti-Virus Free 2011 breathes some new life into one of the most popular security programs around with a shorter install, better usability, and faster scans.

Review:
The never-ending mantra chanted by security suite vendors sounds a lot like "faster scans, easier to use, better performance," and AVG has released a new version that it says accomplishes all three. Certainly, the scans are faster, it does install more quickly, and some tweaks to the interface have made it easier to use. However, changes to the engine that powers the detection and removal of threats has made it hard to come to a conclusion until independent labs return their efficacy results later this year. 

Panda Cloud Antivirus Free Edition 1.1

When it originally debuted, Panda Cloud Antivirus was notable as a free security solution for two reasons: Panda traded on its reputation as a solid security suite vendor making its first foray into the realm of freeware, and the program attained its goal of freeing up system resources by putting much of the program's heavy lifting in the cloud. Now we can add a third reason to the list: it's now known as an effective alternative to the security powerhouses.

When you open Cloud Antivirus, the main window lets you know whether you're safe or not with a big red or green icon. Cloud Antivirus works as other antivirus solutions do, offering a Quick Scan and a Custom scan for specific folder, files, and drives, but its ancillary features are exceptionally light. You can opt out of contributing anonymous data to the cloud, but that also opts you out of automatic threat management. There's a network connection proxy option should you need it, and a reporting feature that will show you what kind of threats have been detected and removed from your computer. You can filter the report by All, Last 24 hours, Last Week, or Last Month, and there's a Recycle Bin pane from which you can recover a false positive, should you need it. The modest level of tweaks and customizations have been hidden behind an obnoxious "flipping" screen that cheesily rotates when you need to access it, but they do provide choices in a clean UI that weren't available before.

Despite still lacking some of the deeper customization heft that other free antivirus solutions have, most glaringly a scheduler, the program is not necessarily a bad choice for a stripped-down antivirus. It has added a full on-demand scan, and it runs at around 15MB of RAM when idle and around 60MB when scanning. It's a great choice for resource-conscious Netbook users. Panda Cloud Antivirus makes a decent, reasonable security choice for anybody looking to effectively balance security and system performance.

FreeFixer 0.56

FreeFixer is a general purpose removal tool which will help you to delete potentially unwanted software, such as adware, spyware, trojans, viruses and worms. FreeFixer works by scanning a large number of locations where unwanted software has a known record of appearing or leaving traces. FreeFixer does not know what is good or bad so the scan result will contain both files and settings that you want to keep and perhaps some that you want to remove.

Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware 8.2

One of the first applications built to find and remove malware and spyware, Ad-Aware's reputation is well-justified. The latest version continues the publisher's tradition of adroitly addressing user concerns, but isn't yet perfect.

Building on the improvements made in version 8, former Ad-Aware users should be glad to hear that the program installs faster than it used to. Without a doubt, though, this version of Ad-Aware improves greatly on what has come before. It loads faster during your boot cycle, and scans are faster. Empirical tests noted that while the Quick Scan finished in less than 10 minutes for version 8, the current version's Quick Scan finished in under three minutes. Previous files that had been falsely detected as threats weren't flagged this time around, probably due in part to Ad-Aware's behavioral detection engine. Called Genotype, it's based on heuristics and uses a one-pass scanning system, Genotype isn't directly exposed to users, although you can opt in to anonymously contribute data from the Settings menu. The new version also explicitly calls out in the scan windows what the scan looks for.

New users should note that Ad-Aware Free performs faster than integrated antivirus and antimalware programs in part because only the paid version of Ad-Aware comes with an antivirus engine. Other important features are disabled in the free version. While rootkit detection is present, behavior-based heuristics and real-time registry protection are not. Ad-Aware Free cannot scan networked drives, and even a basic feature like the scheduler remains off-limits to nonpaying customers. The proprietary real-time defender Ad-Watch Live has been reconfigured to run more smoothly in the background, however, and long-time fans will notice the change. Ad-Aware continues to make improvements and seems to be unwilling to rest on its malware-removing laurels, but the free version is undeniably hamstrung.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.45

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a surprisingly effective freeware antimalware tool. It's a relatively speedy malware remover, with the quick scan taking about 8 minutes even with other high-resource programs running. The heuristics engine proved on multiple computers during empirical testing that it was capable of determining the difference between false positives and dangerous apps.

The app has some nice features rolled in, too. It supports multiple drive scanning including networked drives, context menu options including a scan-on-demand for individual files, and the FileAssassin option under the More Tools section for removing locked files. The interface is simple, but pleasant-looking and well-organized. Tabs live just below the oversized logo, with few options per tab to keep down the clutter. The installation process was fast enough, but interestingly offered up the well-kept changelog and an instant definition file update.

Do note that the real-time protection is restricted to the paid version, as is the scheduler for updates and scans. Overall, though, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a responsive malware remover that does what it should with a minimum of fuss.

PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition

PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition protects you against the most nefarious cyber-threats attempting to gain access to your PC and personal details. PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition provides protection, with rapid database updates, IntelliGuard real-time file, Internet & e-mail protection and comprehensive system scanning to ensure your system remains safe and virus free.

What's new in this version:

PC Tools AntiVirus 6 provides enhancements in protection, detection and scanning. This has been achieved through the introduction of next generation sliding signatures, specifically designed to better cater for the significant numbers of threat variants in the wild. PC Tools' next-gen sliding signatures have also delivered performance improvements to scan time and system impact with a further reduced memory footprint and overall system impact during scanning.

PC Tools AntiVirus 6 h... see all new feature 

Metadefender 1.10.87

Metadefender is an SDK, which allows integration of various antivirus engines into applications for real time scanning. Using Metadefender, you can integrate antivirus engines from Avast, ClamAV, Quick Heal, and VirusBuster EDK into your application. No antivirus can detect threats with 100% guarantee. Metadefender, which unites several different antivirus engines increases probability of successfully detecting malware.

Version 1.10.87 supports VirusBuster engine and fixes the bug of the connector to the ClamAV antivirus.

What's new in this version:
Version 1.10.87 supports VirusBuster engine and fixes the bug of the connector to the ClamAV antivirus. 

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010

Kaspersky Anti-Virus does a better-than-average job of keeping your PC safe, but it lacks the robust feature set of its more-expensive sibling. Several new features have made it into this version along with expected upgrades to the anti-virus engine, but one of the best--the Safe Run program sandbox--is sorely missed.

New features in the 2010 edition include a behavioral-based detection system called the Urgent Detection Sytsem. The UDS uses the anonymous data Kaspersky customers who choose to participate in submitting their system scans for analysis. In fact, the UDS must be opted-out of--there's a check box and data collection statement to read when you install the program. A gamer mode, somewhat superfluous virtual keyboard to avoid keylogging, and auto-run disabling are the less-impressive new features, joining stalwarts like antivirus protection for files, e-mail, HTTP traffic, and instant messaging. There are protections against phishing, too, as well as the Kaspersky URL advisor.

It's not a bad feature set, but the price will definitely knock you back compared to what you get for $20 more. Kaspersky is a strong security antivirus, but the extra features only available in Internet Security mean that buyers should definitely test the full trial before committing to it.

F-Secure Internet Security 2010

F-Secure Internet Security 2010 offers better security online without slowing down your computer. The completely redesigned new version offers significantly improved performance, including 70 % less memory consumption and 60 % faster scanning. It also provides enhanced protection against viruses, malware, spam e-mail, and cyber criminals.

Automatic updates and advanced cloud computing technology ensure the fastest protection against new threats. The new Browsing Protection feature tells you which websites are safe to enter and which you should avoid. Harmful sites are blocked automatically to ensure safe surfing while renewed Parental Control keeps children safe from inappropriate web content. Extensive usability studies have helped us create a user experience that sets a new standard for safe PC use. Any problems are handled automatically, without disturbing the user. You are safe, whatever you do online.

BitDefender Free Edition 10.0

Benefiting from previous experience, the new BitDefender Free Edition was designed with a centralized management console, which allows protection options configuration for all BitDefender modules. It is enough to open the management console in order to have access to all modules: Virus Scan, Scheduler, Live! Update, Quarantine, Reports. On demand scanning - Powerful scan engines ensure detection and removal of all viruses in the wild every time you need it. You can schedule the checking of your system at any time, periodically, without any other intervention. With just a right click you can check your files and folders. Automatic and manual update are available. Intelligent update of antivirus protection, without your intervention. The update can be done from the network over the Internet, directly or through a Proxy Server. There are over 90,000 Virus Definitions.

BitDefender Antivirus 2010

Confidently download, share and open files from friends, family, co-workers - and even total strangers. Protects against viruses and other malware using industry-leading technology. Scans all Web, e-mail and instant messaging traffic in real-time. Provides an unmatched detection rate of new threats based on two different proactive technologies. Blocks spyware programs that track your online activities. Protect your identity: shop, bank, listen and watch, privately and securely. Blocks web pages that attempt to steal your credit card data. Prevents personal information from leaking via e-mail, Web or instant messaging. Guard your conversations with top-of-the line encryption.

Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware 8.2

 One of the first applications built to find and remove malware and spyware, Ad-Aware's reputation is well-justified. The latest version continues the publisher's tradition of adroitly addressing user concerns, but isn't yet perfect.

Building on the improvements made in version 8, former Ad-Aware users should be glad to hear that the program installs faster than it used to. Without a doubt, though, this version of Ad-Aware improves greatly on what has come before. It loads faster during your boot cycle, and scans are faster. Empirical tests noted that while the Quick Scan finished in less than 10 minutes for version 8, the current version's Quick Scan finished in under three minutes. Previous files that had been falsely detected as threats weren't flagged this time around, probably due in part to Ad-Aware's behavioral detection engine. Called Genotype, it's based on heuristics and uses a one-pass scanning system, Genotype isn't directly exposed to users, although you can opt in to anonymously contribute data from the Settings menu. The new version also explicitly calls out in the scan windows what the scan looks for.

New users should note that Ad-Aware Free performs faster than integrated antivirus and antimalware programs in part because only the paid version of Ad-Aware comes with an antivirus engine. Other important features are disabled in the free version. While rootkit detection is present, behavior-based heuristics and real-time registry protection are not. Ad-Aware Free cannot scan networked drives, and even a basic feature like the scheduler remains off-limits to nonpaying customers. The proprietary real-time defender Ad-Watch Live has been reconfigured to run more smoothly in the background, however, and long-time fans will notice the change. Ad-Aware continues to make improvements and seems to be unwilling to rest on its malware-removing laurels, but the free version is undeniably hamstrung.

Smadav 2010 Rev. 8

Smadav 2010 Rev. 8 dirilis dengan berbagai fitur dan penyempurnaan baru yang dikhususkan untuk pemberantasan virus lokal. Fitur-fitur itu seperti Smad-Behavior yang bisa mengenali virus lokal baru yang belum ada di database Smadav dari tingkah lakunya ketika menginfeksi sistem. Smad-Ray yang bisa melakukan scan flashdisk secara otomatis setelah terpasang hanya dalam waktu maksimum 5 detik. Smadav 2010 lebih stabil dan sangat disarankan untuk digabungkan dengan antivirus internasional karena Smadav hanya bisa menangani virus lokal. Pengebalan flashdisk (menggunakan folder autorun.inf) telah disempurnakan lagi dan sebelumnya akan ada konfirmasi sehingga Anda bisa memutuskan apakah suatu flashdisk ingin dikebalkan atau tidak.

Sebagai informasi, dari sampel-sampel virus yang di-upload pengguna ke situs Smadav.net, penyebaran virus lokal saat ini sudah mulai turun drastis di Indonesia. Mungkin ini dikarenakan sudah banyaknya antivirus lokal yang bisa membasmi virus-virus lokal. Dan juga karena pengguna Windows XP yang sudah berkurang karena sebagian sudah meng-upgrade sistem operasinya menjadi Windows Vista atau Windows 7 yang sangat aman dari infeksi virus khususnya virus lokal. Penyebaran virus di Indonesia lebih banyak didominasi oleh virus dan malware internasional yang tentunya tidak bisa diatasi Smadav. Anda wajib dan sangat disarankan menggunakan antivirus internasional untuk perlindungan komputer Anda dari virus dan malware internasional ini.

Smad-Behavior
Hampir semua virus lokal baru yang masih menggunakan teknik virus lokal untuk menginfeksi sistem akan terdeteksi oleh Smadav. Virus lokal ini dapat dideteksi dari tingkah lakunya yang langsung menginfeksi sistem sesaat setelah tereksekusi. Jadi, tidak masalah lagi bagi Smadav untuk mencegah virus lokal baru yang belum ada di database.

Digabungkan dengan Antivirus Internasional
Smadav dibuat dengan tujuan untuk membersihkan dan melindungi komputer Anda dari virus-virus lokal yang banyak menyebar di Indonesia. Jadi, Smadav tidak mampu mendeteksi virus internasional. Oleh karena itu, Kalau Anda sering berinternet atau sering meng-install program-program baru, Anda wajib dan sangat disarankan untuk menginstall satu antivirus internasional untuk digabungkan dengan Smadav. Smadav dapat digabungkan dengan hampir semua antivirus internasional. Setelah digabungkan, Smadav akan melindungi komputer Anda dari virus lokal dan antivirus internasional tersebut yang akan melindung Anda dari virus internasional secara keseluruhan. Antivirus Internasional itu misalnya yang gratis adalah Avira, AVG, atau Avast dan yang berbayar misalnya adalah Kasperksy, Norton, atau NOD32.

Smad-Ray dan Pengebalan Flashdisk
Smad-Ray adalah scan cepat flashdisk (maksimum 5 detik) sesaat setelah flashdisk terpasang sehingga tanpa menunggu lama Anda bisa segera tahu apakah flashdisk Anda terinfeksi virus lokal atau tidak. Pengebalan flashdisk dilakukan Smadav dengan menambahkan folder autorun.inf di flashdisk Anda sehingga virus yang biasanya menginfeksi flashdisk akan sangat sulit menyebar karena file autorun-nya tidak bisa lagi dibuat di flashdisk Anda. Pengebalan ini akan dilakukan setelah Anda menyetujui konfirmasi yang muncul sesaat setelah flashdisk terpasang.

Berikut ini adalah daftar lengkap penyempurnaan Smadav 2010 Rev. 8

• Penambahan database 23 virus lokal baru dan perbaikan beberapa false positive
• Teknik heuristik baru yang bisa mendeteksi varian virus lokal dengan mudah asalkan salah satu variannya sudah ada di-database
• Teknik heuristik VBS lebih akurat dan bertambah cerdas
• Lebih stabil untuk digabung dengan semua AV internasional (mendeteksi AV lain di komputer dan jika tidak ada akan menyarankan AV internasional untuk segera di-install)
• Scan flashdisk sangat cepat hanya 5 detik (Smad-Ray) tidak hanya men-scan bagian terluar flashdisk saja, tapi juga sampai semua file di flashdisk
• Smadav Pro yang di-password tidak mempunyai hak akses untuk mengubah registry dengan Smadav
• Notifikasi (Balloon Tray) awal pada saat start-up sudah tidak ada lagi
• Smad-behavior sudah sempurna dan dengan tampilan baru ketika memperingatkan user
• Konfirmasi penambahan folder autorun.inf untuk pengebalan flashdisk sesaat setelah flashdisk terpasang, user bebas memilih untuk mengebalkan flashdisk-nya atau tidak
• Folder Smad-Lock/Brankas Smadav tidak lagi otomatis ditambahkan di FD tapi harus manual lewat tab Smad-Lock
• Penambahan tombol “more” di SMARTP alert

Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus is based on multiple protective layers that work together to provide security. The product is designed for the average consumer who wants easy-to-use protection for basic email and web surfing. It is limited to home and non-commercial users.

New features match top detection with increased efficiency. Computer memory requirements for the new antivirus and antispyware engine have been cut in half. Scanning is 40 percent faster, saving both time and computer resources. Complete rootkit protection includes real-time detection to ward off initial installation, on-demand scanning and boot-time scans. The user friendly 5.0 has a new interface with easy-to-adjust settings, a context-sensitive help menu and graphs showing ongoing protection activities. Users can set the time and conditions for complete scans, with avast even waking up their computer from hibernation for midnight scans before putting it back to bed. Multiple shields prevent the spread of malware via email by checking incoming and outgoing emails for suspect content, identify malware by its anticipated behavior or by looking out for unusual activity and attempts at system modifications.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4.0.474

ESET NOD32 Antivirus proactively detects and disables viruses, trojans, worms, adware, spyware, phishing, rootkits and other Internet threats. ESET NOD32 Antivirus provides :

1) Proactive Protection - multiple layers of detection protecting you from Internet threats before it is too late.
2) Precise Detection - accurately identifies known and unknown threats; it consistently wins top awards from testing labs and is recognized for having zero false positives.
3) Lightweight Design - requires less memory and CPU power, allowing your computer to run fast and have more room for games, web browsing, and emailing.
4) Fast Scanning Speeds - highly efficient program ensures fast file scanning and product updates; it runs quietly in the background.

Avira AntiVir

Consistently at or near the top of independent efficacy testers, Avira's AntiVir remains one of the best freeware security solutions around. Its scans are flexible, allowing the user to fully scan both internal and external hard drives, run a preloaded scan--for rootkits, for example--or customize a scan. The latest version introduces antispyware protections, scanning tech that can crack open "locked" files, improved internal security to prevent AntiVir's files from being maliciously altered, and one-click threat removal--no more baby-sitting.

There are few interface changes in version 9, and older users are not likely notice anything different in the interface besides a refreshed banner logo. The main window offers a left side navigation with drop-down menus and a central pane for more detailed information. AntiVir opens to the Status menu, informing you of your last scan, your last definition file update, whether the real-time guard is active, and premium upgrade link. Events logs changes to the program and the Reports tab keeps a history of threats. Both are exportable.

The Local Protection and Administration navigation options reveal the Scanner, Guard, Quarantine, and Scheduler features. Combined with the Configuration button located at the top of the central pane, users can customize their scans as necessary. Quarantined file information is on display, with options to scan it again, restore, delete, and e-mail the file to Avira. The rebuilt heuristic engine retains the same choices from the previous version's, and can be turned on or off in part or in full and offers three intensity levels. The scheduler offers much that other free antivirus programs don't, and the help features are excellent, with mouse-over information on each feature.

Savvy users will notice the removal of the on-demand e-mail scan, and AntiVir is still challenging to fully uninstall. Despite these hang-ups and the nag screen that follows definition file updates, AntiVir offers such effective protection and a well-rounded set of features that as long as the updates keep coming, it'll be our first line of defense.