Best Antivirus

I am very picky when it comes to antivirus programs. Yes, we all want protection, but some protection is good and some is great! There's alot of free Antivirus programs out there today, but I have narrowed it down to the top two.


#1 - Avast! Antivirus
This is my number one choice for good reason. I've been using it since 2004 and have been 100% virus free ever since. What I like about Avast is that it is easy to use for the average user, and that it just flat out destroys anything that would dare call itself a virus. I have purposely tried to download virus' and Avast just goes along annihilating every attempt.

Another great aspect of Avast is the updating. Most antivirus programs will have you manually click update every time it needs new definitions.. this simply will not do! Avast, however, does the whole process automatically and randomly pops up with a window telling you it updated.

Avast also give's you the option to perform a boot-time scan. This is very handy indeed if you are aware of an infection, but want to remove it before your OS starts so it won't spread.

Avast protects you from accidently walking into a virus in alot of areas with its various shields including Instant Messaging, Internet Mail, Network Shield, Outlook/Exchange Shield, P2P shield, Web shield, and of course the all popular Standard Shield, which is basically homeland security in a nutshell.

I also love the nifty interface Avast uses. Avast also uses much less resources than most antivirus programs out there!


#2 - AVG Antivirus Free Edition
I have tried AVG numerous times, but just never have enjoyed the experience as I do with Avast. AVG is a great antivirus program for some people, but for me Avast just does the job quicker, easier and more efficiently. I use Avast simply because it's more user-friendly and protects you in many more ways. But enough on AVG vs. Avast, let's see how AVG stacks up with Avast.

AVG features a solid virus scanner and includes spyware, adware and identity theft protection alongside. Both Avast and AVG provide outstanding detection rates.

AVG free edition includes many limits, however, such as no anti-rootkit protection, no anti-spam, no firewall, no download screening, no instant messaging protection, and no real-time protection. Also, the free edition does not include a free customer support option. Most of these can be added if you are willing to pay $34.99 for the Pro version.

In essence, Avast provides you with all of the protection and features you need & more for absolutely free. If you are willing to part with $35 bucks for the pro AVG then its a tossup between the two, and I personally, would still stick with Avast.