Security Shootout

[Sl@pSh0ck™]

Putting AV to the Test

For AV software to make the grade, it has to excel in each of these five areas

System Performance and Scan Speed

If there’s one thing we learned from last year’s roundup, it’s that not all security suites are as lean as they claim to be. Nor are all of them speedy. To separate the praiseworthy from the pretenders, we look at what effect each AV app has on our system resources, as well as subject each one to a full PCMark Vantage run and compare the results to that of a pre-AV state. We also evaluate how long it takes each security suite to sweep through our system, since an after-hours scan isn’t always an option.

Annoyance

We fully expect to spend a little time configuring our security options and digging through the advanced settings when we first fire up our AV software, but once we’re finished tweaking, we don’t want to be bothered. Security software shouldn’t subject us to useless pop-ups and benign notifications.

Features and Implementation

It can be a tough sell convincing users they should shell out for a security suite when free alternatives abound. But let us be clear about one thing: We’re not looking for which AV solution can cram the most bullet points on the side of the box. We do expect a certain baseline feature-set—spam blocking, spyware protection, real-time scanning, etc.—but we’re also looking for any unique (and useful) additions, as well as how intelligently they’re integrated.

Pricing

If we’re being totally honest, PC users can be a stingy bunch. Don’t believe us? Then explain why BitTorrent is so popular (and no, it’s not because everyone is in a rush to download the latest Linux distro). Freebie alternatives hold a clear advantage in this category, but we’re willing to concede the value of an effective, all-in-one security suite over piecing together a mish-mash of free antimalware products. The prices for all the paid apps featured here pertain to a one-year license.

Virus Detection

This is really what it’s all about, and to determine the overall effectiveness of each AV app, we take a multipronged approach. First, we fire off a pair of synthetic spyware and virus tests courtesy of www.spycar.org and www.eicar.com. This is followed by a bombardment of our own collection of malware. Finally, we hit up the seedier side of the web with reckless abandon.

Once we’re finished with our in-house testing, we compare the results with those of Virus Bulletin (www.virusbtn.com), an independent testing lab. We also take into consideration whether an app has consistently performed well year after year.

The Verdict: (not in any particular order)

• Norton Internet Security
• ESET Smart Security
• Avira Antivir Free
• Microsoft Security Essentials
• Avast Internet Security
• Mcafee Internet Security
• TrendMicro Internet Security
• Bitdefender Internet Security
• Panda Internet Security
• Comodo Internet Security

Original Article - MaximumPC.com

[tonyblair]

Thanks nivrid05 for the reading :)