This is a list of the Virus Protection software that I use or have used. Removal of Viruses can be tricky and you will find there is not ONE Program out there that will remove ALL Viruses. This however does not mean running 2 virus removal programs at the same time on a system is good. They will conflict and make a worse mess than having the virus many times. So NEVER RUN 2 protection programs at the same time.
WINDOWS BASED Scanners
Free Online Virus Scanners
- Bitdefender – Never got around to using this one.
- Eset.com – One that was recommended by several local shops (IE Required)
- HouseCall 8.0 – Used this a lot in the past as well. Now also supports Housecall version for Android Devices.
- Panda Active Scan 2.0 – Another Good online scanner.
Download Free Virus Scanners
- Avast! – One that I use on alot on my personal systems. (I Recommend This.) A paid version offers more features, but the free version works well. This was just selected as the Most Popular security software by a PC Actual of Spain.
- AVG – I’ve used this as well, many like it also. A paid version is available, the Free version does work well however some viruses do get past it.
- Microsoft Security Essentials – Another FREE download from Microsoft if you have NOTHING or an older system this is a good one.
- COMBOFIX – One of the BEST around that I’ve found recently. However READ all of the info on it’s website on “How to USE” before attempting to use it. Does not support windows 8.1
Download Paid Subscription Virus Scanners
- Norton 360 – This is back on my list now as it’s speed up a lot. This offer a full protection suit with an advanced firewall and many folks like it. It can be a bit of a resource HOG when not configured correctly. 30 Day FREE Trial available
- Norton Internet Security – We are currently doing some testing with this. Worked pretty well on a Mid Speed Windows 7 Box. Didn’t see any resource change. However when running on XP Pro box,definitely did see a reduction in resources and performance was affected greatly. 30 Day FREE Trial available.
- McAfee – Used to use this on my systems. I moved over to Avast when my subscription ran out several years back. They also seemed to take away alot of features over the years as well as started taking up a bit to many resources. Free Trials offered.
- Kaspersky – Have never really used this but have some friends that do and they seem to really like it. One positive, they offer a FREE 30 Day Trial.
Note: If you are going with a Paid Subscription and it doesn’t offer a FULL Trail version for several weeks. Don’t bother. You want to be able to try the program, and it’s features and see if it has everything you want and if it works well for you. Watch your system performance for changes when you install it. Does it use up most of your system speed? If it does not, AVOID IT! Also if it is not a KNOWN service… Do your research on it before using it. It could be malware.
This list is by NO MEANS the TOTAL list of all virus protection out there. Just products I’ve used or others have recommend. A resource I’ll recommend for those that are TECH types, is have a look at the latest programs in the Hiren’s Boot CD it has many resources there that are EXCELLENT for Virus control. Download the ISO
Apple OS X Scanners
With recent version of Apple’s OS X we have seen a few more virus’s and malware develop on the platform. Still they are no where as prevalent as on Windows based systems, due to the underlying BSD Unix structure.
Free Online Virus Scanners
- TrendMicro HouseCall 1.0 – Does have a download element must be accomplished and an internet connection must be present to use. I did not have much success with this under OS X 10.10.4. First time I loaded it, it complained about not having an internet connection. Second time installed worked but could never get SCAN NOW to begin. Had to force quit the app, third attempt scan ran very quickly and found zero threats suggested I look into Trend Micro Titanium with a clickable link.
Download Free Virus Scanners
- Avast! – Ok so so on windows I’m a fan of this product but on OS X, NOPE, seemed to slow my system. It also was trying to do UPDATES to other products. Unlike the Windows product I had zero control over the third party updates. The Interface was very, minimal and I may go back in time and try this again but seemed not ready for prime time on OS X just yet. The AVAST website did not notice we were on a OS X based system when we tried to get a FREE copy either. Sent the windows client first, even then sent us to a CNET based website for download. CNET tends to bundle items with other things. I would be prepared to remove items from any download you make there.
- Bitdefender – Online scan site point you to downloading this via itunes or the app store. Online version is only for Windows Based units.
- ClamAV -The grand daddy of all of the NIX based OS antiviruses. It’s open source architecture has both it’s pros and cons depending on who you speak with. ClamAV is more for a user that is comfortable using a command line based operating system.
- Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac – This is my Protection of choice at the moment. It doesn’t seem to interfere with my day to day operation and does a pretty decent job deflecting me from the malware and some of the more infested locations on the net. Best of all it’s FREE! Sophos also offer many other FREE products as well.
Download Paid Subscription Virus Scanners
- TrendMicro Antivirus for Mac – Offers a 30 Day FREE Trial, purchase cost of $29.95. I’ve not tried this full package looks to be a comprehensive package.
- ClamXav – No Frills antivirus, interface based on ClamAV. $29.95 however there are discounts during their launch. This product used to be FREE, it is now a commercial product with a 30 Day FREE Trial.
- FSecure – Offers a 30 Day FREE Trial, $39.99 covers 3 computers. Untested at this date.
- Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac – Mixed reviews on this product as well as my own personal issues with the company keep me away from recommending them. Costs for their product is $39.95 per year.