Based on the same AV technology that the retail version had, without a few of the “extras” that are for paying customers only, but within reason you are getting almost the same retail product without paying the high price. True, you don’t get support but considering this is such an easy product to download and support, you probably don’t even need it.

What you do get is a new LinkScanner feature that marks some of the questionable sites that are returned by a search engine hunt. You also get an anti-virus software that integrates with your email to stop the mail-borne malware that has become increasingly popular. With a much easier to use interface, on the surface it seems like a great product – and again, it’s completely free!

Here are some of the highlights of the AVG Anti-Virus 8.0 free edition are:

• Automatic update functionality – it only updates 1 time rather than 4 as found in some previous editions
• Free virus database updates for the lifetime of the product
• The AVG virus vault for safe handling of infected files
• Low system resource requirements
• The AVG resident shield provides real time protection as files are opened and programs are run.

For the ultimate in virus protection at absolutely no cost to home users, downloading the latest version of AVG Anti-Virus is a very smart choice.

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The new look is quite enticing for the most part, and when you open it you can notice how easy it is to use. It runs very quickly after the initial download completes as well. Norton 360 2.0 covers all the basics from anti-virus, firewall, anti-phishing, anti-spyware, a backup for all files, favorites, iPods, Blu-ray and pictures as well as online transaction security. It is a one stop service that is radically different from what Norton had put out until this point.

You can easily remove unneeded registry files. You can run new diagnostic reports for easy problem solving and you can even run cleanup tools for Firefox. The Norton 360 2.0 has a great add-on pack that includes Parental Controls, anti-spam tools, as well as confidential information blocking tools.

Again, this is for the user who doesn’t want several different applications and software just to take care of your spyware, malware, Trojans and more. The best thing about it is that it doesn’t slow down your system. Running silently you almost don’t know you have it until you run the report and watch how much spyware and viruses that you got rid of. It runs only in the background when your computer is idle, which is great for when you are surfing the web.

With an easy to use interface you can easily find what you need and run it, and you have the ability to change settings to completely customize it. When it comes to anti-virus software, Norton has always been on of the best and it is no different with the Norton 360 2.0.

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The Shield Deluxe comes complete with automatic updates and weekly virus scans, and the best part is that it is all prescheduled so you don’t have do anything but let it run. The benefits of this anti-virus software include:

• Protection from virus attacks and spyware
• Low cost – only about $29.99 for the entire package
• Free technical support – live chat, email and phone
• XP and Vista compatible
• Extremely easy to use – often referred to as a “install and forget it” product
• Email monitoring
• Hacker blocking
• So much more!

The easy to scan format is very intuitive and combined with the fact that it doesn’t slow down other programs or take too much room up on the computer is equally nice. The way it works is simple. It combines reactive antivirus and spyware detection methods with the latest proactive technologies to provide your computer with the most effective protection. Although easy for beginners, it has advanced capabilities for those who are more computer literate and want to fine tune the program. The virus protection is in real time so any time you are on the computer and surfing the net you can be sure that your computer is completely safeguarded from all the bad things that can happen. And the fact that it protects you from data thieves is just one more reason that The Shield Deluxe is a great buy for antivirus protection.

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For a free spyware software program it is incredibly systematic in removing the spyware you have and has numerous benefits. It quickly finds the spyware and other unwanted programs, and can even stop your private information from being used without your consent. It can eliminate the spyware easily at your direction and if you remove something you need accidentally it can bring it back for you. Lastly, it allows you to schedule your scanning and removal times so that it is convenient for you, whether you set the schedule or put it on demand.

Essentially, it improves the browsing safety so that you are secure. It can stop the spyware before it enters your computer, and offers a safeguard after it has already infiltrated your computer. Best of all, it works without you even knowing it. Running silently in the background, it won’t slow the performance of your computer so you have minimal interruption. Microsoft makes sure that all the latest threats are covered and it will update itself automatically so no matter what problems you run into, you will be safe and secure while on the Internet. If you don’t use it already, then you should start. It really is a great piece of spyware software that everyone with Windows should utilize.

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It gives you complete protection against spyware using a quick and efficient program. You receive clear and easy to understand notifications when new spyware threats are detected and they are all easy to remove. Spyware programs are known to mutate quickly. Spy Sweeper uses adaptive definition technology for detecting spyware mutations that haven’t yet received a defense definition. This is yet another benefit of having the world’s best spyware research team on your side. Malicious spyware uses rootkit technology to bury its files deep within your PC. Spy Sweeper finds and destroys these programs with robust rootkit discovery methods, a feature many other anti–spyware programs lack.

With the latest version you can get simple sweeps, easy management, a fast and easy to use home screen, a redesigned shields summary page, and clear action alerts. Also, they include a new keylogger shield that can record all keystrokes on your computer including usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, email content, IM conversations, and other typed material. It prevents keyloggers from operating so your personal information is always safe. Along with the premier customer support you will have everything you need with the Spy Sweeper program to keep your computer safe and secure.

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Along with all of this it filters unwanted spam and so called phishing attempts from your email. It also has parental control so you can block access to websites that have questionable content for your little ones. Key features include the protection of your computer against viruses, worms and unknown attacks; it detects and removes spyware from your computer, and protects your computer against hackers. It helps you to stay free from spam email and above all it is Windows Vista compatible.

Although it is not that much different from the 2007 version, it does do a lot better in antispyware testing and somewhat better against spam. The 2009 version is in beta testing now and is expected to even improve upon that. Although not a basic suite as compared to some, the interface is easy to use even for beginners and has a lot of advanced features for those with intermediate experience in spyware and antivirus software. The only problem is that the system control asks the user to make too many security decisions which beginners may not be familiar with. When it comes to malware it is top notch and can recognize and deal with almost all tested malware. All in all, it is an excellent program that will inevitably keep your computer safe from almost everything.

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Avast! 4.8 Home Edition has gotten some great reviews from independent lab testing and it has gotten an Advanced rating on one of the tests which is the second highest level you can receive. However, in removing malware it got only a satisfactory rating which means that it is great at detecting the viruses, spyware and malware, but not so great at removing them.

The product itself installs quickly and is easy for anyone to use. An interesting feature is the sounds that it makes when it detects a virus. A siren goes off and a voice warns “Caution – A virus has been detected!” A little annoying sure, but you certainly know that it has a virus. Thankfully you can turn the sound off if you have a lot of viruses on your computer. Every time it launches it checks for threats in the memory and if it finds malware actually running it will offer to launch a boot time scan which is a very powerful feature. It does this before Windows has loaded so that the rootkit techniques are prevented from working and your computer is safe and sound. The interface is a bit media player looking but within a few seconds you can choose a quick, standard or thorough scan and within minutes you’ll be cruising your way safely around the internet. This is a must have for anyone looking for free anti-virus software!

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Trend Micro Internet Security Pro is very easy to use. It performs most of its initial configuration based on a few questions it asks you during install. The menus and options are intuitive and well labeled, though some of them use different terminology than other programs. This isn’t really a big issue though once you look at the program for a few minutes. In all, you could probably avoid having to touch the software after the initial configuration.

Trend Micro’s antivirus scanner is a top notch scanner that detected 100% of the viruses in many tests. It is a real-time scanner which although when in use doesn’t slow the computer too much, you can see somewhat of a difference. One benefit of it though is that it updates every 3 hours by default, but you can change it to update every hour if you want. But still, the program is very effective and is good even for beginner users. It has several profiles that are available to adjust your security level in regards to the firewall including Home Network, Office Network, Direct Connection and Wireless Connection. These all change the firewall rules to different levels and settings depending on the danger associated with each type of connection.

The antispyware features in Trend Micro Internet Security Pro are sufficient to keep you safe while surfing the net. By default, the software will search all incoming and outgoing email for spyware threats as well as watch for threats from your home or office network. In the overall scheme of things, Trend Micro Internet Security Pro is a good product that needs some more work to make it to the top of the pack.

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Kaspersky has always been among the best samples of antivirus software on the market, but has been less than simple to use. With the release of version 7, Kaspersky dramatically improved their interface giving this software an interface that matches the quality of the overall package. Further improvements have been made for the 2009 version. Kaspersky’s interface is probably the best of all the software.

Although Kaspersky is excellent at detecting viruses and malware, it could use some work in the detection of spyware. Independent tests by AV-test.org showed that Kaspersky allowed 8% of adware/spyware to go undetected. Like other software with proactive/heuristic engines to detect malware before their signatures are available, Kaspersky’s scan is relatively slow.

Kaspersky’s feature set though is one of its strongest assets. Kaspersky is the software-tweakers dream with controls for nearly all of its features. Like most of the antivirus, Kaspersky protects your computer from spyware as well as viruses. Scanning for both viruses and spyware simultaneously is far more efficient in terms of time and resources than stopping to do both separately. Kaspersky also has a proactive defense for your computer. Kaspersky watches for unwanted adware, dialers, rootkits, remote access utilities and locks specific registry keys that malicious code may target to damage your computer. Furthermore, Kaspersky now includes protection from viruses while using IM and ICQ.

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Norman Antivirus and Antispyware is a solid product that suffers from some small quirks that hold it back from being a top product. The scanning features that are included with Norman Antivirus and Antispyware are great as far as detection of viruses and spyware are concerned. Unfortunately, it slows down the computer considerably while performing simple actions like surfing the web or taking screenshots.

Norman Antivirus and Antispyware is easy to use though. It includes a menu that has some options that are located in an easy to find spot, while leaving that are more equipped for advanced users. For most users however, Norman Antivirus and Antispyware has a default configuration that should help to keep them from having to navigate the maze of options and changes that can be made. The current engine, while slow in some cases, is another shining example of Norman’s commitment. Updates are released daily on average. There is also the ability for Norman to push an update if there is a significant threat found. You have the ability to manually update, or set a time each day to look for new updates.

Norman Antivirus and Antispyware include the basic antivirus and antispyware scanning. Also included are quarantines for both, as well as task scheduling and email protection. The email protection is based on the protocol that is used for gathering and sending email rather than integrating with specific email programs. This allows scanning of email attachments to occur no matter what program you use to handle your email.

Installing Norman Antivirus and Antispyware was simple and only required a couple of clicks to get done. The software didn’t require a reboot when finished installing on our test machine, and updated itself immediately after the install was finished. Norman Antivirus and Antispyware 5.81 is solid option to keep your computer safe from the threats of the Internet.

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