Which Anti-Virus Software
Should I Buy?
Experts
disagree, sometimes violently, over which anti-virus software performs
best. To some extent, "best" is in the eye of the beholder. I've been watching the "best-of" lists for years, and it often looks like a game of musical chairs: Every six months or so the software at the top gets bumped and a newcomer takes its place.
But some names appear on or near the top year after year after year. AVG and Norton Anti-Virus are two such names. Both are widely respected and continue to be top choices for many reviewers. (Norton's security suite, "Norton Internet Security 2010" is currently PC Magazine's Editor's Choice.) You won't go wrong with either of these, regardless of tomorrow's hot must-have software.
I'd give a slight edge to the Norton product. AVG rates a close second. (AVG also has a free version. This version doesn't include such features as advanced firewall, advanced rootkit protection, and phishing protection, but otherwise provides the same core defense against viruses and spyware.)
MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware is great if you'd like a "2nd opinion" after running a scan with your primary anti-virus software. Everyone should get a second opinion, especially when you can get excellent software like this at no cost.
AVG
Norton AV 2010
"2nd Opinion" Antivirus: MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware