Anti Malware

Malicious software, commonly called malware, is a type of computer virus that if left undetected can run rampant on a computer and destroy its operating capability. A worm, a notorious virus that can replicate itself onto other computers, is one type of malware. Another example is the Trojan horse virus, considered to be particularly nasty because it can send personal information from one computer to another. Because of the immense dangers of these viruses there is a large market for anti malware software. Usually labeled as anti virus software, it is sold as part of a full internet security suite. A wise consumer should therefore consider buying a brand that is recognized both for its detection, blocking and removal of malware. This short review is intended to give consumers an insight into some of the better offerings currently available on the market.

F-Secure won the AV- Comparatives Award for 2011 for its detection of malware, where its detection rate was 98.2%. This means the program is exceptionally good at blocking the virus before it even gets installed onto the computer. It is heralded for its simplicity, and can be used by experts and non-experts alike. The program also includes the following: an anti spam program, a firewall program, and parental controls. It is available for both Windows and Mac computers. However, at 59.99 a year, it is one of the more expensive anti virus programs.

Avira also has a similar score to F-Secure, with a 98.2% detection rate for malware. Furthermore, Avira scored very high in its detection of “zero day viruses”. These are new viruses whose signatures are not yet listed and so many programs have difficulty detecting them, with most programs only 20 to 30 % successful. Avira was 60.7% effective at detecting zero day viruses. The full suite of Avira also includes the following: an anti spam program, a firewall program, parental controls and backup. It is priced similarly to F-Secure at 59.99 a year.

BitDefender is another highly rated program. Its detection rate for malware was 97.7 %, only a little less than F-Secure, but where BitDefender really shines is in its ability to remove malware that is already on the computer. This is one of the most important features of anti malware software, and BitDefender does its work exceptionally in clear and concise language that anyone can understand. The full program also includes the following: an anti spam program, a firewall program, and parental controls. Being priced at 29.99 a year makes this software very affordable.

Malwarebytes is another exceptional program at dealing with malware, especially once the virus has already effected the computer. Its detection rate is also similar to BitDefender and the directions it lists for removing viruses are clearly explained even for a novice. This program has even won several awards for its attempt to engage less tech-savvy users and it runs quietly in the background while the computer is in use. At 24. 95 a year, this excellent program is very reasonably priced.

Finally, because all people should have some type of anti malware software, even they can not afford it, AVG is the best choice for a free anti virus program. While it does not have the high detection and removal rates of the programs listed above, it is better than several comparative programs that can cost up to 70 dollars. It can be downloaded for free on the Internet.

A consumer cannot go wrong in choosing one of the anti malware programs listed above. All provide top-notch protection against malware threats, allowing users to enjoy the Internet without having to worry about their security being compromised.