If you have ever downloaded any software, music, games, movies, or pictures your computer has a 90% chance of being infected with a virus. Once infected, your system can suffer a variety of damaging and expensive problems.

Computer viruses can take up considerable amounts of your computer’s memory, which can prevent other programs and applications from running properly. Viruses can erase files, attack your computer’s registry, cause errors during program execution, prevent programs from running at all, and can cause your system to crash. Viruses can spread to other computers by replicating themselves similar to their real-life counterparts.

Spyware and malware can exploit a PC’s system configuration files and cause website ads and pop-ups and unwanted downloads, slowing your system’s performance as a result of excessive pop-ups. Confidential information, such as credit card numbers and passwords, can also be compromised putting your finances at serious risk.

Fortunately there are a great number of effective virus scan and removal tools available that are very powerful at cleaning existing viruses and protecting your computer from future attacks. We’ve reviewed some of the best available anti-virus programs on the market and given you the facts so you can choose the right software for your needs.

These anti-virus products are the solution to your troubles.

In addition to software safe-guards, the following best practices should be followed to help prevent “catching” a virus from the Internet or email:

• When you are using your computer but not on-line, disconnect your Internet connection.
• Do not open email attachments from unknown senders. Immediately delete the email, without opening the attachments.
• Do not open email attachments with strange file extensions like VBS, SHS, or PIF. These extensions are not used in normal attachments but they are often associated with viruses.
• Do not open attachments with double file extensions such as NAME.BMP.EXE or NAME.TXT.VBS.
• Do not open attachments with sexual file names. This strategy is often used to trick curious readers into opening infected files.
• Do not accept attachments from strangers in online chat rooms such as IRC, ICQ, or AOL Instant Messenger.
• When on-line, only download data (e-books, freeware, software, photos and other software) from reputable companies.
• When you do download e-mail attachments or Internet files, use your anti-virus software to check the information to ensure it is safe to open.

Although there is no way to guarantee 100% protection from viruses, using the above guidelines will help to reduce the risk of infection to your system and your information.

The Kaspersky anti-virus scanner has been around for some time, silently gaining acclaim for its thorough scanning capabilities and wide range of scanning features. The latest installment in a long line of security tools, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012, gives Kaspersky Labs a new claim to fame. Kaspersky Anti-Virus impressed us by identifying all viruses and malware on test computers, and was able to remove the majority of these security threats. It also provides intensive online protection against all types of security threats by resolving browser vulnerabilities and completely blocking out highly fatal threats such as keyloggers, malware, and phishing sites. Kaspersky Anti-Virus also extends its influence to Instant Messengers, which may also be a source of malicious software. Advanced users can revel in the wide array of modifications that can be made on Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012’s settings.
The only dent in Kaspersky Anti-Virus’ solid performance is its slow scanning time, which also tends to slow down the user’s system performance. Kaspersky Anti-Virus also made lapses regarding spyware by letting a small percentage of them slip through its defensive net.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012’s online virus database is updated every hour, rendering it as the most frequently updated scanner on the market. With regards to support, Kaspersky Anti-Virus raises the bar on user-friendliness because of its context-sensitive, in-program help files. FAQs and forums are also available online, and users can also opt to e-mail their concerns, or dial a toll-free number to take advantage of live technical support.

Kaspersky Screenshot

Features-At-A-Glance

• Resolves browser instabilities
• Identifies keyloggers, malware, and phishing threats
• Protects IM
• Includes spyware protection
• On-line FAQs and forums

Price

• $39.95
• Includes a one-user and one-year license

Pros

• Excellent malware protection
• Free, fully functional 30-day trial download
• Hourly database updates
• Live technical support

Cons

• Slow scanning time

Comodo gained fame in the security software industry with its Comodo Firewall Pro series, which was hailed as one of the best free firewalls made since the advent of the ZoneAlarm series. Comodo integrated their Firewall Pro’s features with their own anti virus scan and removal program and database in order to come up with their latest brainchild, Comodo Internet Security Pro. Comodo, however, is a newcomer in creating security suites. Comodo Internet Security Pro’s firewall capabilities are superb, maintaining Comodo’s reputation in creating and maintaining excellent firewall protection.

Unfortunately, Comodo Internet Security Pro falls short when it comes to its anti-virus component. During testing, Comodo Internet Security detected less than half of the planted macro viruses and scripts, and only a little better detecting Trojan horses, worms, and password-stealers. With only daily database updates, Comodo Internet Security Pro has room for improvement, as other security suites are able to update databases more frequently.

Comodo Internet Security Pro’s bright points are an exceptional frequency in detecting and blocking malware, and being able to remove more that half of these malignant files. Also, Comodo detected and removed all the inactive rootkits, and the majority of the active rootkits.

Comodo Internet Security Pro has good user interface orientation, with icons for easy navigation and access of unique features such as Registry keys protection, and user-defined classification of “safe” files from any given software vendor. Even though Comodo Internet Security Pro claims to be a full service suite, it falls short because of the lack of anti-spam and anti-phishing protection. This is problematic since phishing sites are responsible for a large number of malicious attacks on unsuspecting users.

Comodo Internet Security Pro may provide users with an excellent firewall, but it needs to tune-up its anti-virus component in order to improve its effectiveness as an all-around security suite. It also needs to integrate more security features and improve on its lack of anti-spam and anti-phishing protection. Only then can Comodo Internet Security Pro be recognized as a top-notch firewall AND anti-virus security suite.

Features-At-A-Glace

• Isolates suspicious files in quarantine
• Real time scanning when you access file
• Future scanning schedule
• Updates virus database daily
• PC tune up and ID theft protection
• Compatible with Windows XP and Vista

Price

• $39.99
• Includes a one-year and one-user license

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Free 30-day trial download
• Firewall and Wi-Fi protection included
• Live customer support

Cons

• Disappointing malware detection
• Limited features

Ease of Setup/Use: Can you get it up and running without consulting a book or a tech support person? How easy is the product to use? Can you quickly find the features you are looking for? Are the descriptions easily understood or do they assume you know all the jargon and terminology?

Detection Effectiveness: How well does the product detect malware? Does the product provide real-time protection—preventing its installation—not just removing it afterward? Is the product effective at finding and removing the many different types of malware?

Removal Effectiveness: This gauges the anti virus scan and removal product’s ability to actually remove viruses that it finds, and whether or not the harmful parts are removed.

System Performance: After installation, does the anti-virus software slow the system to a crawl?

Scan Performance – How long do full or “quick” scans take? Is the computer still usable during the scan?

Help / Support: Is there a help section installed with the product? Is it easy to find answers to your questions? Is there someone you can call for support? How quickly does the support staff respond to your email questions?

Viruses can be disguised as attachments and can be hidden in e-mail messages, instant messaging messages, illicit software or other files or programs you might download. Below is a list of some of the different types of viruses that can infect your computer. It’s important to select a virus scan and removal program capable of dealing with this variety of viruses.

Boot Sector viruses: A boot sector virus can infect diskettes and hard drives. All hard drives and disks contain smaller sections called sectors. The first sector is called the boot. The boot carries the Master Boot Record (MBR). MBR functions to read and load the operating system. So, if a virus infects the boot or MBR of a disk, such as a floppy disk, your hard drive can become infected. Once your hard drive is infected all diskettes that you use in your computer will be infected. Boot sector viruses often spread to other computers by the use of shared infected disks and pirated software applications.

Program viruses: A program virus becomes active when the program file (often with extensions .EXE, .COM, .BIN, .OVL, .DRV) carrying the virus is opened. Once active, the virus will make copies of itself and will infect other programs on the computer.

Multipartite viruses: A multipartite virus is a hybrid of a Boot Sector and Program viruses. It infects program files and when the infected program is active it will affect the boot record of your computer.

Stealth viruses: A stealth virus can disguise itself by altering its file size or concealing itself in your PC’s memory preventing itself from being detected by anti-virus software.

Polymorphic viruses: A polymorphic virus is a virus that can change its signature (also known as binary pattern) every time it multiplies and infects a new file. By changing binary patterns, a polymorphic virus can be hard to detect by anti-virus programs.

Macro Viruses: A macro virus is programmed as a macro embedded in a document. Many applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, support macro languages. Once a macro virus gets on to your computer, every document you produce will become infected. This type of virus is relatively new and may slip by your anti-virus software if you don’t have the most recent version installed on your computer. .

Active X and Java Control: Some users do not know how to manage and control their web browser to allow or prohibit certain functions to work, such as enabling or disabling sound or web pop ups. This can leave your computer open to attacks from unwanted software or adware found on the Internet.

Browser Helper Object: A Browser Helper Object (BHO) may appear as a helpful browser toolbar within Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE). Malicious BHO’s can change your default home page to point to some other site or send histories of your web-browsing habits to third-parties for the purposes of targeted advertising.

Browser Hijackers: Browser hijackers can alter your browser settings or change your default home page to point to some other site. They are also capable of sending your personal information to third-parties. Because they can appear as part of IE itself, hijackers can go undetected by firewall software.

Dialers: Generally, dialers are software designed to dial phone numbers. Some dialers connect to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and are designed to provide genuine assistance. However, malicious dialers can attempt to connect you to long-distance or toll numbers without your consent, resulting in expensive phone bills.

Keyloggers: These are programs that run in the background on your computer and are capable of recording every keystroke you make on your keyboard. Keyloggers can steal which personal details and passwords that can later be retrieved by a third-party.

Layered Service Provider (LSP): LSPs are pieces of code that are used to monitor, intercept and control communication between your browser and the Internet application you are accessing. Malicious LSPs can be used to steal information that you submit through the Internet.

Malware: A generic term used to encompass malicious spyware, adware, Trojans, browser hijackers, keyloggers, dialers and tracking cookies.

Spyware: Stealthy applications that use your Internet connection to gather and transmit information on various activities you conduct on your computer. These activities include tracking websites you visit, items you buy online, emails you send and receive, your Instant Message dialog, credit card numbers, personal identification numbers, and all of your passwords. This information is often collected and sent without your knowledge or consent. If you use dial-up to connect to the Internet, spyware can also be used to bill 900 numbers to your phone bill.

Tracking Cookies: Internet browsers write and read cookies, which are small text files with small amounts of data (such as web site settings) that are placed onto your computer by visiting certain web sites. In many cases, cookies are beneficial to users as they can retain settings for the next time you visit the web site. Sometimes, however, cookies are used to consolidate and track your behaviors across different web sites, providing marketers with information about your web browsing habits.

Trojans: Like spyware, Trojans (also known as Trojan horses) can slip into your system and run without your knowledge. They are capable of possessing a number of attributes, such as using your computer’s modem to dial long-distance numbers, potentially generating expensive phone bills. Unlike viruses and worms, Trojans do not replicate themselves.

Virus: A computer virus has a similar appearance as an ordinary computer program, however, they are designed to spread from one computer to another and can interfere with computer operation. Its purpose is to damage data, destroy other programs, and in most cases interrupt the normal operations of a computer. A virus can corrupt or delete data on your computer, use your e-mail program to spread itself to other computers, or even erase everything on your hard disk.

Viruses can be disguised as attachments and can be hidden in e-mail messages, instant messaging messages, illicit software or other files or programs you might download.

See Forms of Viruses for a description of different types of viruses that can infect your computer.

Worm: A computer worm is a software program that is designed to copy itself from one computer to another. Unlike a computer virus, a worm can copy itself automatically.

Worms can replicate in great volume. As an example, a worm can send out copies of itself to every contact in your e-mail address book, and then it can send itself to all of the contacts in their e-mail address books.

Some worms spread very quickly. They clog networks and can cause long delays when you are accessing Web pages on the Internet.

To read reviews of the latest virus scan and removal software, visit Software Reviews.

At first glance, Paretologic Anti-Virus Plus offers standard anti-virus features: the option for a quick or thorough scan, real-time protection, and free database updates via the Internet. With regards to aesthetics, Paretologic Anti-Virus Plus keeps fancy design to a minimum, relying on its simple yet trendy interface to attract no-nonsense users.  Its most potent weapon comes in the form of the anti-spyware technology that made its predecessor, Paretologic Anti-Spyware 5.0, a smash hit in the security software industry. Paretologic Anti-virus Plus automatically prevents the user from accessing malware-infested websites, as well as pinpoint and eliminates rootkits that are known to act as a mask for malicious programs. Another great asset of Paretologic Anti-Virus Plus is the small footprint it leaves in the user’s system memory. Other anti-virus programs usually clutter up system memory while performing scans or providing real-time protection: Paretologic Anti-Virus Plus stays silent but deadly in the background, ready to swing into action once a threat is detected.

West Coast Labs (WCL) has awarded Anti-Virus Plus Checkmark certification for virus detection and removal. WCL’s Checkmark is the world’s fastest growing certification system for security products and services. It is a highly regarded accreditation program that confirms a product’s effective functionality and performance.

Every hero has a downfall, however. Paretologic Anti-Virus Plus did have some scanning errors that lends doubt to its effectiveness as a hassle-free security tool. On several occasions Paretologic Anti-Virus Plus identified false positives – that is, mistakenly identified other security tools and system files as malicious, and recommended these for deletion. If a naïve user followed Paretologic Anti-Virus Plus’ recommendations, his or her system would have been seriously damaged by the deletion of these files. We also found the software warned us of nonexistent malware, and slowed down system start-up.

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Features-At-A-Glace

• In-depth scanning and detection of viruses, spyware and other malicious malware
• Detection and removal of known rootkits
• Blocking of access to malware related URLs
• Customizable scanning
• Quick, easy-to-use
• Free database updates to keep you protected against the latest threats
• Windows 2000, XP and Vista compatible

Price

• $39.95, and features full customer support upon registration
• 100% money-back guarantee

Pros

• Excellent e-mail support
• Free trial download
• Anti-spyware included
• Rootkit detection

Cons

• Identified some false-positives
• Slows system start-up

Spyware Doctor with Antivirus offers a user-friendly interface, with the option of scheduling either quick or thorough scans on a daily or weekly basis. Users can choose to maintain minimum supervision over the whole scanning process by selecting default settings. On the other hand, technically-adept users can choose to tinker with scan preferences, such as level of caution and which files to zero in on or ignore altogether. Such features ensure maximum control over Spyware Doctor’s operations on your personal computer. Scan results are neatly classified according to risk rating, so that the user will have an idea how much damage the “captured” malicious file would have caused if it had remained in his or her personal computer.

PC Tools developed the antivirus component entirely in-house. West Coast Labs (WCL) has awarded it Checkmark certification for virus detection and removal. WCL’s Checkmark is the world’s fastest growing certification system for security products and services. It is a highly regarded accreditation program that confirms a product’s effective functionality and performance.

Spyware Doctor with Antivirus has some limitations, however. While testing against commercial keyloggers the software didn’t detect two of the samples, and it failed to completely remove several others – although it did prevent the malware from launching. There are also some user interface glitches that may slow down system performance.

In spite of these shortcomings, Spyware Doctor with Antivirus provides a solid foundation that is essential in maintaining not only safe and reliable online activity, but offline activity as well. By bundling anti-virus, spyware, and malware components, Spyware Doctor with Antivirus is a must-have program for every computer user nowadays.

Screenshot

Features-At-A-Glance

• User friendly interface
• Boasts a Behavior Guard – a “smart” scan
• Adjustable scan modes
• Built-in rootkit detection
• Blocks spyware, adware, viruses, browser hijackers, malicious ActiveX objects, Trojans, dialers
• Compatible with Vista, XP (Home and Professional Editions) and 2000

Price

• $49.95 for up to 3 computers!
• Includes 1-year customer support, and unlimited access to software updates.
• 100% satisfaction, 30-day Money Back Guarantee.
• Additional PC Tools programs available for discounted prices at check out.

Pros

• Free trial download
• Spyware protection with antivirus
• Works on 3 computers
• Offers more information about quarantined files
• Scans incoming and outgoing e-mail attachments
• Updates silently in the background.

Cons

• Takes a while to fully download the database.
• Only provides moderate protection from keyloggers.

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