One thing I never see in these tests is a comparison of free vs paid programs. Or even an acknowledgement of whether they are testing the free or paid version.

I've always used only free AV. This is not a corporate environment. So I'm obviously interested in whether there is any difference.

But, but...they do say what they are testing? Avast, Ad-Aware, and Panda all mention free.



Do you mean compare a certain companies free to that same companies paid?

A Guy

Not sure what you mean there TVeblen.

If you read the full report in every detail and small print lots of info shows up.

AV-Comparatives ran this test under Windows 7, and included the optional Microsoft Security Essentials as a baseline. Had it been given an official rating, it wouldn't have reached the Standard level. Along with AhnLab and ThreatTrack VIPRE, Microsoft rated merely Tested.

MSE is the baseline in this test. A Guy

A Guy said:

But, but...they do say what they are testing? Avast, Ad-Aware, and Panda all mention free.



Do you mean compare a certain companies free to that same companies paid?

A Guy

Oui!

MSE will always remain a baseline.

It only has simple methods of detecting malware, and is a very light baseline solution.

The average user requires much more. MSE is also very easily disabled and shut down.

But I do not want to get into a pissing contest over mse again.

Having said that, if you do not trust non profits or multiple testing companies and testing for yourself, better wear that tinfoil hat.


@TVeblen

Your fine

andrew129260 said:

Not sure what you mean there TVeblen.

If you read the full report in every detail and small print lots of info shows up.

You have hit upon my weakness: no time (too lazy) to scan for small print.

Small print hell; look at the huge Bitdefender add on the page. Who do you think is going to get a great report.