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#11
Hi Cheewogen,
The issue of the "best" anti-virus is a subjective topic as you will have seen by now. The reason is that different software test lots of different virus under different simulated conditions. In answering your question, you should look at the broader issue of PC security.
The "average user" will generally not wilfully expose themselves to harmul content. That is, they may not be people that, for example, deal with lots of different files from many, many different users. Think about your every day "Joe" : he surfs the internet, he receives emails with attachments, and occasionally downloads a free program off the internet. Now think of a software developer that needs to access lots of different code or files from many clients (usually personally unknown to him/her). You can see that their levels of risk are different, and so their specific security needs might also be different. It would be nice every bit of security system captured the same threats such that the developer and average "Joe" could rely on the same software, but of course, this is not the case. Thus, one person prefers one bit of software over another, and usually with good reason, and often from first-hand experience.
The third type of PC user might be someone that wilfully vists warez or other sites of ill-repute, is always attempting to download cracked software or keygens. Unfortunately, its hard for any software to protect such a person all the time : sooner or later something will slip past their security.
I consider myself to be an average PC user. I actually use Norton Internet Security, only because I wasn't even aware of MSE at the time However, I recently built two PC's for a friend, and when asked my recommendation, I firmly recommended MSE because I know his surfing/browsing habits are safe. Hopefully, you can start to see a link between what software is appropriate based on your habits.
My personal security philosophy, and thats really what it boils down to is:
1. Norton Internet Security (and eventually MSE once the Norton subscription ends)
2. Malwarebytes (I opted for the paid version so I could have it as set-and-forget, and at $20 odd its cheap at twice the price)
3. NAT router with all my ports in stealth mode
4. Good, safe browsing habits
I rely heavily on Point 4 : if I forgo that, then 1,2 and 3 are useless to me.
Try not to get worried about what is the "best". If it protects you, then it is the "best". MSE will do a good job if you don't go "looking for trouble".
I hope this helps,
Golden