Antivirus: Free vs. Paid Detection

Avira, Microsoft Security Essentials, Kaspersky and avast! put to the test.


A very interesting read...not comprehensive but informative:

Antivirus: Free vs. Paid Detection - Avira, Microsoft Security Essentials, Kaspersky and avast! - Softpedia

I either use the free versions of Avast or Avira (sans nag screen ) for my installations + common sense , I've done pretty well in remaining clean.

Testing 'sus' files in a VM also helps as well.

And if I ever do get infected, well I got what I paid for

Agree with you, I use Avast free and Zone Alarm free firewall (new ver 9 for Win7 x64). Along with a little common sense you can be reasonably save....although I did get a virus warning on the World book encyclopedia online site a few days ago. Just goes to show you....you can't be too careful.

I haven't been infected since Win 98se and that made me a wiser man. Never take your security for granted, the black hats don't.

Here is a recent comparison that adds to the context:

I'm using avira free and i'm satisfied with it so far....