Computer virus is rampant now a days. Actually, it moves fast at the same pace with technology. How do you combat this computer viruses? Wait, before that, what is a computer virus? Computer virus is a program. Not a disease. You don’t get computer virus from dust in your computer case (which is my mentality when I was little). It’s a program consist of codes varying from deploying malicious codes in your computer, degrading your internet connection, changing your registry, hiding particular Windows feature, and much more. I’m reviewing 3 or 4 anti-virus programs. Namely, Norton 360, Kaspersky, Avast and AVG. These anti-virus softwares are mostly used nowadays and I’m sharing my opinion based on my tests.

AVG

AVG is used anywhere. Internet cafés, offices, homes and as well as schools because of its free edition anti-virus program and its simple interface. Promises to eliminate viruses in a simple click. But there’s a downside. Some viruses are not removed by a simple heal. Like trojans, they are almost impossible to remove with AVG. I recalled a flash disk of my classmate, he keeps on pressing heal but the virus is still there. Some viruses are just tough to beat.

Avast

Avast, like AVG, has a free edition program called Avast Home. They offer free license of the product when you register it. The license last for 1 year and you need to re-register yourself to get a new license. This is the only program that can scan web pages. The only program that can scan before you execute the file. The trueness of Avast. But not all people are using Avast. Maybe because it’s on demand or high consumption of RAM or maybe they are just plain ignorant of the said anti-virus program.

Norton 360

Norton 360 is the combination of Norton System Works and Norton Anti-Virus. A backup utility, PC booster, anti-virus, spyware and malware in 1. But, there’s a but on it. It consumes a lot and I mean a lot of RAM. I tried booting my computer with Norton 360 on it and it took me like 5 minutes before the whole desktop is loaded. This doesn’t have an on-demand scan, unlike Avast. But this can remove viruses automatically. This is recommended to those high end computer systems with more RAM and CPU to burn.

Kaspersky

Kaspersky is a Russian built anti-virus program. At first I was hesitant to install this anti-virus program for no particular reason but I’m using it right now. I must say, I’m impressed with Kaspersky. (1)This has a self-defense system. (2)Can monitor all ports or selected ports as you wish. (3)Registry integrity control. (4)Automatic scan on all areas as well as executing programs. (5)Program integrity control. (6)Easy to use. And (7)Can protect you 24/7. I’m totally impressed with this anti-virus program. Doesn’t use a lot of RAM or CPU.

Verdict

My verdict? If you want free software which can protect you from viruses, use Avast Home. On the commercial side, use Kaspersky. Remember, not all programs are perfect. You must update your anti-virus program up-to-date so that you are protected from the current viruses today. Update is the only tool you can use to defend your system.