Bass Computers list of top rated anti-virus and anti-spyware software
a-squared - Avast - AVG - Avira - BitDefender - CA Security - ESET NOD32 - Kapersky - Malwarebytes
Panda Security - Parental Controls - Trend Micro - Spyware Doctor - Spybot S&D - SuperAntiSpyware
All of the anti-virus software you need is on one CD - includes full tech support. See details.
We recommend the anti-virus software listed below for virus removal and protection. This software has been tested, evaluated, and rated for effectiveness, quality and performance by AV Comparatives, and these antivirus software programs are over 99% effective. Our ratings are based on effectiveness, compatibility, reliability, and the ability of the software to protect itself from malicious attack.
If your anti-virus does not have a firewall built in, we recommend the free Zone Alarm firewall, the PC Tools Firewall Plus, or the Outpost Free Firewall. I like Outpost the best because it is very easy to use and it provides a high level of protection for your computer.
Since many parents are concerned about internet dangers and the websites their children are visiting, the risk of predators and other problems, we do have information about parental controls.
1. Avast - Great antivirus plus antispyware protection. Volume discounts when purchasing two or more licenses. Also has a good free version for home use. Protection level = excellent. Potential problems = none significant, may ocassionally slow down other programs during a full scan.
Recommended combination: Avast free or Pro version with Spyware Doctor.
2. Kapersky - Award-winning anti-virus and anti-spyware software from Kaspersky Lab. This is a complete security package for total protection. Protection level = very good. Potential problems = minimal.
3. Avira - Paid version includes: Antivirus, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware, AntiPhising, MailGuard (POP3 and SMTP), WebGuard for safe surfing, RescueCD and more. Also comes in a free version. Protection level = very good. Potential problems = very few, minimal slow down other programs during an automatic scan.
Recommended combination: Avira Premium plus SuperAntiSpyware Professional or Spyware Doctor with Antivirus.
4. CA Internet Security - One of the highest rated (the original Pest Patrol) by Spyware Warrior and others. A complete security suite, includes firewall, antivirus, antispyware, parental controls, anti-spam, anti-phishing. No need to combine with other programs. Protection For Up To 5 PCs with this license. Protection level = Good to very good. Potential problems = minimal.
5. Trend Micro - Trend Micro has been in the business of anti-virus software and Internet security for a long time. Originally known as PC-Cillin Internet Security software, Trend Micro has one of the best known-virus databases/dictionaries around. This is a complete security program, no need to do a combination with other software. Level of protection = very good. Problems = minimal.
7. ESET NOD32 - One of the highest rated and most effective antivirus and antispyware products available today. It is known for its lightweight characteristics, and ability to find a high percentage of threats both known and unknown. Level of protection = excellent. Problems = minimal.
8. AVG Internet Security - A favorite with many users, with a reputation for effective control and the ability to remove a fair percentage of known threats. protection level = good. Problems = an ocassional glitch with installation or updates.
8. Panda Security - Well know by business owners and IT professionals for its reputation for industriasl network protection, Panda also has some good solutions for home networks, individual PC's and small business applications.
We recommend these antispyware programs for malware, spyware, and adware problems. Our ratings - protection level and potential problems - are for the Pro versions.
1. a-squared anti-malware - Another excellent antimalware program that we use for professional cleaning is a-squared from EMSI Software. A-squared Anti-Malware is a malware scanner and remover of the latest generation which is specialized in Trojans, Dialers and Spyware. So it is the perfect addition to your existing antivirus software. Some test results for a-squared at: Calendar of Updates. The a-squared anti-malware with Icarus anti-virus has the largest malware/virus signature database in the industry, almost 2.5 million, very impressive. Protection level = very good. Problems = minimal.
Recommended combination: a-squared with antivirus plus Avast or Avira.
2. SuperAntiSpyware - ( from the publisher) SuperAntiSpyware is the most thorough scanner on the market. Our Multi-Dimensional Scanning and Process Interrogation Technology will detect spyware other products miss! Easily remove pests such as WinFixer, SpyAxe, SpyFalcon, and thousands more! Repair broken Internet Connections, Desktops, Registry Editing and more with our unique Repair System. Our Dedicated Threat Research Team scours the web for new threats and provides daily definition updates. Protection level = good. Potential problems = none significant.
Recommended combinations: SuperAntiSpyware plus Avast or Avira.
3. Spyware Doctor- Spyware Doctor is a top-rated malware & spyware removal utility that detects, removes and protects your PC from thousands of potential spyware, adware, trojans, keyloggers, spybots and tracking threats. Level of protection = excellent. Potential problems = ocassional freeze ups, may interfere with operation of some other programs while scanning.
Recommended combination: Avira free or Avast free and Spyware Doctor with Antivirus.
4. Spybot S&D - ( free ) as a back-up or optional scanner. Not recommended as a primary antispyware program, the malware definitions signature database is too small.
Spyware Warrior has tested and rated the four programs listed above and they are among the top recommended software.
5. MalwareBytes - (from the publisher): Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is considered to be the next step in the detection and removal of malware. In our product we have compiled a number of new technologies that are designed to quickly detect, destroy, and prevent malware. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware can detect and remove malware that even the most well known anti-virus and anti-malware applications fail to detect. Protection level = good. potential problems = none significant.
Recommended combination: Malwarebytes plus Avast or Avira.
We recommend Advanced System Care Professional as a complete Windows optimization and maintainence utility. Performance = excellent. Problems = very minimal.
Most of us would like to save money if possible, so here's a tip - you can get a good level of protection if you use one of the free anti-virus software programs - Avast or Avira - and one of the paid anti-malware programs like a-squared with antivirus, SuperAntiSpyware, or Spyware Doctor with Antivirus.
After you buy your antivirus software, please go to the Spyware Blockers website for more ways to protect your computer. You can learn how to build a bullet proof web browser with Firefox and a few ad-ons, use Spybot to make a good hosts file, and use Spyware Blaster to protect your Window OS and internet explorer.