Killer Download: Top antivirus programs for Windows

A few years ago, it seemed like we would hear about a new virus threatening to hijack computers around the globe every week. Though it may feel like we're out of the woods these days, it is probably only because many users and companies are now much more aware of potential threats than they used to be. Even computer manufacturers have gotten the message and take more precautions by including some form of pre-installed protection. But when the limitations on these demos run out, it has been my experience that many people just hope for the best because of how little we hear about new threats. Of course, these are the same people who later call me up asking why their computers no longer work.

Even though we don't hear about as many threats in the news, there are just as many viruses out in the wild and some viruses have become even more destructive. At work, your company probably has an antivirus system that protects you from most new strains and an IT department that keeps it updated. At home you are the IT department, and if you want to keep your files safe, you have to remain vigilant.

Fortunately, we have plenty of high quality, free, and low-cost antivirus programs here at CNET Download.com that you can install at home and start using right away. These programs let you scan all the files on your computer along with any you receive in e-mails, on floppy disks and CDs, and (gasp!) from downloads. They also come with auto-updating features so you always have protection from the latest malicious strains.

Don't let the slick interface fool you. Avast is a powerful antivirus application.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

Avast Home Edition, a popular choice for home computer users, offers free virus protection, a futuristic-looking intuitive interface, and regular updates. The on-demand scanner lets you choose specific files and folders for quick scans. While it seems odd to me, Avast is also completely skinnable with several skins to choose from at its site. This is a solid and well-respected (aesthetically pleasing!) program to keep your computer virus-free.

A recently redesigned interface makes AVG incredibly easy to use.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is an excellent virus protection program for home users. You can schedule full virus scans when you know you'll be away from your computer to make the process painless. I use this one on my home computer and have never had a single problem. I've been thinking about upgrading to the pro version, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

The NOD32 developers recommend an In Depth scan at least once a week.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

NOD32 for Windows is another popular and powerful home virus program that scans for viruses in the background while you work on your computer. This one quietly scans Internet traffic, e-mails, and any floppy disks you may use, keeping viruses and worms away from your system.

Any of these programs are great choices for virus protection from the latest nasty strains. The sooner you get one of these programs, the less chance that the latest virus will infiltrate your system. Got a better antivirus program? Let me know in the comments!

Google Fights Child Porn on Orkut

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Internet search company Google signed an agreement with Brazilian public prosecutors last week to help combat child pornography on its social networking site Orkut, an accord that the company believes is the first of its kind internationally.

Under the agreement, Google will use filters to remove and prevent illegal content on Orkut, which has about half its users in Brazil. The company will also facilitate evidence gathering under judicial order in suspected crimes against children and teen-agers on Orkut without the need for international legal accords.

Google will also preserve for six months access logs of users being investigated for illegal conduct.

Google said it was the first such agreement that the company had signed and the firm believes it is the first internationally. Alexandre Hohagen, president of Google in Brazil, told a congressional committee, "It's an historic day not only for Brazil but for the Internet in the entire world."

Initially, Google had refused to work with prosecutors, saying it was subject only to U.S. laws, said Prosecutor Sergio Suiama. The company denied this, saying it had always been willing to cooperate with Brazilian authorities.

Brazilian prosecutors say 90 percent of illegal Internet content being investigated in Brazil involves Orkut. The site has 60 million users, half of them in Brazil.

Of 624 investigations by federal prosecutors in Sao Paulo state through the end of last year into human rights crimes on the Internet, 420 involved child pornography on Orkut.

"Orkut was lawless," said Suiama.

The accord was signed during a session of a congressional inquiry into pedophilia and follows legal battles since 2006.

Under the deal, public prosecution withdrew a lawsuit against Google, a company spokesman said.

The committee, which under Brazilian law has some police and judicial powers, ordered the investigation of 18,000 Orkut photo albums accused of harboring child pornography.

Google has more than a 60 percent share of the Web search market, according to industry figures. (pcworld.com)

Top 10 antivirus tools by cnn.com

IDG) -- Computer viruses are a real threat, and you need a real defense -- an antivirus utility. Here are some of the most useful tools available, including up-to-date definition files that ward off new virus strains. Pick what you need to protect your hard drive from infestation.

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1. McAfee VirusScan for Windows 95: VirusScan detects all types, including Word and Excel macro viruses, boot-sector infections, and file, multipartite, stealth, polymorphic, and encrypted viruses. (Shareware)
2. Norton AntiVirus5.0 Windows 95 Trial: Use Norton Antivirus under Windows 95, 98, or NT to keep your system clean and free of infection. (Trial)
3. McAfee Virus Definition Data Files: These are the current releases of data definition files for McAfee VirusScan products. This update can also be used for Netshield, VShield, WebScan, and several other VirusScan programs. (Free)
4. Anyware Antivirus: This package protects your computer from known viruses and detects the presence of new ones. It can scan any drive as well as check for viruses in memory, system files, and compressed files. (Free)
5. Norton AntiVirus Definitions Update: Update your virus definition files with Symantec's intelligent updater. Click the file name to locate and update your program files automatically. (Free)
6. ViruSafe Web: Whether you use Internet Explorer or Navigator, protect yourself with this Web virus scanner from EliaShim. (Free)
7. AccessIV Virus Utility: Use this add-in to scan your Access 97 database files for infection by the AccessIV virus. It will check for and disable the virus if it finds it, and it will also fix corrupted databases by deleting infected macros and modules. (Free)
8. BootProtect 98: Protect your Windows 95 or 98 system from boot-sector viruses using this antivirus tool. When you shut down your PC, BootProtect scans all drives containing a disk and notifies you to remove it. It also detects CD-ROMs and automatically opens the CD drive for you. (Shareware)
9. McAfee Guard Dog Fix: This fix corrects Guard Dog's File Guardian glitch, which may lock up your system when you try to use Nuts & Bolts 98's DiskMinder, DiskTune, or Image tools. (Free)
10. ThunderBYTE AntiVirus: Scans and removes known and unknown file, boot-sector, polymorphic, and macro viruses. (Shareware)

Top 9 Windows Antivirus

Antivirus software is must-have protection. This review picks the best antivirus software based on its virus detection abilities, features, and breadth of protection. Whether you're seeking total system coverage or an ala carte solution, each of the following products provides superb virus protection for Windows-based PCs. Because every system is unique, evaluate several of these antivirus products to find the software best suited for your PC and your level of experience.

1. Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Premium

AntiVir is a consistent leader in independent antivirus tests. Avira's AntiVir PersonalEdition Premium is a low-impact, easy to use virus scanner that also includes rootkit detection and phishing protection. Five euros of each purchase is automatically donated to the Auerbach Foundation, a non-profit that supports various charity and community-related services. AntiVir PersonalEdition Premium should be used in conjunction with a firewall.

Buy Direct

2. Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal

Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal offers excellent antivirus protection, perhaps unsurpassed in its ability to unpack and scan compressed files - something that trips up a lot of other vendors. Should be used in conjunction with a firewall.

3. BitDefender Antivirus Plus

Softwin's BitDefender Professional protects against viruses, spyware, and instant messaging threats, as well as offering firewall rules to block undesirable traffic and a privacy gateway to keep your identity and preferences private while surfing the Internet.

4. McAfee VirusScan Plus

McAfee VirusScan Plus is an ideal candidate for those seeking an antivirus/firewall combination without all the bloat of traditional Internet security suites. McAfee VirusScan Plus makes an easy job of removing adware and spyware, something not all antivirus products deliver.

5. Panda Antivirus 2007

Panda Antivirus 2007 combines antivirus, antispyware, and antiphishing with its highly touted behavior-based TruPrevent Technology. License covers use on two computers and includes free tech support via email (telephone support options are also available).

Read Review

6. F-PROT Antivirus

F-PROT Antivirus for Windows offers a feature that's increasingly harder to find - it includes a command-line scanner that can be used to create a rescue CD for scanning the system in Safe Mode. This is a particularly effective way to remove stubborn resuscitators. Firewall not included.

Buy Direct

7. G Data AntiVirusKit (AVK)

AntiVirusKit (AVK) provides a double layer of protection, bundling two of the best antivirus engines - Kaspersky and BitDefender - under a single, easy-to-use console. Like Nod32, you'll also want to bolster G Data's AVK with a firewall.

Buy DirectRead Review

8. AVG Anti-Malware

AVG Anti-Malware combines traditional virus protection with adware and spyware scanning, in a low impact footprint ideal for resource-strained PCs or those who just want the best performance possible out of their computers. Free tech support is available via email and the standard license includes two years of protection. Should be used in conjunction with a firewall.

Buy Direct

9. Eset Nod32

Nod32 features a small footprint, low performance hit, and fast scan speeds, providing focused virus protection ideal for gamers or those with an older PC. Should be used in conjunction with a firewall.