Companies continue to test and rank antivirus programs. The three
programs which always take their turns on the top are AVG, Avira and
Avast. These antivirus programs are not only free to use but also
promises high end scanning capabilities and destroys thousands of
computer viruses. But of course, you wouldn’t want to clutter your PC
with antivirus programs which could do pretty much everything as the
other programs. Between avira vs avg vs avast, which
one is the best? This review summarizes some of the interesting
advantages and disadvantages of each of the three antivirus programs.
Avast
When
you are trying to look for a stable, effective, and well-supported
antivirus program, Avast is the right choice. Avast boasts its frequent
and fast updates whose cleaning features are the same as the Pro, which
is its paid counterpart. Avast is also highly configurable which enables
smooth operation. Many use avast for its antirootkit and antispyware
feature. When it comes to scanning your emails for viruses, avast is the
top pick. It has an internet mail shield which allows scanning of your
emails from malicious sources.
However, avast detects Trojans
weakly. Avast could not delete, repair, or move to chest some of its
Trojan detections. Other antimalware programs must be installed in
coordination with avast to upgrade protection against trojan. The latest
Avast has also become bloated with many added features that could cause
your PC to slow down.
Avira
On a recent
testing of antivirus programs, Avira ranked first for its high detection
capability among other free antivirus programs despite its slow update.
Avira has 90%+ detection rate in contrast to AVG and Avast whose rate
barely made it to 80%. In addition to viruses, it also detects Trojans,
malwares and rootkits. This feature is brought about by the use of a
heuristic detection technology. This technology, which is unique to
Avira, allows the program to detect viruses with the same malicious
code, thus it doesn’t have to rely only on its virus definition
database.
However, Avira does not scan emails. A paid upgraded
version or other threat detection programs must be installed to get the
feature.
AVG
AVG perhaps, is the most user
friendly free antivirus program. It allows you to specifically scan a
file or the system when needed. Its update schedule can also be set
according to what suits you better. Its email scanner allows you to scan
emails with outlook and incredimail. In addition, it also has link
scanner, web and resident shield.
The downside is that AVG
generates a huge amount of false positive detections. Its seemingly
unwanted sensitivity can delete even those innocent and useful
installers and programs without asking permission first. It also only
detects viruses and basic spyware. A heuristic detection technology and
an antispyware program such as Threatfire will have to be installed for
additional protection.
Conclusion
Generally,
no antivirus programs are 100% perfect in terms of protection. It would
take a lot of exposure to malicious insults before anyone could tell
which one is better, especially that the viruses themselves continue to
upgrade. It’s also up to the consumer which suits him best.
A good
protection plan is to have one antivirus program, a good anti spyware
and shield, and a keyscrambler. Don’t use two antivirus programs in your
computer. To be safer, use a lot of common sense. Have a back-up plan
to be sure. Also avoid links or emails from unknown sources.
Over-all,
Avira takes the credit, though it updates slowly, it has a very good
detection rate which is the very sense of having an antivirus program on
your PC.
