The Best-Rated Antivirus Programs of 2012

Computers have become such an indispensable and valuable part of our everyday experiences that we cannot seem to live without them. From logging into our social media accounts to conducting our business transactions, computers make such tasks possible. With this rapid pace of growth, however, comes the ever-increasing threat that malicious software such as viruses poses to unwary computer users. They have reached levels of sophistication unheard of before, so much that more efforts are spent to counter them. Fortunately for us, there are software manufacturers who are always working on giving us antivirus programs of better quality and service, and have consistently ranked on the top of the best antivirus reviews. Presented below is a short list of the top-ranked antivirus software available today.

The Vipre Antivirus is a relative newcomer in the antivirus category and it has not garnered the general following that is being enjoyed by the other more established antivirus programs. Nevertheless, it has proven to be as capable of eliminating virus infections. It handles itself well as it goes through the three general tasks of antivirus protection, namely, deterrence, discovery, and removal. It will not cause your computer to bog down. However, it may take you some effort to install it in your computer but once you have completed the process, just reboot your PC and you're good to go.

The BitDefender Antivirus Pro, meanwhile, features remote network administration and interception of pre-determined user information. It is easy to use and offers you beginner, medium-level, and professional-grade utilities in its antivirus arsenal. It runs discreetly as you work with your computer and it leaves PC processes untouched. These features have enabled BitDefender to be included in the best antivirus reviews for last year.

The McAfee Antivirus is well-known as one of the first antivirus programs to be offered commercially. Throughout the years, the company that makes it has strived to offer the best that can be found in antivirus software. It is so fast that when it detects viruses, it works to intercept them to within a millionth part of a second. It is 8 times quicker than its previous incarnation and it gives you more security from dangerous Internet sites than other comparable antivirus software. Despite it being a little sluggish compared to other competing antivirus programs, it is still included in the best antivirus reviews of 2012.

Like its competitor the McAfee Antivirus, the Norton Antivirus 2012 is the product of another trailblazing antivirus manufacturing company. It is noted for offering a comparatively broader area of antivirus security and attributes. This high grade of protection is augmented by continuous updating and any kind of spurious activity is checked by its SONIC 3 behavioral safeguard.

The Avast Pro Antivirus is another highly-recommended antivirus product that has gained renown due to the effective security that it offers against viruses and other types of malware. You will find it suitable in handling most kinds of malware such as viruses, spyware, and Trojan horses.

The Kaspersky Antivirus is considered to be one of the best antivirus products sold today. It works actively to shield your PC from commonplace malware as well as those that are recently developed and discovered, malware that comparable antivirus software would find difficult to identify. Its 2012 version offers a desktop utility that is easy and quick for you to use; it also can check Internet sites and emailed messages for any hint of malicious information.

Finally, the ESET NOD Antivirus 4 is a dependable antivirus product that can guard your PC from most threats. It gives you real time protection as you surf the Internet and makes sure that your PC runs at optimum levels.

So the next time that you need to buy or download an antivirus program, consider these well-regarded products. Having them listed in the best antivirus reviews for 2012 will mean that you will not go wrong with your choice of any of them.

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What to Look Out for in the Best Antivirus Reviews

A computer virus is never a welcome visitor in your laptop or PC. It's like having an unwanted guest barge into your home that then proceeds to act as if he or she owns the place. It lends much for your peace of mind and sense of security if you keep them and any other malware away from your computer, and a great antivirus program installed in your PC will do much in achieving these ends. To this, the Web gives you the best antivirus reviews available right now for your convenience and perusal; you can weigh the pros and cons of these leading antiviral products before you select the one that fits your needs. As you continue to read on, you will learn some things for you to consider as you search for the best of the best in the antivirus products market today.

First of all, you will need to know exactly what kind of program you need and what amount of security you require. There is a mind-boggling array of viruses that are known to exist right now and any one of them can find its way into your computer system. To counter this threat, you can try out different antivirus features that are meant to thwart viruses through various means such as firewall protection, software uninstallation, spam safeguard, rogue software detector and eliminator, registry cleaner, and others.

In fact, some of the antivirus product entries in the best antivirus reviews offer a complete line-up of tools and utilities that are tailor-made to deal with specific problems that are associated with viruses. Also, these very same lists or websites may offer you countless anti-malware solutions for you to choose from. It pays to pick an antivirus that will give you an all-encompassing area of security for any viral threat that there is possible.

The more popular antivirus programs have a full suite of utilities that can help you deal with issues such as hacking attempts, Trojans, and system registry corruption. They also come with continuous updating that enables them to deal with new and unique viruses effectively. Such is the nature of the Internet that more and more new viruses are being created and identified every year, thus, as a computer user and Web surfer, you will need to stay one step ahead of the game. Updating works the same way; the antivirus manufacturer will constantly send your PC new data or patches that will help it respond better and efficiently in the wake of a viral outbreak.

The second thing that you will have to consider is if the antivirus solution is bundled in with an assurance or a money-back warranty if you are dissatisfied with its performance. Many antivirus makers provide guarantees with their products, so you must check if your choice has one. There are antivirus software that would actually do you more harm than good, like bogging down your PC or issuing false virus alerts. Having a warranty or an assurance at hand would help you to correct the situation.

Another thing to think about is that most computer users consider procuring antivirus software only when their PCs or laptops get infected. Things may get out of hand that they are unable to surf the Web to look up the best antivirus reviews and select an antivirus solution for their problems. Don't be one of them; you can undo the damage by accessing your systems backup configuration or systems reset option, or have your PC revert back to its previous checkpoint. By doing these actions, you can repair your PC or laptop and you can then surf the Web to search for a more viable and complete remedy for your problem.

Lastly, it pays for you to check out what the online reviews say about the leading antivirus products that are in the market right now. You can seek out the advice of your family, acquaintances, or anyone you know of who knows his computer stuff well. It appears that most computer users have his or her share of issues while using their PCs or laptops, and it would be good for you to hear about their experiences and how they learned from them.

So to sum it up, you need to do your research in selecting the right antivirus program for your computer. Whether you have learned everything there is to know about it in reading the best antivirus reviews online or just by listening to a geek friend describe its advantages and disadvantages, you can never go wrong in carefully considering which product is best for you.

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A Beginner's Guide to Anti-Virus Programs and Removing Computer Viruses

Due to the immense importance people put on computer and technology, it is crucial that one knows how to protect their computers against computer viruses. These viruses can be downloaded from Internet, which makes it easier for a user to introduce a virus into their computer without him/her knowing about it. Anti-virus software programs can help block viruses from entering a computer, but sometimes a virus may slip past these defenses. There are two things a person can do to remove a virus from their computer without taking it to the repair shop.

1. Back up their data. Some users seem to forget to do this, and once a virus infects the computer and deletes all the data on the computer's hard disk, it would set them back a long way. While most computers come with an option to store a back up of a user's files onto an external hard drive, this also increases the chance that any available viruses would also be copied to the external hard drive. Users can use a hard drive dock or upload their files on online file storage systems instead.

2. Run virus scans. Users should first boot their computers into safe mode before running the virus scan. They can also download anti-virus programs on the Internet, but users should make sure that they chose tried and tested programs. If users can still access the Internet on the computers, they can utilize online scanners that would help them pinpoint and remove viruses. These scanners are also able to improve the computer's performance and clean the hard disk.

Before one performs these steps, they should first make sure that their computer and technology is indeed infected with a virus. Some "symptoms" of an infected computer includes inaccessible disk drives or disks, distorted menus, and strange error messages. Computers that crash often, freeze, or run slowly may also be infected with a virus. However, these may also mean that the computer has some problems with the software. Anti-virus programs and scanners are the only sure way to determine if a virus has been introduced into the computer.

There are several kinds of anti-virus programs that people can install into their computers to help them remove any harmful add-ons. Spyware is directly aimed at removing any spyware from a computer, and even prevents any spyware from being installed in the future. Browser security assures users that they can surf the Internet safely, and the firewall serves as the computer's initial defense against unauthorized access. Parental controls, spam filters, and phishing protection are other types of anti-virus programs.

Aside from providing people with easier ways to communicate (among other things), computer and technology also gives people the chance to protect themselves from viruses and those with malicious intent. These programs lessen the risk of viruses, thus allowing people to use their computers without any delays.

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The Elements That Define Top-Of-The-Line Antivirus Programs

Sometimes, you may find it surprising that making a choice among the foremost antivirus programs would turn out to be a difficult task because of the dizzying array of programs available and the various features and utilities that they offer. Ask another computer user what he believes is the foremost antivirus solution there is right now and he may have no idea what it is. He may also pick the one that he uses for his computer and regard it as the best there is even though he has never tested other antivirus programs before. He may have not even tried to check out the many free antivirus reviews in the Internet and be enlightened further on his opinion. So you ask the question, "What is the finest antivirus program that I can have for my computer?"

Before you proceed further, you should learn the reasons behind having a capable antiviral software installed in your PC or laptop. First of all, you must ensure that your PC or laptop is running at optimum levels and that it does not tend to bog down or crash altogether. This is important if you find yourself in front of your computer for long stretches of time each day. There is the utmost need to secure your system and personal files from potentially malicious intrusions by unwanted programs and unknown persons.

These days the media feature reports about malware that has been created to squirrel away our sensitive personal data such as our Social Security benefits, email accounts and passwords, and credit card account numbers. Top-of-the-line antiviral programs that are found in free antivirus reviews can deter these viruses and other forms of malware and will help keep our PCs and laptops safe and secure for our use. The foremost antivirus applications are accessible for every kind of user, be it beginner or expert. It presents a no-frills and straightforward interface that everyone can understand and interact with. It does away with complicated cues and instructions and does its job in an accomplished and convincing manner. But again you think of the numerous antiviral solutions that can be found in the Internet and the software market and realize that choosing the best among them is no easy thing. Free antivirus reviews and assessments by unassociated companies can help you narrow down your choice since they can help you determine if your chosen antivirus product works well with your PC or laptop.

Also, you must ensure that the antivirus product you selected bears the hallmark of leading antivirus programs, namely, that it can shield your PC or laptop from any and all types of malware and intrusions, be they phishing attempts, adware, worms, spam, viruses, keystroke recorders, Trojans, and others. It must target malware that might lurk in every corner of your computer's hard drive and help you block access to questionable and dangerous Internet sites, especially those that harbor pop-up windows.

Another thing to consider when making your choice among top-of-the-line antivirus solutions is if they offer you the corresponding first-rate customer assistance and technical support services that you can expect from the companies that made them. You might hear stories about users who want to know if there are other variants of their antivirus program available and then proceeded to call the antivirus manufacturer's help line, chat with its online message board, and send out emails to the company only to realize that it does not really care much for them. Put yourself in their shoes and you will feel their frustration as well. It would be in your best interest to have a good antivirus product that is backed up by good customer assistance and technical service.

Last and most importantly, in these difficult times you must select one of the foremost antivirus solutions that fit your budget. Most are priced at the $30 to $70 range; those that are valued at $90 or $100 and up are often overpriced and thus it would be impractical for you to buy.

Now that you have gone over the elements in choosing among the first-rate antivirus programs that are available today, consider yourself better prepared the next time you need to have a new antiviral solution installed in your computer. Using your own knowledge and information that you have learned from free antivirus reviews and online product assessments, you will feel more confident in making the right choice.

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Conspiracy Theories About Antivirus Vendors

The notion that antivirus businesses are the instigators of virus attacks is not commendable and something that they would strongly deny. Such connivance has been going on for quite some time now and there's no sign of it being put to an end. The idea hasn't been put to rest and is made even worse by the proliferation of pseudo antivirus software packages that copy the best antivirus ones. They have a similar appearance and possess similar tools. They also promise to eradicate all the spyware threats that the authentic software are created to take away. They are actually Trojans which hurt your PC and filch your personal information.

Another concept is that the antivirus companies don't have a clear reason to do a good work of eradicating threats which would make you purchase their best antivirus software. This may seem more reasonable, but it's as silly as the notion that these businesses author the malware themselves. These notions are as unreasonable as suggesting that your pharmacist or doctor tries to inflict you with a disease so they are able to sell you additional prescriptions. Moreover, as strange as these notions are, there's usually one that lingers. Antivirus sellers invest billions annually into creating tools for dealing with all kinds of hacker and spyware threats.

These virus threats are concocted by crooks that use expertly coded tools to gain earnings from cyber-related crime. Malware and cyber crime has undergone various shapes and have evolved into a highly profitable market venture. Recently, The Financial Mirror brought out a finding about cybercrime that states one only needs to spend only $1,200 to engage in cyber-crimes. Furthermore, antivirus makers are constantly fighting these threats. They've even employed dedicated workers who would anticipate criminals' actions on a day to day basis.

At present, there are over 20 prominent antivirus sellers worldwide, all involved in a rat race to make their software the top ranked in the anti-virus industry. It's only by successfully defeating and fighting spyware threats that these companies gain recognition. That's why they are always in competition to outsmart each other in battling cyber threats. Customers gain a lot from this since they have the chance to choose the best antivirus program to meet their needs.

It's definitely true that the best antivirus programs wouldn't materialize if there were no worms and viruses but that is not the same as saying that antivirus companies employ people to author these virus threats. The positive and negative aspects coexist in all facets of life, and there's a plethora of human beings who feel nothing more but amused whenever they make a malicious code. Without a single doubt, if there's a money profiting scheme involving antivirus businesses and virus authors, law enforcement offices would have learned of it long ago.

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An Antivirus Program Is Simply Not Enough

Broadband internet has been in existence for more than a decade now but in the earlier years people relied mostly on dial-up connections. The 'archaic' versions of computer operating software and slow connection did not do much for and limited the online threats back then. As the accessibility to high-speed connection increased, so did the risks from viruses and spyware. The increased risks also meant greater demand for online security. These days, a person has a variety of choices in antivirus software, anywhere from free downloadable ones to top-of-the-line products. Today, having the best antivirus is a necessity for computer users.

All antivirus products pretty much work in the same way. Most programs rely on a list of known threats called virus definitions to which the signature of a suspicious file is compared before it can be repaired or removed. This is called blacklisting technology. Some antivirus software also utilizes heuristic scanning. This type of operation tries to smoke out suspicious files that have unknown but predictable signatures. However, most antivirus programs today still rely on blacklists.

With thousands of threats that spring up every minute, computer vulnerability is at an all-time high. Even the best antivirus software is only as good as the updated virus definitions. When a new threat is created, like the so called zero-day viruses, it may take days or even weeks before they can be included in the virus definitions list. Most antivirus software developers are not aware of what new zero-day virus comes out. So this new threat can sneak into a computer and cause some damage before it can even be detected, and by the time it is detected, it might be too late.

Because of the different threats to computer security, having an antivirus installed may not be the only solution. One idea that can work well with antivirus software is allowing a computer to make a whitelist, a list of 'allowable' programs that can be run. This is similar to how we block spam in our emails. Any other program that tries to run on its own will be blocked. Maintaining the integrity of the computer now relies solely on the user who has to decide whether or not to include a program into the 'allowable' list. This idea combined with the best antivirus software can work really well in giving the most optimal protection against computer and online security threats.

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The Dangers of Antivirus 7 and How to Avoid It

An antivirus program that claims to protect you has been making the rounds online recently. This program is named the Antivirus 7 or Antivirus7. This program is made to look like it's from Microsoft but it's not. This program can be hard to tell apart from a genuine program because of its single word name "Antivirus". This demonstrates the need for strong protection software. You can find a good free antivirus so there really is no reason for any of us to be without one.

While this virus makes itself look like a Windows XP or Windows 7 program, it has nothing to do with Microsoft and it will only put you at risk. Instead of keeping your computer safe, it will remove files from your system and make your computer unstable. It can also disable your firewall and open you up for attacks from hackers.

This virus is similar to other programs such as antivir which is promoted via a web site that is made to look like a real legitimate protection program. These web sites will claim to be doing a security scan. When the scan's finished it will say that your computer is infected and it needs to download Antivirus 7 to clean up the infection. Don't believe this. Instead, simply download an antivirus software from a reputable source and only trust a scan from that program.

If you install this virus it will give you a warning message on your computer. These warnings say things like someone is trying to steal your identity or hack your system. It will tell you that you have to update your system. These alerts are made to trick you into thinking that they really come from Windows. The real reason this virus gives you these alerts is to make you think that you need to buy their full version of the software to be safe. The truth is that if you run the update that it asks for it will only make it worse. You don't need to pay for protection. You can get an antivirus software for free that will protect you not only from this virus but from others too.

It can be pretty hard to get this spyware program off of your computer unless you are an expert. The best and easiest ways to get rid of the virus is to use an automatic spyware remover in addition to a good free antivirus. If you want to remove this virus manually then keep in mind that it involves deleting registry keys and this can be very dangerous. Unless you are an expert, it's highly recommended to do this the automatic way.

It is important to familiarize yourself with all the real brands of free antivirus software so that you know the real ones from the fake virus/spyware scanners. If you know how to recognize the fake ones then you will not likely have any problems with this kind of virus program. Most of the fake ones start out as a pop-up offering to scan your computer for free. If you click "Okay" and run the scan it will then show you a list of the viruses that it found on your system. It will then tell you to download the program to be able to get rid of these viruses. Never do this! If you do, you'll not only be giving this company the credit information that you used to buy the program, but you will also be giving them access to all your private data.

It's critical that you remove this virus immediately if you are infected with it. It is also critical that you get a use a good, legitimate free antivirus and that you know the difference in between the genuine products and the fake ones.

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How to Remove a Fake Antivirus That Is Spamming Your Notifications With Virus Threats?

Rogue security software is a dangerous malware type that will install on your computer pretending to be an antivirus program and then disrupt programs, hijack services, or worse, communicate malicious programs to known users.

Removing a fake antivirus is like getting rid of a Trojan or malware from your computer. However with malware and antivirus, it is always easier because you can run your installed antivirus and have the program scan for and locate the infected files. Your antivirus will then remove this malicious program and ask you to reboot the computer. So if you are running an authentic Norton or Kaspersky security suite, then you can be assured that your data is safe. But what happens when the cleanup tool itself is an infected file that is running on your computer as a fake antivirus program.

What are the problems that you might face if there is fake security software on your computer?

Programming experts suggest that antivirus-malware can be fatal to a user in manifold ways. Once you have granted permissions to this program (remember, you think this is a genuine security product!) it will take over control of your PC processes under the disguise of a trusted application. It could then take over your browser, redirect you to unsafe or suspicious sites, hijack Outlook and use it to send out spam, flag known programs as risks, or pop-up bogus threat notifications. Then there may the case where you try to remove it, and this is when it will ask you to launch an update. The highest chance of a fake antivirus causing a computer crash is when you try to uninstall it.

So how do you remove a fake antivirus before it causes irreparable damage?

First things first! Backup all you important data and mail files onto an external hard drive. When you are doing this, it is also a good idea to restart your computer in safe mode with most executable programs disabled. You can also select Safe Mode with Networking if you need to recover files from webmail or need to internet for more how-to on backing up data. Online technical support is also available for this kind of service.

Backed up data? Cleanup malicious programs now.

The most secure and sure way of cleaning up your Registry and Start-up programs is by doing it manually. You can also use System Restore tool available on Windows XP, Vista, and 7 to reset all settings till before the program was installed. Remember that once you have the computer in safe mode, the fake antivirus cannot perform any functions. Feel free to browse installed programs and remove any that may indicate unknown publisher.

Restored PC Health? Now boost performance.

Once computer support technicians have cleaned up all malicious programs from your computer, you can ask for optimization tools and other PC tune up utilities to be installed on your computer. Online antivirus support and optimization help will provide you only genuine software so you don't have to worry about a virus infection. With extended support, you can get your computer repaired at a small annual subscription from the best Microsoft certified technicians. Online computer services provided by companies like HCL touch are available round the clock to resolve all computer and peripheral related issues for you.

Cathy Stones brings her experience in working with trusted technicians to troubleshoot antivirus and antispyware software issues. Cathy draws on an extensive resource for virus and security solutions available here http://goo.gl/D2OGY and her regular feeds here http://goo.gl/l9uWC to create a list of the top 5 free PC protection software on the market today.

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Making the Right Choice on Antivirus

What does it take for an antivirus program to be the one that you need?

Since 1983, viruses became widespread and the damage that they do had been increasing in severity. Viruses become more immune and undetectable by the current antivirus software. Many strains of a kind of virus are being released everyday and a all of these pose a potential threat to a computer system.

Now you're wondering how will you be able to get the utmost protection that you can get from an antivirus and from what brand name will it come from? The answer lies within the questions that we'll tackle in this article.

Question 1: "What do you want to be guarded against?"
There are a lot of potential threats out there and viruses are just one of them. There are worms, spywares and many more. For these, there is corresponding software that takes on each kind. There are also ones that take care of almost all of them at once. So you should know protection do you need. For frequent internet users, there are antiviruses that are especially designed to protect you on your whole stay in the web. There are also ones that are optimized for home or company network use. Choose which one is best for your computer setup.

Question 2: "Is it user friendly?"
Most computer users have limited knowledge of the computer that they use. Some don't know what button to click. Surely, there are ones who just click away all the links that are interesting. You must know the capability of the users in order to get the right antivirus program. The one that you'll need should have autonomous protection even without the supervision of a knowledgeable user. Also, the user interface should be easy to understand if not intuitive.

Question 3: "Does it update automatically?"
Virus develops several new strains everyday, thus you need to find an antivirus that updates itself automatically to make sure that your system is protected from the most recent threats.

Question 4: "How much disk space does it occupy?"
Sometimes, large sizes of files decrease the performance of your computer. Although this is not related to viruses, it surely helps to make your computer perform better. Decrease the lag time by choosing a lightweight yet effective antivirus program.

Question 5: "Does it offer continuous protection?"
This is the most important feature that you'd need to look at if you consider buying one instead of downloading a free version. Continuous protection does not only include regular updates but also optional upgrades. If you know that one day your antivirus will not be supported anymore, don't go for it.

Question 6: "Do they offer technical support?"
Leading antivirus companies offer this feature. Having a quick response for troubleshooting the software or simple questions about it would be beneficial for the user, especially if they are not computer persons.

These are the things that you should ask yourself when looking for or buying an antivirus program that will give you the best protection.

For more information on what's best for your computer, come visit us at http://www.free-antivirus.co/ and we'll surely help you with your computer problems.

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Getting Rid of the Antivirus GT

Yet another in a long line of fake antivirus software is the Antivirus GT. It's designed to get in to your computer system through flaws in your Windows security. This program is much like the badware program Antivirus 7. It looks very nice and clean, like a real legitimate piece of software, but the truth is its only purpose it to make you spend your hard-earned money on something that will only do you harm. It will try to scare you into buying the full version and then it will dig its way into your computer's system to take your personal information. You shouldn't let your identity or your bank account information be stolen, so it's always very important to research and find the best antivirus available and keep it running and up to date.

If this virus infects your computer, you will notice that your system slows down. It will run a scan every time you start your computer and you'll get many pop-ups and other such error messages. All of these things are designed to scare you into buying the full version of the software and charging it to your card.

You'll probably also get many warnings telling you that it has detected viruses and spyware and that your computer has been hacked. If these things start happening that means you probably have this virus or something similar. That's why it's so important to have the best antivirus for your system, so you can rest assure that you are safe.

But if you are infected, then you have to get rid of the Antivirus GT as soon as possible to avoid having your personal information stolen. You can do this manually by going into the registry and finding all the keys and values that are tied to this virus program and deleting them. Then delete any and all files and folders that have anything to do with this virus. This is a dangerous and time-consuming process. If you make even a small mistake it can mean your computer won't even boot up. The danger of this and other viruses like it is the reason why we should always protect ourselves by having the best antivirus possible installed and up to date on our systems.

A more preferable way of removing this virus is the automatic way. Once you have found and installed the best antivirus for your needs the process becomes very simple. Just a few clicks and your system is once again clean from the Antivirus GT and other such threats. It is easy and simple and best of all, you will have your computer back.

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Ways to Remove Antivirus Soft

Antivirus soft is yet another in a long line of fake antivirus programs. It gets in to your system through Trojans and also through websites that they set up to trick you. The web site will perform a free scan of your system and while the results of the scan look really bad, it's the scanner itself that you must be afraid of. It will lie to you and tell you that you have all kinds of viruses and that the only way to get rid of these viruses is to download their program. Always be extra cautious when dealing with free antivirus software or free online virus scans in particular. Because while there are many legitimate and good free antivirus programs, many will just give you a false scan in the hopes that they will scare you into buying the full version of their product.

If you get infected with this virus you will not only get a fake scan result and security report, you will also get many pop-ups warning you of threats that don't really exist. It will keep trying to scare you into running the fake scan again so that it can dig itself in deeper. Do not fall for this. You must remove it as soon as possible. Antivirus soft often turns off your real antivirus software and your firewall in an attempt to make it harder for you to remove it from your system. Additionally it will change Internet Explorer's proxy settings so that it can re-direct you to the web sites it wants you to see. Many of the web sites that they re-direct you to will also be offering free antivirus scans so don't fall for it.

There are basically two different ways to approach getting rid of this virus, manual and automatic. In both cases it is recommended that you re-start your computer and boot in to safe mode with networking. This will allow you to make the necessary changes to the proxy in Internet Explorer. If you decide to do this manually you will first need to stop all processes that have anything to do with the virus. Then it is just a matter of going in to the registry and deleting all keys that are tied to the virus program. Then you have to remove all files and folders related to the antivirus soft virus. Be careful because one bad move when editing the registry can cause some huge problems for you. This should only be attempted by experienced and advanced users.

The preferred method for removing this is the automatic way. Pretty much all you do is download a program to remove spyware and run it. This program will automatically find and get rid of all traces of the virus program including all the affected registry keys. This is also good because the anti spyware software that you download to get rid of this problem, will help you in the future by preventing these problems before they start. So in short, when you see an ad for a free antivirus always research and make sure the product is legitimate and not another of these ever growing and changing virus programs.

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Sohpos Anti-Virus For Mac Review - My Personal Experience

The full name is Sophos Anti-Virus For Mac Home Edition and this is an antivirus utility from Sophos who also supplies business strength solutions and represents that they are including the same function in this free version. This is a review of my personal experience installing and using the software so you can decide whether it may work well for you.

Anti-Virus For Mac?

Here are some reasons why you might want to consider installing antivirus software on the Mac. When Apple had the classic operating system, I always used antivirus just to be on the safe side. Even though I have always kept a complete backup and updated every day, an infection could be copied onto the backup all too easily. In those days it was Norton Antivirus, and even though I always updated the definitions there was never an issue.

With in the introduction of Mac OSX the character of the operating system changed because it was based on UNIX programming which is very stable and requires an administrator password to change core functions. For this reason it seemed unnecessary to use an antivirus program on modern Mac computers as long as one was careful not to open hoaxes in email or online.

Exploits That Circumvent Administrator Protection

Now that Apple has gained such huge size and recognition, new threats are beginning to appear. The Flashback exploit used a false Flash update installer and then evolved to exploit a flaw in the Java programming language. Apple released an update through the automatic software update to handle this but 600,000 machines had been infected. After the removal patch that number dropped very quickly. Still, it now could be possible to be at risk just by visiting a site online that is completely legitimate but has been compromised by hackers.

You can use a utility called Little Snitch that acts like a firewall for outgoing connections. The Flashback exploit checked and would not install on machines with LS already in place, because if the malicious program attempted to send passwords to a remote site it would be detected. Even so, it seemed wise to investigate using an antivirus program on the Mac, and CNET MacFixit which is very good at keeping users informed about the latest news, recommended installing such a program.

I had tried ESET Cybersecurity for Mac when it first came out and it put my computer in an endless loop and drove the processors up to maximum 100% as shown on the free utility Menu Meters, and the temperature began to climb so I uninstalled ESET. Newer versions may have improved, so you could use their free 30 day trial. ESET did find some Windows malware in suspicious emails that I had forwarded to authorities but neglected to delete from my SENT mail folder. Sophos ran the processors at 65-72 deg. C during a full scan, which is normal.

Sophos For Mac Results

So far Sophos antivirus for Mac has been perfect. It is easy to install, and even better, also easy to remove if needed. Before I installed ESET I read the forum posts for Sophos and there seemed to be some complaints, but a new version has now been released and the overall reports looked good.

I have found the processor use minimal and the scanning speed quick. The program automatically checks and downloads updated virus definitions hourly. A full disc scan of my 250GB hard drive took under two hours, for approximately 700,000 files. A menu bar icon shows status so you can instantly see your Mac is protected, and when definitions are being downloaded or a scan is in process. I'm glad to discover it has a fairly light footprint and generally stays out of the way while maintaining a live scan on all new files and programs.

Overall Sophos antivirus for Mac Home Edition has preformed flawlessly. I have no connection with the developer.

Daniel Dreifus has been using Mac computers daily since 1996. He began with the Performa 475 using a 25 MHz processor, 4MB RAM and a 40 MB hard drive. There was no connection to the Internet yet. To see what Daniel is doing online today, go to ThousandEveryDay.com to preview the world's largest private online training academy.

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How To Avoid the Dangers of Antivirus Windows Phishing

What do you do when a dialogue box or window suddenly appears (not long after you down-loaded some new software or clicked into a new site you were surfing), and warns you of dangerous viruses lurking on your computer?

"DON'T PANIC!"

I've said it before and I'll go on saying it until I'm blue in the face; there are some nasty, highly tech savvy people out there, looking to pillage your computer if you give them half a chance. They can trick you into passing over your hard earned money in the blink of a dialogue box.

The scams they use are numerous, but the type of scam that we are going to discuss this time, known as 'Computer Phishing,' is dependent on one vital process. That is: they have to ask your permission.

This is a typical scenario:

You've been surfing the internet or downloading software and out of the blue up pops a window or dialogue box. It reads something like: "Danger, Danger - a virus (of no particular name) has been found in your registry. This virus will harm your computer if left unchecked. Down-load this Free Superior Registry Cleaner and we guarantee to rid you of this perilous nasty."

Now you fall for the first part of the trick and down-load the software. You authorize the program to run, and within no time at all a new window appears telling you: "You are infested with viruses. But do not worry, because we have the perfect solution and it will only cost you a tiny, piddley amount."

So now you fall for the second part; you buy their software solution, using your credit or debit card. Oh dear, they've now got your money, your card and bank details. And to add insult to injury, you now posses their Malware of some description - that you never had before. Malware, you may not realize is infesting your Registry, Emails and Hard Drive.

My recommendation is simple: whenever you receive this type of phishing; (what I call 'Antivirus Windows Phishing'), a message trying to get you to buy Anti-virus or Anti-spyware software, do not be tempted to click on any part of the message - even to try to close it. Instead, restart your computer and run a virus checker (Preferably one you've down-loaded from a recommended source). There are some very good free virus eradicating software, and some even better paid for.

The following, are one or both: AVG, Malwarebytes, ZoneAlarm, to name just a few. It's not easy to resist clicking the magic boxes, but if you do find yourself caught-up in the scenario I've just described, It may be wise to cancel your credit card as well.

Love your computer and keep your kids surfing safe.

Ed Bellamy offers helpful articles and peace of mind Virus Protection.
Visit: http://www.security-essentials.net/ for more info.

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Trend Micro Titanium Antivirus 2012 Review

Trend Micro Titanium is an antivirus program that protects your PC from malware threats like viruses, spyware, worms and Trojans. It is equipped with tools to protect it from fake antivirus software and this includes protection on a Macintosh too.

Trend Micro is rich in features and they include tools to protect you on social network sites, in e-mail contacts, whilst chatting and your entire network. And their customer team is always on hand to help you customise and use the software effectively.

Some of the most prominent features in the software include:
anti-malware protectionanti-spyware protectionanti-Trojan protectionoutbound e-mail protectionand on demand scanning

Trend Micro Titanium is an average security product and the new 2012 version has been tested and approved by many of the leading test labs. AV-Test has certified Trend Micro and has scored it relatively well in protection and usability on Windows 7 and XP.

But it has also been left out of many tests and no scores are shown for Virus Bulletin, ICSA and West Coast Labs tests. This is disappointing and is one of the reasons the software has been lagging in rankings. At Top 10 Reviews, for example, it has taken 13th position out of 20 and has been beaten by other average performing programs like G-Data.

There are pros and cons associated with Trend Micro 2012 and we've included the major ones below:

Pros

1. It has an anti-phishing tool that protects you from phishing websites and e-mails sent by criminals looking to steal your money and personal details.

2. Trend Micro 2012 has a small code footprint because it leverages the cloud.

3. It is very easy to use and configure to your specific needs.

4. It uses traditional signature-based security and real-time protection to protect from new and harmful threats.

5. It has a good customer team always on hand to help you with your software

Cons

1. Trend Micro is missing some important features like a bootable rescue CD, a gaming mode and a laptop/net book mode.

2. It has performed below many other programs in the repair test on Windows 7.

Summary

Overall, Trend Micro is a half decent program and has many of the tools that you need to protect your PC. Its foray into cloud security is impressive and has some of the best features and is easy to use. For internet security protection, we recommend you download their full internet security software package which includes more protection features including a firewall.

At Best Buy Antivirus, we feature the best antivirus software programs to help you easily choose the best one for your PC. We have the full Trend Micro review that helps you learn more about its features.

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Webroot Secure Anywhere Antivirus 2012 Review

Webroot Secure Anywhere is the latest security product for 2012, with a new name too. It is more than just antivirus software; it provides protection from all malware threats that are normally dealt with by full Internet security packages.

It protects your online world from threats like spyware that is surreptitiously installed on your PC and steals your personal information. It also blocks advertising companies that install adware programs on your PC which slow down its CPU and memory.

Webroot Secure Anywhere Antivirus 2012 has been tested and approved by the leading test labs like AV-Test, Virus Bulletin, ICSA and West Coast Labs. Not many antivirus programs have been tested and approved by all the leading test labs, and this is a good achievement by Webroot.

However, most of the test results are average and not really impressive. On the AV-Test for Windows 7 performance, it scored 67% for protection, 58% for repair and 67% for usability. These results are far below other programs like BitDefender and Kaspersky who have scored over 80% in all these areas.

The most important features in this version are:

the award-winning Spy Sweeper tool that finds and removes spies on your PC360° of protection from malware threats

There are benefits and drawbacks associated with Webroot Secure Anywhere Antivirus and we've included the major ones below to help you decide if it's the right antivirus program for you.

Pros

1. Webroot Secure Anywhere includes the spyware removal feature which happens to be the best anti-spyware program in the industry

2. It has a quick scan which sweeps your PC in a few minutes and removes all threats.

3. It leverages cloud technology so its antivirus code will not take up much room on your PC.

4. Webroot has been awarded 48 VB100 certifications by Virus Bulletin and this is an outstanding achievement and shows how effective it is against virus threats.

5. Webroot provides you support via e-mail, phone and live chat support

6. It uses behavioural scanning to remove zero-day threats that are unknown and not in its database of signature threats.

Cons

1. Webroot does not provide a bootable rescue CD.

2. The test results shown in AV-Test are not very impressive, and this is why it has failed to make the top ten list of antivirus products on Top 10 Reviews

Summary

Overall, Webroot Secure Anywhere Antivirus is an average product and there are better programs you can find in the antivirus market. It has the ability though to block and remove viruses that are new and unknown. And its signature and behavioural scanning combine to provide protection from zero-day threats.

At Best Buy Antivirus, we want to ensure you have the best antivirus software. And we do this by providing antivirus reviews including the Webroot antivirus review which includes more information about these antivirus programs.

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Free Antivirus Software 2012 Editions: An Overview

The article intends to draw a comparison among free antivirus programs available for users who are concerned about both security and money. Every year, most of the antivirus software vendors roll out free editions along with commercial security suites. While these suites comprise a set of enhanced features and utilities intended to give maximum protection to computing and browsing needs, free versions are designed to do the needful for security needs of home users who need their computer only for limited use.

While the use may be limited or limitless, the need for a strong security solution lingers due to rise in the number of the security threats and ultimately the increased cost of maintaining computer security. The year 2012 is expected to see major changes in terms of free security solutions despite the fact that most of them have already made inroads in the last quarter of 2011. Thus, only major improvements along with a few new rollouts are expected in 2012. Below is the list of some of the famous free antivirus software editions as well as their features:

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 12.0.0.374 Final

Kaspersky has been a trusted security solution for years. If one goes by the rating and reviews given by anonymous users, then the program certainly tops the list of security solutions. Look below for more info:

Vital Stats:

License: freeware

OS Support: Windows 7/Vista/XP (SP2 or later)/2k

Browser Support: Microsoft IE 6 or later versions

Installation Type: CD or online download

Technical Support: knowledge base, online forum, free technical support

Pros: Powerful antivirus engine that detects and removes viruses in real-time, improved user interface, HTTP, NNTP, and IMAP traffic support, next-generation anti-malware technology that allows installation even on infected computers, TheBat! plug-in, Script Checker with browser GUI plug-in, Anti-Rootkit technology, and superior damage cleanup against spyware among others.

Cons: Routine updates slowdown PC and internet connection. Updating takes good amount of time.

Avira Free Antivirus 2012 12.0.0.872

If you are looking for a decent, free security solution, Avira Free Antivirus 2012 12.0.0.872 is here to do the needful. The program offers excellent protection from viruses, dialers, worms, rootkits, adware, and spyware etc. in addition to the internet and email security. Below are the details:

Vital Stats:

License: freeware

OS Support: Windows 7/Vista/XP (SP2 or later)/2k

Browser Support: Microsoft IE 6.0 or later

Installation Type: online download

Technical Support: email and chat

Pros: up to 5 times faster scanning, light on resources, user-friendly interface, On-Demand Scan for scanning all the infections, anti-rootkit technology for protection against hidden rootkits and malware, high-speed scanning and multi-threading functions, and On-Access Scan for incessant monitoring and scanning of file access attempts among others.

Cons: interface needs little improvement, large data files can slow down the scanning speed, not efficient against detection and removal of malware, and is more an affordable program than a security solution.

AVG Anti-Virus Free 2012 v12.0.1890

Ranked among the well-known security solution providers, AVG offers another free tool for personal computer users. AVG Anti-Virus Free 2012 v12.0.1890 has been designed to provide excellent protection against malware and phishing programs. See below for more details:

License: Freeware

OS Support: Windows 7/Vista/XP

Browser Support: Microsoft IE, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome

Installation Type: online download

Technical Support: online forum, knowledge base, and email

Pros: antivirus\anti-spyware protection, refurbished E-mail Scanner for maximum protection against email phishing, improved installation technologies, light on resources, multi-language program, Facebook access tool, and enhanced Safe Search technology to prevent browser crash or update.

Cons: complicated user interface, creates issues with third-party firewall programs like ZoneAlarm, slow down internet connection and browsing, overwrite previous settings post-download, upgrade and update issues, and Rootkit scan has to be launched separately from full system scan.

Norton AntiVirus 2012 19.1.1

Another popular name in the world of security solution vendors, Symantec has launched Norton AntiVirus 2012 19.1.1 for

License: freeware

OS Support: Windows 7/Vista/XP

Browser Support: IE 6.0 or later, Google Chrome 10.0 or later, and Mozilla Firefox 3.0 or later versions.

Installation Type: online download

Technical Support: online forum

Pros: handy, quick installation and configuration, SONAR2 Behavioral Protection technology that scans your computer for wary, online threats, Pulse Updates for updating your system every 5-15 minutes for enhanced protection from newly growing threats and infections without hampering your computer's speed and functionality, Norton Protection System tool for enhanced protection against viruses, spyware, and Trojans among other infections, and Bot protection technology among others.

Cons: complicated user interface (needs whole lot of improvement), can freeze computer, not so effective detection capability, and heavy on resources.

The Author of this article is associated with V tech-squad Inc, V tech-squad Inc. is a cloud based technical support provider to consumers and small businesses. if you have any problem while performing the above steps and need technical assistance for online virus removal, You can reach V tech-squad online technical support at their Toll Free No +1-877-452-9201.

About V tech-squad Inc.

V tech-squad Inc. is a cloud based online technical support provider to consumers and small businesses. V tech-squad provides support to users for issues with their PCs, Mac's, Tablets, Phones such as iPhone and Blackberry and devices such as MP3 players, Printers, Scanners, Fax, Wireless networking gear, Netflix, Roku boxes and TVs. With an obsessive focus on quality and building technical expertise, V tech-squad continues to maintain an issue resolution rate of more than 90%. V tech-squad's credibility has been tested by more than 10,000 customers. Currently V tech-squad provides support services to consumers and small businesses in United States. For more information on V tech-squad, Inc. visit vtechsquad.com.

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Which Antivirus Program Is Best?

After being in the IT profession for so many years, you would think that you have seen it all and that nothing else could surprise you. How untrue that is! Things in this field are changing so rapidly, something that may have been fact at one time is now null and void. At one time 16 bit processing in supercomputers was a huge achievement, but now we have many times that power in our cell phones. At one time Norton Antivirus was the best security solution on the market, but now that computer viruses are numbered in the millions, Norton just cant keep up. Yes, the truth is that times change, and so do the computers and programs that we use. So then, at this point in time, with all the different choices, which antivirus program is the best one to use? Lets find out.

Common logic would dictate that finding the best antivirus program would be a simple task. "Just find the one with the largest virus database" some may say. While the size of the virus database is important, it's a small part of the big picture as there are many things to take into consideration. But for the sake of simplicity, lets go over two of the most important things to consider. (1) How old is the computer that the antivirus program will be running on? (2) In what setting will the computer be used? Lets start with the first question.

Why is the age of the computer relevant?

The simple truth is that most older computers don't have near the power of newer computers. One program that runs just fine on a new machine may make an already slow older computer run snail speed. When a computer becomes this bogged down it actually makes the computer more vulnerable, because the antivirus program can't function efficiently (Not to mention how frustrating trying to use the computer would be). So the bottom line is that using an efficient light weight (non bloated) antivirus program on an older computer is important.

In what setting will the computer be used?

Computers are used in a variety of ways. Most of the time you have an average run of the mill home user, who does little more than get on the Internet and write up a document or two. But you also have more advanced settings, like a server running several terminals in a business. For home users a simple antivirus program may work fine, but for a business server you need more than virus protection. Other security features such as a firewall are important, because its usually businesses that get specifically targeted by hackers (many business servers store confidential client information that hackers want to steal).

So Which Antivirus Should I Use?

So now comes the part you have been waiting for, the antivirus programs I recommend. For older home computers, I recommend Panda Cloud Antivirus. For newer more robust computers or computers used in a business environment, I recommend Comodo Internet Security. Here are the reasons I recommend these antivirus programs, taking into acount their drawbacks.

Panda Cloud Antivirus: The Good

Panda Cloud is amazing for two reasons; its light weight (fast), and it just plane works. This program slows the computer down very little, because all of the heavy lifting is done on the cloud servers, and not your computer. And because the database is stored on the cloud servers, you don't have to wait for updates to download, you get them instantly. Granted you do have to download program updates, but its not a daily chore by any means. It may not have the best virus database out there, but regardless I have removed many viruses with this program that the "big wig" programs like Norton and McAfee didn't even see.

Panda Cloud Antivirus: The Bad

When you have a hard time thinking of something negative about a program, that is a good sign. But even though Panda Cloud is as fantastic as it is, it does have its downfalls. The program does keep a small cache file of the database on your computer, so it can function if you lose connection to the Internet. But the simple fact is that thousands of new viruses are written every day. Because of this, all it takes is one hour of being out of date for your computer to be at risk. So if you come across a nasty virus that disconnects you from the Internet, you may not be able to remove the virus without taking more advanced action. With all that said, I cant say enough good things about Panda Cloud. It has breathed new life into countless older machines that I have worked on, and needless to say my customers are eternally grateful!

Comodo Internet Security: The Good

When it comes to robust security software, Comodo is about as air tight as it gets. It has one of the best virus databases I have found so far, and it replaces your Windows Firewall (don't get me started on the worthlessness of the Windows Firewall) with its own firewall system, and this isn't just any old firewall. This baby checks every executable file that wants access to the Internet, and if its not recognized, it blocks the file until you allow it to continue. So if a virus tries to access the Internet, the rug gets yanked right out from under it, allowing you to remove the virus before it spreads further on your computer. Another really nice thing about Comodo is the "Sandbox" feature. If Comodo blocks an unrecognised program, you can send it to the sandbox so Comodo can further analyze it. This is what gives Comodo the edge, because analyzing unknown programs or files in the sandbox is how it can discover new viruses in a timely fashion. Another benefit to Comodo is its simplicity. Even though its a powerful program, the interface is very user friendly. It is also easy to add programs to your trusted list so Comodo wont block them in the future.

Comodo Internet Security: The Bad

Just like Panda Cloud, there are few bad things to say about Comodo. But no matter how good something is, it will always have its drawbacks. Because Comodo does such a thorough job of monitoring your system, it does use quite a bit of system resources, so it is out for older computers. The one thing that really jingles my nerves after a while is the constant "This program is unrecognized, allow it to continue?" pop up each time I run or install a new program. And because I'm in the IT field, I am constantly experimenting with new programs.

The Conclusion

Panda Cloud Antivirus and Comodo Internet Security are simply fantastic, and even though the have there drawbacks, they make programs like Norton and McAfee run with their tales tucked between their legs. The benefits of these programs outweigh the drawbacks ten to one, if not more. Just remember, times change, and maybe down the road from now I wont recommend these programs anymore. But for now, I wouldn't go with anything else.

Copyright © 2012, Tyler Adler. This article may be freely distributed provided that this attribution block remains intact. CompuTech Services LLC: Phoenix Arizona's Best Technology Services. http://www.CompuTechServicesLLC.com/.

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