Antivirus software is very important for our computer protection. We chosed the best antivirus 2007 software based on its detection abilities, features and speed. Some of them are offering total system protection and others just antivirus capabilities.

1. Kaspersky Antivirus Personal

Kaspersky AntiVirus Personal offers excellent antivirus protection, has free and paid versions and does a very good job when is put to unpack and scan compressed files. It should be used together with a firewall.

The Russian antivirus scores high marks against its well-known competititors and protects your computer for spyware, too.

Kaspersky will not scan only e-mails, but also port 80 traffic, blocking malware before infection.
Kaspersky is a Russian antivirus company and despite your thoughts you will get quality technical support.

It was rewarded with CNET Editor's choice.

2. McAfee VirusScan Plus

McAfee VirusScan Plus is a  three-in-one security solution: antivirus, firewall and antispyware but continues to consume system resources.

Regarding antispyware protection, McAfee VirusScan Plus scored above average than other antispyware tested. The engine identified and blocked just five out of eight spyware samples attempted to be installed.

The technical support offered by McAfee could be better because it is not very intuitive to use.

3. BitDefender Antivirus

BitDefender Antivirus  is a good antivirus and antispyware solution.The bad is that it performed slower than the competition so it could be faster.

Unlike Norton AntiVirus, which runs only on Windows XP, BitDefender runs on Windows 98, Me, 2000, and XP. It includes a  firewall and an antispyware. The price is below the competition.

4. Norton Antivirus

Norton AntiVirus is faster than its previous versions and  includes a firewall and antispyware protection. For antispyware protection, Norton Antivirus is one of the best antispyware software avaialable.

What is missing is antiphishing technology. McAfee VirusScan Plus, for example, included this kind of protection. For similar protection from Norton, you'll have to buy Norton Internet Security.

5. NOD32

NOD32 is one of the fastest antivirus programs on the market and won a lot of awards for detecting and removing viruses. NOD32's interface looks very simple as design and it's not very easy to use by everybody.

It is a very flexible antivirus product for an advanced user but for a novice it can be difficult to understand. NOD32 doesn't include a firewall or antispyware protection. It is just one of the best antivirus engines in the world.

Kaspersky AntiVirus  offers the best value and performance from all antiviruses we tested and was claimed Editors' Choice winner for antivirus protection. It offers a solid antivirus protection and we recommend it because it is the best antivirus in 2007.

written by Cristian L.