Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2006
(*est. $40, CD or download)
>> Where to buy Reviewers say PC-cillin is the best overall antivirus software. It's just as effective and easy-to-use as the market leading antivirus titles, Norton AntiVirus and McAfee VirusScan, Like the competition, PC-cillin scans your e-mail and computer for viruses, worms, Trojan horses and other malicious code, but according to reviews, PC-cillin is the better value, with an included firewall (to protect your Internet connection) along with anti-spyware and anti-spam tools. New for 2005 are anti-phishing tools, Wi-Fi intrusion alerts, and vulnerability assessments. You also get a year of free telephone tech support. Norton and McAfee charge between $30 and $40 per incident if you need help via phone.
• Grisoft AVG Free Edition
(free download,
www.free.grisoft.com)
>> Where to buy According to reviews, free downloaded antivirus software is now sophisticated enough to keep your computer safe, albeit without the extra features and customization options on pricier software. Grisoft AVG Free Edition includes removal of infected embedded files and e-mail scanning along with scheduled system scanning and automatic updates. AVG is bare bones compared to PC-cillin, without spyware and anti-spam filters or an included firewall. Still, reviews say AVG does the basics well, scanning your computer and e-mail for viruses and worms.
• Symantec Norton Antivirus 2006
(*est. $50)
>> Where to buy Historically the top-selling antivirus software, reviews say Norton AV performs at the top of its class, equal to PC-cillin and McAfee VirusScan. Reviews especially praise its ease-of-use and helpful control screen. You get top-notch protection from viruses and worms, although you don't get a full-featured firewall or antispam tools; all these features are included with PC-cillin above. A blotch to Norton's record is a high number of user complaints about installation problems, compatibility issues and system drag. But if you are already using Norton successfully, reviews say there's little reason to switch to PC-cillin.