Top Antivirus Performers

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Kaspersky's first-rate but pricey program offers a smooth, easy-to-use design and excellent protection against malware.

Erik Larkin, PC World
Bottom Line: This competitively priced option provides good proactive protection, average overall malware detection, and a poor disinfection rate.
PC World Rating: 79 (Good)
  1. Download price when reviewed: $30 ($30 renewal)
  2. Malware detection rate: 90%
  3. Proactive detection: 56%
  4. System slowdown: 4%
  5. Ease of use: Very Good
  6. False-positive detections: 3
  7. Last Rated: April 23, 2007
Bottom Line: NOD32 has the best proactive protection by far, but its overall malware detection is second-tier, and it has an overly technical interface.
PC World Rating: 84 (Very Good)
  1. Download price when reviewed: $39 ($27 renewal)
  2. Malware detection rate: 90%
  3. Proactive detection: 79%
  4. System slowdown: 5%
  5. Ease of use: Very Good
  6. False-positive detections: 6
  7. Vendor's Web Site
  8. Last Rated: April 23, 2007
Bottom Line: BitDefender has excellent malware detection and a good price, but it's hamstrung by a noticeable (though not show-stopping) system slowdown.
PC World Rating: 84 (Very Good)
  1. Download price when reviewed: $30 ($22 renewal)
  2. Malware detection rate: 96%
  3. Proactive detection: 61%
  4. System slowdown: 124%
  5. Ease of use: Superior
  6. False-positive detections: 14
  7. Last Rated: April 23, 2007
Bottom Line: Symantec's solid program wins top marks for antivirus detection and cleanup, but its renewal and support costs are high.
PC World Rating: 84 (Very Good)
  1. Download price when reviewed: $40 ($39 renewal)
  2. Malware detection rate: 96%
  3. Proactive detection: 49%
  4. System slowdown: 10%
  5. Ease of use: Superior
  6. False-positive detections: 3
  7. Last Rated: April 23, 2007
Bottom Line: This effective but expensive program has solid malware detection and the fastest outbreak-response time among currently tested competitors.
PC World Rating: 85 (Very Good)
  1. Download price when reviewed: $50 ($35 renewal)
  2. Malware detection rate: 96%
  3. Proactive detection: 51%
  4. System slowdown: 10%
  5. Ease of use: Superior
  6. False-positive detections: 6
  7. Last Rated: April 23, 2007

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