This thread's purpose is to give a list of the best antivirus software you can find. This list is primarily based off of AV comparatives and other free, independent testing sites found across the internet.

When comparing antivirus programs, we want to look primarily at two percentages. The first is their detection rate for known viruses (ones that are identified in definition updates that the AV software downloads), and the second is their "heuristics," or the detection rate of previously unknown viruses (or ones that are not identified by definition updates yet). Secondarily, we also need to keep an eye on resource usage... an antivirus program may do a very thorough job, but if it renders the PC useless by a severe reduction in speed, whats the point of keeping it virus free?

Note: This is a comparison of antivirus programs for Windows-based machines, other operating systems may or may not be completely different.


GOOD ANTIVIRUS PROGRAMS
(in no particular order)

1. G DATA
2. Trustport
3. Kaspersky
4. ESET (NOD32)
5. F-Secure
6. Vipre
7. Bitdefender
8. Norton (2010 version or later)


MEDIOCRE ANTIVIRUS PROGRAMS
(in no particular order)

1. Microsoft Security Essentials
2. AVIRA
3. Panda
4. McAfee (2011 version or later)
5. Norton (2009 version)
6. Symantec


BAD ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE
(in no particular order)

1. AVG
2. Avast
3. Norton (2008 and older)
4. McAfee (2010 and older)
5. Sophos (the engine used in Webroot products)
6. Any antivirus program not listed here.


If you think there should be a program added to either list, drop me a private message and we will discuss it.