ThreatFire AntiVirus Free Edition 4.7.0.53

ThreatFire offers real-time prevention of virus and malware infections by identifying suspicious behavior ("zero-day" events) as it happens, before malicious code installs itself on your PC. ThreatFire has made some dramatic and noticeable feature improvements since it was bought by PC Tools.

Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1.111

Under the clean and uncluttered interface, Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1.111 wraps up antivirus and antispyware engines, rootkit protection, and real-time detection courtesy of Microsoft SpyNet, the unfortunately named cloud-based service that anonymously compares file behavior across computers running various Microsoft operating systems.

SpyNet was introduced in Windows Vista and extended to Windows 7, but Microsoft Security Essentials is the only way to access the network in Windows XP. Unlike other security vendors that allow customers to take advantage of the benefits of their behavioral detection engines while opting out of submitting information, there's no way to do that with SpyNet.


Version 2.1.111

PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0

Free antivirus packages have evolved to the point where many of them protect your PC from threats as well as the premium tools. We looked at PC Tools AntiVirus Free, which offers good, basic protection from online threats,is regularly updated, and even includes some useful extras like phishing alerts, Web site ratings, and adware and malware protection.

PC Tools' installer essentially outlines the differences between the freeware and premium versions of its antivirus solution, such as zero-day threat updates, a firewall, ID theft protection, and anti-spam. One of the setup options allows automatic updates. We recommend keeping this box checked since your antivirus software can't be too current. During the setup process, PC Tools downloaded and installed updated antivirus definitions. The program's colorful interface is similar to other tools, but with its own sleek layout. PC Tools scanned our system and found a number of low-level threats like tracking cookies and adware. We could click to expand a tree view to see exactly what the program was targeting. Satisfied, we clicked Fix Checked, and PC Tools quickly cleared the house. Next we clicked the IntelliGuard tab, which offered nine Guards: Behavior, Browser, Cookie, Download, Email, File, Network, Rootkit, and Site. Each offered an explanation as well as View History and Manage Exclusions controls. The Settings tab also offered nine sections, everything from Global Action List to Scheduled Tasks and Quarantine. A Report Card tab brought up a quick-and-easy summary of our PC's security situation and PC Tools' recent activities. Of course, we could click a prominent Upgrade button any time we felt like trying the premium version.


Version 8.0

AhnLab V3 Internet Security

AhnLab V3 Internet Security protects against security threats such as virus, worm, trojan horse, and spyware with the integrated engine. Promises optimized operating system by clearing unused data and controlling execution application in the system. Prevents compromise of personal sensitive data and blocks malicious Web sites for secure online activities. Defend network by controlling network access of harmful users such as hackers.

V3 Secure Cloud now includes:

• Prevention of Autorun (New feature)

• ASD Engine / DNA Scan Engine (New feature)

• Supports IPv6 (Firewall, Network intrusion prevention)

• Advanced self-protection (Responses more effectively to vulnerabilities)

• Advanced performance of real-time scan of filter driver

• Additional option settings for Proxy ID/PW (Update settings)

Version 8.0