Comparing Avira AntiVir Premium to Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011
If you're trying to decide among anti-virus software, you may be considering both Avira AntiVir Premium and Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011 - Windows. Based on input from thousands of users, we've learned that security, price, customer service and computer requirements are the most important considerations for choosing between anti-virus software. When we compared these two anti-virus software, we found that Avira AntiVir Premium scores better in price and computer requirements. On the other hand, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011 - Windows prevails for security and customer service. These anti-virus software are really quite different from one another, and which is best for you ultimately depends on who you are and what you value in anti-virus software.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus
Offers rock-solid security without sacrificing performance, making it one of the best antivirus software solutions available. Kaspersky Anti-Virus earns the TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award for providing excellent security in an antivirus application that is both professional and easy to use.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus is a comprehensive application, protecting your system from a number of threats, including bots, worms, Trojans, rootkits, spyware and viruses. The software includes advanced technologies that detect and prevent new threats.
Scope of Protection:
Kaspersky Anti-Virus protects computers from several angles, effectively detecting, preventing and removing all forms of malware. The antivirus software is equipped to protect systems from traditional viruses. It also has advanced technology to protect from unknown threats. Furthermore, there are a couple of tools and web-specific features that Kaspersky includes that are normally only found in more comprehensive internet security suites.
Effectiveness:
Kaspersky Labs responds quickly to new viruses and is often among the first to detect new viruses in the wild. One reason the software is so effective is that it updates itself regularly. The malware landscape changes, and Kaspersky adjusts to address the threats.
A System Watcher monitors and logs application activity and behavior. If something suspicious happens, the software stops the process and informs the user. But more than just uncovering stealth threats, System Watcher can roll back your system and actually delete any malware.
The software works in real time, protecting you as you surf the web, download files, send and receive emails, and access files and documents. Third party testers and security organizations approve and recommend the software. Kaspersky has received top marks in VB100 (Virus Bulletin 100%) tests and boasts certification from ICSA. AV Comparatives has awarded the software with an A+. West Coast Labs has verified the software for anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-Trojan and anti-malware. The German test lab, AV-Test, reports no false-negative detections and finds that Kaspersky has a 100-percent success rate at detecting new threats. When AV-Test installed Kaspersky on a pre-infected PC, it discovered and removed 23 out of 23 malware programs.
Ease of Installation:
The product includes three licenses. The software works on laptops and netbooks. Installation is quick and straightforward and doesn’t require a restart. If your computer is dead, you’ll need the Backup and Rescue Disk, which you can either purchase or create yourself (so remember to do it before your computer dies). This bootable recovery disk can rescue your computer by booting prior to the OS to detect and remove malware, so it is a great tool for emergencies. But what if your system is so infected that you can’t install antivirus software or even start the computer? If you aren’t able to download the software because of malware, you have the option to download a specialized tool to preemptively scan the PC and remove the threat to accommodate a clean install.
Ease of Use:
This antivirus software is simple to use. Beginners won’t be intimidated. Whether you’re an advanced user looking for intensive controls, or a laid-back user who simply needs protection without constant supervision, Kaspersky will work for you. The interface is effectively organized and user-friendly, and it features a color-coded graphic so you always know your security status.
One of the best parts of this security application is that you can set your preferences and let it protect you without constantly monitoring it. Scans and updates are set to occur automatically by default. And the software includes real-time security as you surf the web, download and open files, or communicate with email or IM. In the event of an infection or potential threat, the software immediately lets you know and provides quick access to identify and fix the problem so you can move on.
Features:
Even though the software is easy to use, it is also customizable. Users can control just about every component of the software to schedule scans, adjust security levels, toggle specific features and change the appearance of the software.
The Kaspersky URL Advisor protects your system while you're online. The browser plug-in is available for IE and Firefox, and it stops you from navigating to infected websites. You’ll also be protected from phishing scams.
The software utilizes iChecker and iSwift scanning technologies to keep you protected without hogging your resources. iChecker makes it possible for the software to identify files that have been opened or changed since the last scan and only scan them. iSwift keeps an eye on resource usage and can throttle the resource demand as needed to optimize performance to run faster if the system is idle (or slower if you need the PC resources for other programs).
There is a virtual keyboard and gamer mode. The virtual terminal lets you input sensitive information (credit card numbers, passwords or other personal information) by clicking on the digital “keyboard” with your mouse. While it’s no way to type an essay, the virtual keyboard does avoid attempts by key loggers and keystroke recognition malware to steal your information. The game mode makes it possible to enjoy full-screen video games (or movies) without interruptions.
One feature we’d like to highlight is the desktop security gadget. The sleek gadget docks on your desktop and provides better access and awareness of your system security at all times. The antivirus widget will change color if your security is at risk, and it includes quick links to the most important aspects of the software. You can even drag and drop files directly to the gadget for an immediate manual scan. The buttons and even the appearance of the gadget are customizable. And if you don’t like it, you can always disable it.
Updates:
Frequent updates are essential for effective antivirus and antispyware protection. Kaspersky Anti-Virus updates on a regular basis for continual security. Updates run in the background automatically and are frequent enough that they aren’t very big, so you shouldn’t notice any slowdown. The software can also help you identify and locate essential updates for your system and other applications. The vulnerability scan checks for outdated drivers and keeps you on top of crucial security updates. The tool also identifies settings that you might want to adjust for optimal security.
Help & Support:
Kaspersky offers great support. Technical support comes in the form of a searchable online knowledgebase, FAQs, product manuals and an active form. You can easily access these resources online or from the software itself. The software includes context-sensitive helps that open to comprehensive information that corresponds to where you are in the software. You can also connect with a support team member over the phone or via online live chat.
Summary:
Kaspersky Anti-Virus delivers superb protection and security. As one of the best antivirus software applications, it is robust and integrates innovative technologies to defend against even the newest threats. It’s a great option for protection and peace of mind. Independent test lab results confirm that it is effective against malware. The hybrid protection approach identifies threats based on information streaming to Kaspersky Lab's Security Network cloud from the installed base of more than 300 million users, plus it uses heuristic technologies to detect malware based on behavior.
Features: Core Protection
Advanced Protection
System Watcher proactively detects dangerous activity on your PC
Vulnerability Detection seeks out compromised programs and recommends patches
Identity Protection
Anti-Phishing protects your digital identity
Virtual Keyboard provides secure entry of online banking and shopping information
Performance
iChecker/iSwift provide intelligent scanning for maximum performance
Gamer Mode for an uninterrupted gaming experience
Additional Features
Free Technical Support (Phone, Live Chat, E-mail, Knowledge Base)
Works great with Netbooks
Rescue CD restores your system if maliciously attacked
System Requirements:
General Requirements:
About 480 MB free space on the hard drive (depending on anti-virus database size)
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or higher
Microsoft Windows Installer 2.0
Internet connection for product activation
CD/DVD drive for installation of the program from the CD
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition (Service Pack 2 or higher)
Microsoft Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 2 or higher)
Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
(Service Pack 2 or higher)
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic (32/64 Bit)
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (32/64 Bit)
Microsoft Windows Vista Business (32/64 Bit)
Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise (32/64 Bit)
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate (32/64 Bit)
Windows 7 Starter (32/64 Bit)
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic (32/64 Bit)
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (32/64 Bit)
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (32/64 Bit)
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate (32/64 Bit)
Hardware:
Processor 800 MHz or higher
512 MB available RAM
Processor 1 GHz 32-bit /64-bit or higher
1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
Hardware for Netbooks:
CPU: Intel Atom 1.33Mhz (Z520)
RAM: (1 GB) 1024MB (DDR2-533Mhz)
Hard Disk: 160GB (5400rpm)
Video Card: Intel GMA950 + 64 MB
Screen: 10.1’’
OS: MS WinXP Home Edition
Avira AntiVir Premium
It is one of the best antivirus software available. With over 20 years under their belt, Avira continues to gain new users worldwide. Their free antivirus software is very popular, and the extra protection from the paid solution is certainly worth it.
The new version 10 introduces ProActiv behavior scanning and automatic Generic Repair technology. There are a few features like a gamer mode and rollback functionality that we’d still like to see added, but overall Avira AntiVir Premium 10 is a good antivirus application.
Scope of Protection:
Avira’s antivirus software has you covered, protecting from malware and its various forms (dialers, spyware, rootkits, worms, adware, malicious scripts, etc.). The paid version includes advanced protection from a number of online threats, including phishing scams and drive-by downloads.
Avira AntiVir also has an integrated email scanner that checks for viruses and other malware in sent and received emails.
Effectiveness:
Avira has proven time and time again to be one of the leaders when it comes to thorough and effective antivirus scanning. Virus Bulletin not only approves Avira as completely capable of protecting your PC from 100 percent of in-the-wild viruses, but also found Avira AntiVir to be the most effective in their recent test.
AV Comparatives also found Avira AntiVir to be at the top of their class in recent tests, catching 99.3% of the malware they threw at the software (second only to the marginally higher 99.6% from G DATA). The software has also improved on their false positive score, and was only “tricked” with 11 false positives (files that Avira deemed malware that in reality were not).
Ease of Installation:
Setting up the software is also simple, and will have you up to date and running your first scans in no time. Version 10 features a new express installation method that will have you downloaded and installed with just five clicks.
Avira isn’t just one of the most effective antivirus software, they are also one of the most efficient. AV Comparatives’ test of scanning speed clocked Avira AntiVir Premium at the high scanning rate of 17MB/second. Avira is a fairly resource-conscious antivirus software, and shouldn’t result in any noticeable slowdown for most users (especially if you schedule the deep scans to run when your computer is not in use).
Ease of Use:
Avira’s antivirus software features a decent interface with pretty simple, easy-to-use controls. Setting up scheduled scans or customized scanning parameters is no problem. Avira is a good antivirus program for beginners and experienced users alike. Previous users won’t find much of a difference in the new interface, but it has been slightly updated. The software does include a one-click fix button anytime there is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Better than being easy to use, Avira doesn’t actually require you to regularly “use” the program, but basically runs itself, keeping your computer protected without you having to constantly update or monitor the software.
Features:
Avira AntiVir Premium is filled with great features that enhance security, performance, and convenience. One important feature is that the scanner works in real-time. Avira scans all files as they are accessed, in the split second before they are opened and have the chance to infect your PC. Another great feature is the ability to create a bootable rescue disk. This often overlooked feature gives you the ability to burn a disc that can be used in the event of an emergency. If your system crashes and won’t restart properly, simply run the bootable rescue disk, which preempts the OS and walks you through the process of cleaning the deeply rooted malware so you can get back up and running.
The software also incorporates advanced technology that protects from the constantly changing virus landscape. With the proactive AHeAD (Advanced Heuristic Analysis and Detection) technology, Avira dynamically analyzes files for particular characteristics or behavior that “give it away” as malware, and then neutralizes the threat before it has the chance to infect your computer. This proactive approach effectively stops viruses that traditional signature-based detection often misses.
The major new feature is the ProActive scanning and community network. AntiVir ProActiv is a behavior-based scanning technology that monitors your system’s behavior (as opposed to file behavior). Certain events may signify that your system is under attack, in which case the software can remedy the situation. The new community (also called ProActiv) takes advantage of the software’s strong user base to provide strength in numbers. If you choose to participate, anonymous data from your computer is collected by the company so they can provide better awareness and quick protection from new attacks.
Updates:
Avira knows that timely updates aren’t just essential for security, but also efficient and less invasive. The updates are small (don’t require a lot of resources) and regular (the default is every 2 hours, but it can be set to as often as every 15 minutes). Proxy users will have no problem updating, and the updates can even be specifically scheduled (just like virus scans).
Help & Support:
The online support for Avira is decent, but not great. The support center features an in-depth FAQs section and knowledgebase. You can also find additional support in the support forum. Unfortunately, Avira doesn’t offer help through email or online live chat, and there isn’t a U.S.-based phone number.
Summary:
Avira AntiVir Premium is one of the best in the business, and has several compelling features that make it a great choice for antivirus software. And while the software didn’t offer some convenient features (like a silent gamer mode) that others have, the effectiveness is second to none. We look forward to seeing Avira work on adding new features, but can certainly recommend their antivirus software.
Features
AntiVir stops all types of viruses
AntiAd/Spyware eliminates ad/spyware
AntiPhishing protectsyour data against phishing attacks
AntiRootkit against hidden malware
AntiDrive-by prevents against downloading viruses when surfing
MailGuard scans email traffic (POP3/ SMTP/ IMAP)
WebGuard protection against malicious websites
RescueSystem create a bootable rescue CD
QuickRemoval eliminate viruses at the push of a button
NetbookSupport for laptops with low resolution
AHeADTechnology detects even unknown viruses by profiles
AntiVirProActiv detects unknown viruses by behavior (only for MicrosoftWindows XP, Vista, Windows 7 32-Bit systems) NEW!
GenericRepair automatic repair of your PC NEW!
ExpressInstallation install Avira in just 5 clicks NEW!
AviraSupport there for you in person when questions arise
System Requirements
Operating System
Windows XP (32 or 64 Bit), SP2
Windows Vista (32 Bit or 64 Bit), SP1
Windows 7 (32 or 64 Bit)
Windows 2000, SP4 and Update Rollup 1
RAM
At least 256 MB RAM (Windows 2000/XP)
At least 1024 MB RAM (Windows Vista, Windows 7)
HDD
At least 150 MB (additional temporary and quarantine space needed)
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