I am reformatting my hard drive and trying to figure out which AV software to use. I have Norton Security 2006 but was unhappy how it slowed my computer. I have heard positives about AVG Free with regards to memory, but will it keep my computer safe. Any suggestions on which AV software to use? Thanks and happy holidays! Doug

Everyone has the one they like best, my vote is AVG...... Keep the old stuff running

Will AVG offer the same amount of prtection against viruses, worms, trojans, etc? Doug

IMHO Kaspersky is the best. NOD32 is also very good and is a low system resource user. F-Secure is another good program, but it does use a fair amount of system resources. The best free av and easiest to set things up automatically is Antivir. The best software firewall is Comodo. The best firewall security is to use a router and a free software firewall.

I couldn't agree more and as a long time KAV (Kaspersky) user, I can tell you this much; hardly anything gets past this unflinching troll. And as LinuxOS2 wrote "Everyone has the one they like best" just as you have Norton. However, if just having an AV program is all you need to prevent virii, there will be far fewer virus related threads on here. Unfortunately this hasn't been the case as almost all of the PC's that get infected daily have some sort of AV (free or paid) program installed, while having a reliable AV utility is very important too much emphasis is focused on that and so little on definition updates. You are only as protected as your updates. With that said having a firewall in-place (even for dialup users) is now very important be it hard or software (prefarable you want both), because not having one of these increases your risk of trojans or dialers entry, some that can even turn off valuable protection on PC's without your permission leaving your ass wide open. You also have to have programs in-place to deal with all those obnoxious scumware and be well aware what you put on your PC, a lot of folks think simply installing an AV, anti-trojan, and scumware tools makes them immune to anything and everything and could care less what they download, install or subsequently add to their machine - that is nothing but a false sense of security. Lastly most AV program will do the job OK!, scanning and detection preferences, compatibility issues and even mundane things like interface layout is usually what really makes some better appealling to some people and not to others. I have used Norton for AFBAICR and was OK with what it did for me until resources became a big priority to me and in between switching from NAV and finally settling for KAV, I would say I tried almost every other program out there (including NOD32) but KAV has all that I wanted, would that still be the case later down the road? Only time will tell, but so far so good. Whichever you finally settle for, make sure it suits your needs, ensure the definition files are constantly updated; because that for the most part is what keeps you safe and also scan the system on a regular basis. And for the PC users that get virii from patronizing the internet darkside for porn, warez & etcetera, KAV or any other AV isn't the solution as the problems lie in something else.

My recommendation to you would be to use one of the freebie AV's, Comodo Firewall and a few of the freebie Antispyware programs like AVG Antispyware and Superantispyware and use your money to purchase an up to date Backup/Recovery solution and or Virtualization software. The problem with AV'S is not their quality but their 'Method'. Always playing catchup to the 'Bad Guys'!.

If you don't want to pay, avg anti-virus is very good.Dubbed with windows defender or avg anti-spyware and if you want a firewall you should be fine.But i agree kaspersky is a good antivirus and has the highest detection rating.