Top Antivirus programs (and etcetera)

[Richard]

What is the best antivirus / internet protection for you then?

1. 'AVG' - an old favourite but lately it has let some nasty code through on my system.
2. 'AVAST' - it'seems fine and features a 'smart lady' (the computer equivalent of Delia Smith) voice popping up occasionally to give information, e.g. "Avast virus database has been updated", but this voice can be changed.
3. 'ESET NOD32' has not given me any problems.
4. 'SOPHOS' I am told is highly recommended.

All the trial or basic programs can be upgraded for a fee and probably have multi-user licensing arrangements.
I guess if they also stop spyware and adware that's fine too.

Dos anyone have any better ideas?

[Geoff]

Personally I use Avast free edition as an antivirus on all my devices, and have for some years. You can turn the voice off (thankfully) - first job after installation.

Swore by AVG many years ago but it did seem to slow the computer down. Might be less resource hungry now, and certainly computers are that much faster anyway.

Sophos as far as i'm aware don't offer a free plan, but it is trusted by many large companies so must be good.

Not tried NOD32 so can't comment.

Norton and McAfee are probably the two most popular paid-for anti-virus programs, but this is because they are usually bundled with new computers as a 30 day trial and many users don't realise they can get a similar level of protection for free.