AntiVirus Software???

[balootex]

Howdy,
It seem every year when the new anti virus software comes out the one I currently have is always among the lowest rated, so I try to update when my subscription runs out. I don't want to continue to pay for something that is substandard....

I'm updating my system again and need your suggestions on the latest & greatest in Anti-Virus software. I'm looking for something simple to use, inexpensive (free is even better) but fully functional...it has to work!

I'm running XP Home with The Shield Firewall (which has caused problems with other anti-virus softwares in the past).

So, what are you favorite picks and why?
Thanks,
Balootex

[HAN]

IMO, you're running in a race that you can never win. My advice is to pick something you are happy with that runs well on your PC. And don't get bogged down with AV tests/ratings. Depending on who does the tests and how they go about them, results could change every single time...

[SpywareDr]

Two free alternatives:

• Avira's AntiVir Personal (Free)
  http://www.free-av.com/en/download/1...antivirus.html
  
  
• Alwil's avast! antivirus Home Edition (Free)
  http://avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

AV-test.org issues latest figures
http://www.virusbtn.com/news/2008/03_13a.xml

AV-Comparatives.org February 2008
http://www.av-comparatives.org/seite...se_2008_02.php

[TrueGreen]

It's not free, but I would suggest Kaspersky Internet Suite (KIS). A new version, KIS 2009 will be released soon and I would wait for that. I installed it prematurely and basically it's the best program I ever had. It is extremely user friendly. In the U.S. the cost is for 1-3 computers. If you do decide to switch (I believe there is a discount for switching), you need to make sure that all other antimalware programs are COMPLETELY removed from your system. I would also suggest that you visit their user forum which gives you info on installation and stresses complete removal of other program. On the forum you will see posts mainly presenting problems, but that is what you'll find on this type of forum for any program. I would say from my experience (moderate) that most of the problems discussed are not Kaspersky problems. I should also say, before I forget, that KIS is the only anti-malware program on my computer and I've never had a problem with it. There is a 30 day trial of the full version. Link to Kaspersky User Forum
http://forum.kaspersky.com/index.php?showforum=3
I should also add that a subscription is for updates and also for new versions which is a great advantage. As the technology improves your subscription entitles you to the improved versions. Unless things have changed, with other programs your subscription only entitles you to updates. You need to buy a whole new version

[fink]

I like Avast as a freeware antivirus. Reliable, updates often and doesn't have a huge impact on running the PC.. also has proactive browsing and email scanning on board.

If you want to pay then Eset NOD32 and Kaspersky are my two fav's but I have no problem using any of these three (currently use NOD32)

[balootex]

Good input! You've definitely narrowed the field for me.
Thanks,
Balootex