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I did a lot of research on Anti-Virus software to try to determine which would be best for my most recent desktop computer - about a year ago now.

I saw some info showing that no single Anti-Virus program really gets "all" types of viruses.

Norton and McAfee are both O.K. at preventing viruses at best - neither is great.
*** The problem with both of them is how much they slow down and tax your computer and all of the adware they bring themselves. Norton in particular is CRAP at loading JUNK all over your system. I do NOT like NORTON and their JUNK all over my system.

Norton and McAfee are the two best selling virus protection software programs out there because they found a way to get in bed with the computer makers. They come pre-loaded on most popular retail systems and bring all of their advertisements to those systems to stick in your face. They are VERY hard to get off of your system once there. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> - Not unlike a VIRUS!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />



I have used Adaware in the past and have had "some" luck with that program. Spybot is another. Both can "find" a lot of junk and eliminate junk from your computer.

They are both Freeware.

**** But, neither "Prevent" junk from getting on your computer. Typically, you use Adaware and Spybot because you have a problem and often the damage can already be done. Sometimes it can be fixed. Often the problems are harder fix than Adaware and Spybot are capable of fixing. Neither can fix everything.

A really bad virus can cripple your computer before you can do anything with Adaware and/or Spybot even if either program is capable of fixing the problem or not.

From my research, I determined that no single Anti-Virus software is a perfect solution. But, some seemed better than others. I chose to go with ESET - NOD32.

You have to purchase NOD32 online. It doesn't clutter your system with a bunch of junk like Norton and it doesn't slow your system down as much as Norton, McAffee and others. While apparently not perfect, NOD32 does apparently have a better history of effectively protecting systems than most other software.

Do some searching for ESET NOD32 and you will see a lot of postive reviews.

Kaspersky is supposed to be pretty good as well and probably my second recommendation based on what I have read and research.

Protection is imperative these days.

I am also now using Windows Vista. Vista comes with built-in anti-virus protection and seems to help.

These little creeps out there creating these viruses need to be physically beaten and tortured. Too many people with no respect for other peoples property, time, money, etc. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />
There NEEDS to be equal or worse consequences to people who steal or cause such similar problems to others.

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this guy speaks truth. also, Bit Defender is a good AV.
although i do like spybot. in it's newer incarnation it's good at preventing some adware, but it's also kind of annoying. using that with a bunch of other programs as well as bit defender and zonealarm, i've had no problems.