There are hundreds of viruses, worms, and other malware targeting Windows released every year. This Windows 7 AntiVirus Software list will help you pick an antivirus software to protect your PC.

Here are the Top 10 Windows 7 AntiVirus Software based on information gathered from forums and surveys and a review of each software -

AVAST Windows 7 Anti Virus
Considered one of the best anti-viruses in terms of over-all balance, Avast is compatible with Windows 7. It still has all the qualities most users would like in an anti virus software:

1. Easy to use.
2. Works in the background.
3. Doesn’t eat a lot of CPU resources.
4. Changeable skins so you can pick a look you like.

The Avast version for Windows 7 has anti-spyware protection.

The best part of all, this anti-virus is free.

There is one glitch - Automatic updates for Avast anti-virus for Windows 7 sometimes are not detected so you have to manually update virus definitions.

However, overall Avast is great. When it comes to scanning and protecting your PC from malwares and viruses this is the anti-virus to use.

AVG AntiVirus for Windows 7
AVG is one of the most used anti-virus software in the entire world. This is because -

1. It is easy to use and the user interface is easy to navigate.
2. You can also choose from a myriad of options on how your anti-virus behaves while running in the background.
3. The AVG free edition not only gives you anti-virus protection, but also it includes anti-spyware, email scanner and a resident shield.
4. The user is given the capability to change to speed of scanning, the faster the scanning, the greater CPU resource is needed.

One downside is that when using AVG in windows 7 you will get two anti-spyware programs running at the same time which is not advisable (due to the burden it places on the computer).

AVIRA AntiVirus Software
Another free anti-virus option, Avira is at par with AVAST and AVG.

1. It runs smoothly in the background.
2. Automatic update works.
3. It has a user-friendly interface.

But as of October 16th,  2009 AVIRA is not officially compatible with Windows 7. You may suffer some glitches when using this anti-virus with Windows 7 -

• For instance it is very hard to fully uninstall due to its update definitions.
• Also there is a slight hang-ups when scanning your PC.

Hopefully in a few months this anti-virus will fully work with Windows 7. Like any other anti-virus, it gives the user the ability to customize the behavior of the anti-virus software for scanning, and the level of protection. Avira also gives a detailed report of on all the scans and updates that take place.

4. Kaspersky AntiVirus
This anti-virus isn’t freeware, its about 60 dollars, but there is a 30 day free trial after downloading the client.

Kaspersky AV is a mixed box -

1. Even after all the updates Kaspersky AntiVirus still lacks some valuable features compared to the other anti-viruses.
2. The new version has removed it best feature, the Safe Run program sandbox, where you can use the anti-virus even in Safe Mode.
3. On the other hand it has added a better anti-virus engine, which runs at blazing speed compared to the free edition anti-viruses.
4. A new feature allow customers to send their PC’s scans for analysis for better protection. However, this costs an extra $20.

Would recommend using the trial and seeing whether you like it before committing to this anti-virus.

5. TrendMicro AntiVirus for Windows 7
Unlike most anti-virus software that scans incoming files and protects your files, Trend Micro is different. This nifty program has the ability to protect your files from being sent without authorization for the client. Also by subscribing manually, users are allowed to use the Smart Protection Network, which monitors any malware files that are being created and destroys them before they can spread.

Trend Micro (when a scan is going on) does not causes stoppages when playing games or watching videos. Trend Micro can scan and protect your PC without limiting what you can do.

6. Norton AntiVirus from Symantec
Ever since Symantec released Norton, it has become a household name. Unfortunately, that has led to it being a big target.

Most malware creators target Norton out of all anti-viruses and and their success rate is above the norm. Don’t get me wrong - Norton is a good anti-virus. Unfortunately it doesn’t even come close to AVG or Avast. None of the updates are groundbreaking and new features and utilities added are usually unnecessary.

All hope rests in the New Norton Anti-virus 2009 -

1. It has a sleek user-interface design.
2. Uses less PC resources as compared to earlier versions.
3. Has 24/7 virus definition updates.
4. An array of security tools.
5. Most of all it has free technical support for users.

To be able to use all these, you have to pay an annual subscription fee.I’m not sure if consumers would pay for something that AVAST or AVIRA offer for free. Norton gets around this by paying PC manufacturers to bundle its antivirus software with Windows 7 in new PCs.

7. BitDefender
Another pay-to-protect antivirus, Bit Defender is not as good as its name sounds.

Sure, it defends like any other anti-virus, but it makes little sense to pay 50 dollars a year for something you can actually get for free.

1. Most users complain that it puts your computer speed into a screeching halt if you want to scan and do something else.
2. Also uninstalling through conventional means is a headache. You’d need another software to uninstall it or have a lot of patience.
3. Also, customer support doesn’t function very well. Having to wait for more than 5 minutes before getting an automated response is just bad.

8. F-Security
Finally, an anti-virus that has an online tutorial. Maybe thats the only thing that separates F-security from the rest. However, an online tutorial is probably necessary with the rest of the problems encountered in this software.

1. From the installation process, there is a slight slowdown in CPU processor speed. However a reboot takes care of that problem.
2. F-security has a myriad of security tools, however what is lacking is the “SCAN NOW” option, which is actually hidden in along with the disky utility feature.
3. Also its firewall has trouble recognizing programs like Google and Skype toolbars and it has to be flagged first before being able to be used.

Also, like any other anti-viruses, pop-ups are supposed to be discreet and at least simple. F-security’s pop-ups are not. They are usually found in the center of the screen, old-school style. And above all, F-security is expensive by 20 to 30 dollars. Users should think twice before picking F-Security.

9. Bullguard
Not as famous as its counterparts, Bullguard is what people would call normal. Nothing would entice consumers into buying this software. No new security tool, no new interface-user design, no online support.

It does have Full-email protection, and supports KAZAA, ICQ and MSN messenger.

Bullguard doesn’t really pop out from the rest of the pack. The hardest pill to swallow is the annual subscription, which is 69 dollars. The free trial does last 60 days. Bullguard is commonly used for email spam filters (commonly used in offices and firms).

10. McAfee
Mcafee is in tight competition with Norton, so every software update is supposed to top the former’s update. As of the moment, both are on equal terms.

1. McAfee’s wide range of security tools would give viruses a fit.
2. It’s also great that Mcafee has combined all those security tools into a single  user interface. The user can now not only change the behavior of the software but also enable or disable any security tool Mcafee has installed.
3. A new tool was added in the new update. Mcafee’s Active Protection or Artemis detects threats that are only a few minutes old.
4. Virus definition updates are instantaneous and up-to-date.

Customer Support is limited compared to Norton or Trend Micro. There is a ‘first 30 days’ free customer support provision. After which the user has to pay nine dollars a month. Other than customer support, Mcafee gives you more than adequate virus protection for your Windows 7 system.

Do leave your thoughts on what Windows 7 AntiVirus worked well for you.

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