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When it originally debuted, Panda Cloud Antivirus was notable as a free security solution for two reasons: Panda traded on its reputation as a solid security suite vendor making its first foray into the realm of freeware, and the program attained its goal of freeing up system resources by putting much of the program's heavy lifting in the cloud. Now we can add a third reason to the list: it's now known as an effective alternative to the security powerhouses.

When you open Cloud Antivirus, the main window lets you know whether you're safe or not with … Read more

Avira's AntiVir has been a player in the security world for some time; however, in 2008 its status boomed because of its remarkably strong detection rates. It still remains near the top of independent antivirus efficacy tests, but while the 2009 version more or less kept pace with the competition, the 2010 edition isn't quite as good as it could be.

Both longtime and new users alike will note the pop-up ad that appears whenever a program update is downloading; it has been the unaddressed focus of critical and user dislike for several years. While the occasional ad … Read more

Avast has recently partnered with Google Chrome and crossed the 100-million-user mark, but the new interface and revamped feature set in Avast 5 are far more intriguing and important. Gone is the old car-stereo design, replaced by a more user-friendly design. On the feature front, users can expect seven real-time shield components, a silent/gaming mode, and a multitude of protection data to explore.

Watch this First Look video to get a quick tour of what's new in the free antivirus powerhouse Avast 5.

Freeware antivirus Avast 5 debuts today with several new features, but longtime fans are most likely to notice that the old interface has gone to wherever interfaces go when they die. Along with the new interface, Avast Free, Avast Professional, and the new Avast Internet Security introduce an overhauled feature set that keeps the suite highly competitive. Arguably, the free version provides the most complete free antivirus on the market.

Before detailing the new features, the importance of this interface change can't be understated. Gone is the music player default look, which was skinnable but confusing. In its place … Read more

Freeware IObit Security 360 is a fast and welterweight utility for both detecting and removing malware, and determining any security holes in your system before they can been exploited. The interface has large icons with simple labels that won't confuse novices, and the tools menu offers some useful features that more advanced users are sure to appreciate.

The Overview tab is the main window and contains links for immediate Smart scans, definition file updates, a "security analysis," which evaluates potential exploits in your system and includes Windows security patches, and a status update window. This tells you … Read more

One of the fastest rising security stars is Avira's AntiVir antivirus and antimalware. Since earning high marks from AV-Comparitives in 2006, it's stayed at the top of the pack and consistently earned scores near or at the top of the charts for both on-demand comparisons and retrospective/proactive tests. The latest update includes an overhauled detection engine that runs faster, a zippier definition file updater, and a retooled interface.

I've been impressed with AntiVir since I found it last October, and the new version works even better. It completed a full system scan on my Windows Vista … Read more