Expert: Brian Benosky - 5/6/2009

Question
Hi Brian, you are my IT-Tech Hero, but what is up with promoting Avast over Avira? Avast comes in second to Avira for malware detection on every independent AV-study I have read. Avast even slows some machine down, but Avira does not. Have you checked out Avira9?

Answer
Hi Mike

Thanks for the kind words.  I have not tried the new version of Avira as yet, but have used AntiVir on several computers I have owned in the past.  My main gripe with Avira has always been the interface.  While you or I may find the GUI to be simple enough to figure out, in my experience the average Joe can't be bothered by changing settings and even updating the program.  Once installed, you never have to touch Avast.  Updates are downloaded and installed automatically, and the resident scanners cover everything like emails, p2p, network activity, etc.  Basically it's an internet security suite with one program.  
On your advice, I read up on the new AntiVir.  The new GUI looks better.  It's got full anti-spyware/adware protection.  Automatic quarantine of threats is a good feature, as is it's enhanced protection of itself from becoming infected or disabled.  I can't say without using the program whether it's faster scanning, but I take your word that it's system resources use has improved.  I don't like that email scans have been left out.  And the advertising downloaded with every update can get annoying fast.  But overall, it looks improved over previous versions, and I will download it onto one of my machines to give it a good test run.  Thanks for bringing it to my attention, Mike.  Much appreciated!

Brian