Which antivirus software is best for Windows 7. The best free antivirus

Computers have long been closely integrated into almost all areas of human activity, including work and leisure. And the Internet has turned from a simple source of information into a place where you can not only while away time communicating with friends and relatives, but also make various purchases from T-shirts to cars, order food delivered to your home, pay utility bills, download entertainment and games content and so on ad infinitum. In one word, it’s impossible to list everything.

The Windows 7 operating system certainly has a good basic level protection, which allows you to repel virus attacks much better than its predecessors, however, you must understand that the developers of malicious software and all kinds of spyware They also do not sleep, constantly improving their own products. Now, in order to “catch” a virus, it is not at all necessary to download infected files or follow incomprehensible advertising links, you just need to click on the “Play” button in the window of your usual media player and now you are already the “happy” owner of a set of Trojans, worms and other things AdWare. Therefore, simple vigilance and Windows’ own resources, unfortunately, are no longer enough, so you just need to secure your computer by installing one of the antivirus programs.

General information about antiviruses

Antivirus is a program whose direct purpose is to detect viruses and malware and then eliminate it or move it to quarantine, where it will no longer pose a threat to your computer.

1. Your computer configuration must match at least minimum requirements antivirus program.
2. Antivirus differs from most other utilities and programs in that it requires regular database updates. Since dozens of new viruses appear every day, when choosing protection for your PC, you need to make sure that developers are constantly working to identify malicious code and that the antivirus is fully supported.
3. Low resource consumption of the antivirus program is also an important criterion, since otherwise you risk significantly reducing the speed and performance of your computer.

Free antiviruses

Of course, paid versions of antivirus programs have a greater degree of protection and have a very wide range of capabilities, but there are also decent free antiviruses that can keep your computer secure at a high level. In any case, even if you intend to purchase a paid product, you should first install the demo version and use it absolutely free for 30 days, after which you should install one of the free products. And then, based on personal experience, decide which one is better.

MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials)

This antivirus was developed by Microsoft specifically for Windows 7 and is tailored to the needs of not only ordinary users, but also businessmen, which means there is no doubt about its reliability. MSE is easy to install and extremely easy to use, however, the improved program engine allows you to monitor and eliminate complex threats without overloading the system and RAM computer. The databases are automatically updated every 24 hours, and in general the support is organized simply at its best, thanks to which MSE has been repeatedly awarded with various awards and international quality certificates. It is rightfully considered one of the best antivirus products for Windows 7.

Advantages: friendly, intuitive interface, good algorithm for detecting and neutralizing threats, minimal system load.

Disadvantages: scanning is quite slow, and the program does not have many of the features present in paid antivirus programs.

Conclusion: the option is good, but there are better ones.

Avira Free Antivirus

If you have not yet finally decided which reliable antivirus for the operating room Windows systems 7 is necessary for your PC, then you can pay attention to this product, which has outstanding capabilities in identifying and combating malicious software. This antivirus program was recently awarded the title of the best in the world thanks to its “smart” scanner, which demonstrated the best results among all other competitors. Avira combines perfectly with Windows 7 and does not slow down the system thanks to successful optimization and low resource consumption.

In order to install the program on your PC, you need to download it from the website avira.com and install it on hard drive, after which you need to manually configure the database update frequency and other parameters.

Advantages: excellent system for detecting malicious code and viruses, excellent optimization and lightning-fast scanning process.

Flaws:

• In order to use secure web surfing in the free version of the program, you will have to install the annoying ask.com search bar in your browser.
• There is no email protection in the free version, so for those who are concerned about the security of personal correspondence, this option is clearly not the most suitable.
• Also in the free version Avira Free Antivirus contains a large number of advertisements that will “delight” you several times a week while updating the databases.

AVG Antivirus

This antivirus is great for Windows 7 and is quite capable of protecting your computer from many serious threats. AVG is absolutely not demanding on resources, which means it does not slow down the PC. A few years ago, this product was incredibly popular, but at a certain point it could not compete with competitors and the number of its fans decreased significantly. However, it still holds the status of “the most downloaded antivirus in the history of the Internet.” Unlike the free version of Avira, AVG Antivirus allows you to protect your email, and also successfully combines the functions of anti-spyware, anti-rootkit and provides a basic level of protection while surfing the web without the need to install additional extensions and annoying search panels. The program interface looks a little outdated, and the abundance of advertising is tiring, but otherwise AVG Antivirus, if not the best antivirus, is a completely worthy and competitive example of software that guards your computer.

Advantages: excellent protection even from serious threats, many additional functions, such as the ability to clean the registry, fragmentation, etc., as well as good optimization and minimal processor load.

Disadvantages: unfriendly, slightly outdated interface, long scanning time and a large amount of intrusive advertising content.

Avast Free Antivirus

Avast can protect your computer from most viruses, worms and spyware available today. Avast uses a special type of “intelligent” analysis that helps protect Windows from the effects of rootkits and other malware. The program is also capable of isolating suspicious applications in a sandbox and protecting email.

Important to know: after Avast installations Free Antivirus he will work for one month, after which he will ask you to go through the registration procedure. After filling out all the necessary information, you will receive a key to the specified email address, and by activating it you will have the right to use the program for free for a year.

Advantages: enormous functionality compared to competitors, high level of protection thanks to “intelligent analysis” algorithms, low processor load. One of the best antivirus programs today.

Disadvantages: constant pop-ups.

Paid antiviruses

Kaspersky Anti-Virus

This antivirus is a leader in its field; many users are convinced that it is difficult to find anything better for Windows 7. No matter how popular Kaspersky’s competitors are, it will not be easy for them to compete with this “leading edge of computer security.” Based on the results of all the tests conducted, it is this antivirus that best copes with ensuring computer security, and in particular with Windows protection 7 from viruses, worms and other malware. Whatever the virus, Kaspersky Lab employees quickly find a solution to it.

Advantages: the highest level of protection, instant blocking of any threat and very fast scanning. Perhaps this is the best antivirus today, and if you are looking for an answer to the question “which developer’s antivirus is best to choose for Windows 7?”, then you can safely choose this option.

Disadvantages: this program is very demanding on resources and can negatively affect the operation of the Windows 7 operating system; for a complete scan, you need to close most applications and utilities, and even purchase licensed version it won't be cheap.

Other paid antiviruses

If free software does not inspire confidence in you, and Kaspersky is not suitable for whatever reason, there are at least several alternative options, for example ESET NOD 32 or Doctor Web, but in terms of protection they are inferior to Kaspersky, and their cost is not much lower.

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Antivirus is a utility for detecting malicious objects that penetrate a computer system via the Internet and removable storage media. During the period of excessive activity of hacker attacks and the constant emergence of new viruses and spyware, antivirus program developers are improving and optimizing their products for device security and secure web surfing in Internet. Competition in the antivirus market is high.

Some utilities create protection for the entire system and automatically recognize and quarantine viruses, others protect individual PC components, ensure safe browsing on the Internet, and some conduct a one-time scan to identify “pests” and are portable. In the article we will look at the most popular and worthy antivirus utilities with various functionality and computer protection.

Programs	Russian language	License	Always-on protection	Rating	Online updates	Wi-Fi protection
	Yes	Free	Yes	10	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Trial	Yes	9	Yes	No
	Yes	Free	Yes	10	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Free	Yes	6	Yes	No
	Yes	Free	Yes	8	Yes	No
	Yes	Free	Yes	8	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Free	Yes	8	Yes	No
	Yes	Free	No	5	Yes	No
	Yes	Free	Yes	7	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Free	Yes	8	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Free	Yes	6	Yes	No
	Yes	Free	No	5	Yes	No
	Yes	Free	Yes	8	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Free	Yes	7	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Free	Yes	8	Yes	No
	No	Free	Yes	7	No	No

A popular antivirus with more than 230 million fans. Works on Linux, Windows, Mac OS, for PDAs Android platform, Windows CE, Palm. Program tools protect Wi-Fi network V mobile devices with password saving and confidentiality. Four types of scans quickly detect and respond to embedded malicious junk. Protective screens carry out comprehensive checks of unknown sites, opened files, P2P connections and received messages.

A popular program that scans not only the computer system, but also removable media connected to the PC. The utility shows statistics on spam and malicious infiltration, monitors the file system, has a “parental control” mode, blocks dangerous websites and checks email.

A utility from the well-known company Kaspersky Lab with basic tools for reliable computer protection. Blocks unknown sites, applications and malicious scripts. Has fast, full, custom and scan external devices. Can work together with Kaspersky Security Network. It does not protect personal data, so an antivirus will not be enough for financial and confidential work.

A program that scans the system in a few minutes, providing a detailed report on the threats found and their location. It is possible to schedule the next inspection indicating the day of the week and start time. Parental controls block inappropriate content.

A competitive antivirus that provides consistent and adequate protection for your computer without putting a strain on the system. The program modules detect and eliminate advertising trolls, rootkits and spyware, provide email protection and identify dangerous links. Theft of personal information is kept to a minimum.

A powerful utility that provides real-time computer protection. It has customizable options for network security, checks downloaded files and scans the Facebook wall before downloading unknown links from it. The antivirus scans letters and can be protected with a password.

A high-quality anti-virus utility with a large protective base against more than 200,000 types of viruses. The program module tracks movement suspicious files, an innovative scanning method protects against previously unknown macro viruses, and later versions of the antivirus block advertising spam and spyware.

An anti-virus scanner for scanning objects that enter your computer from removable storage media. Automatically checks flash drives, tablets, multimedia players, SD cards, smartphones and digital cameras for threats, and if detected, offers to quarantine or remove viruses. It has forced verification and guarantees the protection of confidential data from interception. TO additional features This includes scanning potentially dangerous URLs, deleting dangerous and temporary files, and restoring damaged objects.

A powerful utility that protects the system even in minimized mode. Has full, selective, quick and rating checks. It is possible to schedule scanning and set the depth of file scanning. Scan removable media, protect email, and keep versions up to date to keep your device protected.

Powerful free antivirus with five optimized engines and protection against various types of viruses. The program protects web surfing, checks Wi-Fi and removes programs without a trace. In offline mode, two engines are turned on and the antivirus continues to work. It is also possible to check software, restore the system after attacks and failures, analyze media and protect the webcam. The anti-virus product analyzes the operation of suspicious files and has an anti-virus sandbox.

An anti-virus program with a unique heuristic mechanism that detects unknown threats and activates the utility even if it is blocked. Blocks malicious sites, anti-rootkits and spyware attacks. Does not conflict with other programs and antiviruses and constantly updates the database.

A program that detects advertising applications, malicious plugins and unwanted software on websites. Detects objects that have entered the system during the installation of some programs, blocks unwanted toolbars and “pests” that change home page in the browser. Does not require installation on a computer and can be used portablely from removable media.

The independent laboratory AV-Test tested 23 antivirus programs for home users - free antiviruses, paid antivirus programs and comprehensive solutions Internet Security. Used for testing operating system Windows 7 (SP1, 64 bit). Antivirus settings were set to default.

Tested antiviruses

The latest publicly available versions of antiviruses are selected for testing. Antivirus programs are allowed to update at any time and make queries using cloud services. The AV-Test laboratory focuses on the realism of the testing scenario and tests solutions against real threats. Antivirus programs had to demonstrate their capabilities using all of their components and levels of protection.

• AhnLab V3 Internet Security 9.0
• Avast Free AntiVirus 2016
• AVG Internet Security 2016
• Avira Antivirus Pro 2016
• BullGuard Internet Security 16.0
• Check Point ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 14.2 & 14.3
• Comodo Internet Security Premium 8.4
• Emsisoft Anti-Malware 11.9 & 11.10
• ESET Smart Security 9.0
• F-Secure Safe 2016
• G Data Internet Security 2016
• K7 Computing Total Security 15.1
• Kaspersky Lab Internet Security 2017
• McAfee Internet Security 2016
• Microsoft Security Essentials 4.9
• MicroWorld eScan Internet Security Suite 14.0
• Norton Security 2016
• Panda Security Free Antivirus 16.1
• Qihoo 360 AntiVirus 5.0
• Quick Heal Total Security 17.0
• ThreatTrack VIPRE Internet Security 2016

Test results. August 2016

The best antiviruses for Windows 7

The best antiviruses in the AV-Test test series receive the "TOP PRODUCT" award:

Kaspersky Internet Security (2017)

The new version of the comprehensive antivirus from Kaspersky Lab showed maximum results: a 100% detection rate for all types of threats. Performance - 6.0 points, usability - 6.0 points (no false positives).

Bitdefender Internet Security 2016

Bitdefender Internet Security scored 6 for protection, delivering a 100% detection rate for both known and emerging threats in July and August. The complex antivirus also received 6 points for performance and usability, allowing only 3 false positives during the entire testing period.

Trend Micro Internet Security 2016

Trend Micro scored 98.8% for zero-day threats in July, followed by a 100% detection rate for all threat types, and received a 6 for protection. Performance - 6.0 points, usability - 6.0 with two false positives.

How AV-TEST tests

One of the most important assessment categories used by the independent laboratory AV-TEST when testing antiviruses is Protection. The method includes tests that use all the protective components and capabilities of the antivirus.

This testing used samples of the latest zero-day threats (163) - malicious attacks, including web and email threats, and samples of widespread malware(16,735) detected within 4 weeks prior to testing.

AV-TEST uses the Performance parameter to evaluate the impact of antivirus solutions on system performance when performing basic everyday tasks on a computer.

The AV-TEST laboratory uses the Usability criterion to evaluate the usability of an antivirus solution, which is testing for false positives.

Today, accessing the Internet without “armor”, that is, without a high-quality antivirus, is fraught with many troubles in the form of an accidentally or even not accidentally caught “Trojan”, adware or other “sinister”. And, of course, in this regard, many are interested in the question: which antivirus is best for Windows 7?

Antiviruses, as you know, are paid and free. This does not mean at all that free versions antivirus programs are decidedly worse than their paid “colleagues”. And many users have been working with free antiviruses for years without intending to purchase paid licenses. Moreover, choosing free antiviruses for Windows 7 in Russian can be really difficult: the choice is so rich today...

Well, it makes sense to take a closer look at some of them.

Recently, the famous Kaspersky Lab presented the world with its free antivirus. Yes, yes, it is completely free and does not require any codes or purchase of a paid version. What will the brainchild of the world-famous laboratory of Evgeniy Kaspersky be able to do? Here's what:

Thus, one can clearly trace the Internet orientation of this antivirus. For those users who do not work in a particularly dangerous environment, the free new Kaspersky may be the best choice.

Avast

Avast has certainly become almost a legend in the world of free antivirus programs. If in previous times its quality still left much to be desired, today it will be able to provide truly high-quality protection against viruses and other threats, and in real time.

Avast features include:

It is also worth noting that Avast is fully adapted to work in the Windows 7 environment.

AVG AntiVirus Free Edition

In principle, AVG AntiVirus Free Edition can do everything exactly the same as its previous brother. However, there are also additional features, which will make working with the computer easier. For example, optimization tools system registry And hard drive. The built-in Identity Protection module will help keep the user’s personal data safe and sound: addresses and numbers bank cards, passwords and similar information.

Microsoft Security Essentials

The Microsoft Security Essentials tool is a native system. It was for this operating system that the product was developed. Overall, this antivirus is not bad. It has a concise and intuitive interface, as well as a visual indication system: red - if there is any threat in the system, green - if there is no threat at the moment.

However, the developers do not hide the fact that what we have before us is by no means a 100% solution to all problems. Moreover, it is not only not forbidden, but also recommended to install this product next to other antivirus programs.

Avira Free Antivirus

Another very good free antivirus product that can be used as “armor” on the Internet. Provides real-time protection against many types of threats. The special module available here is capable of scanning the code of a suspicious program “on the fly”. So, using Avira Free Antivirus, you can be sure that not a single suspicious activity of any program will escape its attention.

There are many fine settings, so users can customize Avira’s work “for themselves” as flexibly as possible. But even with default settings, Avira will show its best side.

Panda Cloud Antivirus

Once quite famous, today Panda seems to have lost some ground. However, this is still a wonderful antivirus product that can successfully cope with its responsibilities:

At the same time, in Panda Cloud Antivirus is implemented very original approach: If it is installed, not the entire program starts working on the computer. Part of it is downloaded from the central project server. So it saves system resources.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is quite good for lazy users. After all, it works on the “set it and forget it” principle. Bitdefender requires virtually no attention to itself. However, it can provide a decent level of real-time protection. Anti-phishing tools are also available.

It is possible that for some, the lack of Russian language in the interface and few opportunities for fine tuning will become an obstacle. However, everyone else can certainly pay attention to this antivirus.

Of course, which antivirus to use is a personal matter for each user. Antivirus is something like a religion: you can either believe in it or not. No one will give a 100% guarantee anyway. And if the antivirus is silent, this, of course, does not mean that the computer is clean. However, it is possible that this article will help you find the best antivirus for Windows 7 just for you.

Antivirus reviews and tests

It is unlikely that your computer will be infected with a virus, but at the same time there is a risk of infection by other types of malware and online threats. Ransomware Trojans encrypt important files and wait until the ransom is paid before unlocking access to them. Banking Trojans interfere with online transactions and try to steal funds. Infection with a botnet will make your computer a link in the chain of devices used to organize DDoS attacks. For these and many other reasons, you should protect your computer with an antivirus. No need to worry about the price. The best free antivirus programs are more effective than some commercial solutions. The Internet portal PCMag conducted a comprehensive review of more than a dozen free antiviruses and recommends the best products for choosing.

Many of the antiviruses presented are free for non-commercial use only. If you want to protect computers in your organization, you will have to purchase a paid version. In this case, it is worth considering switching to a full-fledged comprehensive antivirus. After all, the security of your business depends on it. If you need to protect large enterprises, then SaaS solutions come to the rescue, allowing you to centrally monitor and manage the protection of all computers in the company.

Your antivirus should reliably remove malware that has taken root in the system, but its main task is to prevent new infections from ransomware, botnets, Trojan horses and other types of threats. All antiviruses presented in this rating offer real-time protection against malicious attacks. Many products offer strong web protection that blocks access to malicious sources and prevents you from entering sensitive data on fraudulent sites.

Laboratory testing

Researchers from independent laboratories spend a lot of time and effort testing antiviruses. Some organizations regularly publish reports with test results. PCMag tracks results from 5 major labs: AV-Comparatives, AV-Test Institute, Simon Edwards Labs formerly Dennis Technology Labs), Virus Bulletin and MRG-Effitas. Certification from ICSA Labs and West Coast Labs is also appreciated.

Typically, antivirus developers pay for the opportunity to participate in testing. In turn, the laboratories provide vendors with detailed reports that help improve products. Thus, the number of laboratories that test a particular product is an indicator of the significance of that decision. In any case, to test an antivirus, two conditions must be met: the laboratory must consider the product important enough, and the development company must be satisfied with the cost of participation. Labs are not required to test free products, but many vendors include full protection in free solutions, adding only advanced features to paid products.

PCMag tests

In addition to in-depth analysis of lab test results, PCMag conducts its own amateur testing of antivirus software to block malware. Every antivirus encounters a set of malware different types, after which the product's reaction to the threat is recorded. Typically, an antivirus removes most samples at once and detects several more instances of malware when it tries to launch. Based on the test results, the product can receive between 0 and 10 points for blocking, depending on how thoroughly it protects the system from the test samples.

The test collection has been in use for months, so the malware blocking test does not provide any indication of an antivirus's ability to detect the latest threats. A separate test attempts to download malware from online sources less than a day old, provided by the MRG-Effitas laboratory. The testing process notes whether the product blocked access to a network location, cleared the malware payload during download, or ignored the threat. Norton received the highest score in this test, followed by Avira Free Antivirus in the final table.

Useful features

Each antivirus product in the collection scans files on access to prevent potential malware from running, and also scans the system on demand or on a set schedule. Blocking access to malicious links is a great way to stay out of trouble. Many products extend protection to prevent you from visiting fraudulent or phishing sites that try to steal your credentials. Some solutions assign ratings to results search results, flagging suspicious and dangerous links.

Behavioral detection is featured in some products in the collection. On the one hand, this component can detect malware, which are unknown threats. On the other hand, behavioral analysis can lead to false positives for reliable programs.

One in a simple way For maximum protection computer is to install security updates for Windows OS, browsers and other popular programs. In Windows 10, updates are mandatory and fully automated, but there are still a large number of gaps in old ones. Windows systems, popular applications and plugins. Vulnerability scanning in the form of missed updates is a feature often found in commercial antivirus products. However, some free antiviruses have similar functionality.

Who was not included in the rating

This rating contains information only about free antivirus solutions that have received at least a “Good” rating based on PCMag reviews. Among those products that were not included in this rating is Windows Defender, which was awarded 2.5 stars. Microsoft participates in tests from all monitored antivirus labs, but only for basic protection. If a product cannot exceed the basic level of protection, it is not worth considering.

Avast Free Antivirus 2017 combines highly effective antivirus protection with a comprehensive collection of additional tools.

AVG AntiVirus Free (2017) has received an updated interface and new security technologies. Tests from independent labs and PCMag's own tests show that protection is stronger than ever.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition includes the same antivirus protection as the paid Bitdefender antivirus, but lacks the additional functionality of the commercial version.

Kaspersky's free antivirus offers full-featured basic antivirus protection that scores excellent in lab tests.

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+ combines powerful antivirus protection from Kaspersky with a high-quality firewall. The product is an excellent choice for users who do not want to install a complex solution.

Sophos Home allows you to provide the capabilities of a powerful corporate antivirus to ordinary home users absolutely free. The product performed well in independent lab tests and most of PCMag's own tests.

Avira Free Antivirus (2017)

Avira Antivirus gets excellent scores from independent labs, but in PCMag's amateur tests it was very slow to scan the test system. Additionally, web protection only works in Chrome and Firefox.

Adaware Antivirus Free 12 has a new name and a new appearance. However, its testing results are not the best, and competing free antiviruses offer more features.

Comodo Antivirus 10 received a new look and achieved a perfect detection rate in the malware blocking test. However, the product performed worse in other PCMag tests and in independent lab tests.

Panda Free Antivirus has an attractive user interface and an unusual USB vaccination feature. However, the product didn't perform the best in independent lab tests and PCMag's own tests.

Qihoo 360 Total Security comes with a powerful set of additional tools, but its core antivirus protection can't compete with the best free antiviruses.