After buying my HP desktop a few months ago, I’ve been scouring the Internet for antivirus programs that are compatible with Windows Vista. I use Active Virus Shield (AVS) for my laptop, so naturally I would install it on this new desktop. Unfortunately, at that time it wasn’t compatible with Vista. So I opted for the pre-installed Norton Internet Security that came with the unit. Now that the two-month trial period had ended, it’s now asking me to pay for the program. Perfect timing because I desperately wanted to get rid of it because it was slowing down my computer. I revisited the AVS site but it still did not have the Vista-compatible version. So I searched Google for active virus shield vista. Ah, good thing I did. The Download Squad features the latest release of AVS that is Vista compatible. I found it odd though that the official site did not carry it yet.
I can honestly vouch for AVS since it has kept my PC’s virus-free for years. It is the hybrid of the fantastic Kaspersky Antivirus software, although this is the free version released and rebranded by AOL, but works exactly the same way. What’s also great about it is that it works silently in the background, and you won’t even notice it! Can’t say the same for Norton. As long as you regularly update AVS’s threat signatures your PC will remain scat-free of those pesky viruses, worms, trojans and spyware.
Update: The Vista version is available only at Neowin.net. Softpedia doesn’t have it. The correct filename is AVS_v25.exe, not AVS.exe or AVS.msi. The file size is about 19mb. You’ll also need to obtain a free serial number by registering your email address at the official site.
I’ve checked for some reviews and many place Kaspersky in the top 3. BitDefender, Nod32, PC-cillin, Mcafee Antivirus, AVG also seem to be excellent alternatives.
What Antivirus do you use?
Bookmark at:StumbleUpon | Digg | Del.icio.us | Dzone | Newsvine | Spurl | Simpy | Furl | Reddit | Yahoo! MyWeb
June 25th, 2007 at 7:20 am
Currently the tops that i have seen are Kaspersky and Nod32. Trend Micro also does a good job.
June 25th, 2007 at 10:29 am
I don’t own a vista computer, however I have installed AVG for a coup0le people and they seem to enjoy it.
June 25th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
AVG!
Free and does the job well…
June 27th, 2007 at 6:29 am
Uggh, I hated Norton Internet Security. It missed a virus one time and caused hell for me. Also, it was hogging so much CPU and memory.
I use ZoneAlarm Security Suite (which comes with firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware)… and as extra protection, I also use Webroot Spy Sweeper. Been pretty effective, so far.
July 15th, 2007 at 11:47 pm
I’m still on XP and a long time user of AntiVir [avira.com]. It works great. My former boss was so happy with the free product that he actually bought a license.
According to the site - all users running Vista 32bit are now protected.
FYI - im just happy user
April 12th, 2008 at 8:49 am
for me the best antivirus in the world is only kaspersky. it’s cheap, works perfectly and easy to use. unlike AVG that destroys the file along with the virus.also it is compatible mit vista.thanks!!!
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:47 am
AVG for me!
and its available locally at http://www.kaizen.ph thank you.