Internet browsing is both informative and exciting where you need to be  properly protected with a good antivirus application to avoid hassles with bugs while working online. The web has advented since the days of Norton, with several excellent freeware software that can keep your computer safe from malware and similar viruses. An overview of the five best antivirus applications are given below:

AVG Anti-Virus

The AVG Antivirus app is both a freeware (AVG Free) and shareware that provides protection against the various bugs floating around the internet and also occupies very less RAM without interfereing with the working of other apps simultaneously. AVG freeware has its limitations and commercial versions of their software are quite popular globally since most users find the Free tag as the only impetus to use it in their working environments including, home or office.

NOD32

NOD32 Antivirus app is a shareware beter known for its speed and occupies very less RAM as well without interfering with other software apps. NOD32 is both comprehensive and bulletproof solution that aids web browsing completely. It is not a freeware and is available at $40 annually for a home license and most users find the pricetag very affordable and also recomend it t0 their contacts.

Avast Antivirus

Avast Antivirus is both freeware (for Home) and shareware (for Professional) apps and there are several satisfied users who have shifted over from AVG Antivirus app. Avast Antivirus does occupy more RAM but  its excellent protection makes up more for the increased footprint. The freeware version can only be uploaded with an email address where a free registration code from their website is given.

Avira AntiVir

Avira Antivirus is both freeware (Personal) and shareware (Premium) app which is much advanced as it detects viruses and other malware that other antivirus apps can miss. Most users find the freeware alternative easy to work with as it enables them to browse according to their preferences. The only disadvantage with Avira Antivirus that their  pop-up ads can be  enabled by default, but you can disable the ads with a couple of clicks.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus

Kaspersky antivirus app is a shareware is pretty consistent in malware protection with strong user base as well as satisfied users who find the annual $60 license fee very reasonable to  afford and purchase. Kaspersky’s extremely quick response time to new viruses has earned it a special place in the hearts and system trays of  all its users.

AntiVirus is the most trusted tool in web applications that offers real-time protection and full system scanning. Especially, it is good against known Mac threats and light on system resources.  iAntiVirus is a lightweight and powerful choice to protect your Mac from a database of over 250 known Mac specific threats.  It pretty fast in finishing scans quickly and does not take much of RAM space.

iAntiVirus has been developed by PCTools to provide PC security applications to Macs. The virus detections In Macs are minimal, but there is a tendency towards socially engineered threats.  It is designed to detect and remove Mac specific threats. It does not contain any unnecessary information about Windows based threats.

Installation

iAntivirus is an easy to install by following the installation wizard which will be take you through the installation steps and you can have extra security on your Mac in less than an hour.

Salient Features

iAntiVirus is an easy to use security application that adds extra protection against viruses with no extra bloat.  In the settings section you can select scan modes, change scheduling, view quarantined items and set up scanning times. The scheduled smart updates and scans in iAntiVirus ensures that your Mac remains healthy and protected against the latest viruses, spywares and other similar threats.

In the scheduling sections you can set the time period (daily, every alternate day and weekly or never) to automatically update the virus database and how often to run a full scan the hard drive. You can also use the Smart Update feature to manually check for updates in iAntiVirus.

Note: the other features include Protection against Mac specific threats, Real-time protection and Low resource usage.

Ease of Usage

iAntiVirus has an intuitive interface where performing the scans is an easy process.  You need to go to the main menu and click on Scan my Mac to begin the scanning process. You can monitor the directories and progress of the scan on a screen that pops up automatically.

Note: you can also activate Real-time protection.

After completion of the scan you are given an overview and can also view a print out in a more detailed log.

Free Download

iAntiVirus is a free version within a 30 day guarantee period. You can upgrade the license for $29.99 for commercial use with 24×7 phone back up utility.