I am thinking about buying Avast Pro 4.1. Are you guys happy with it? Do you think there is anything better then Avast? AVG,NOD32,KAV???
It depends, there is plenty to consider when selecting an AV product, theres more than just raw detection ratings you need to evaluate.. Some of the things to consider are:
1) Detection of older viruses in addition to ITW
-Anyone can detect current ITW, but you need a solid database to detect older threats, which are just as deadly.
2) Packer support within the product, as well as archival support.
-There are many products out there, that simply cannot detect packed viruses, and as a result, leave you open to potential infections.
3) Customer Support/Developer Access.
-Many softwares, not just AV's, leave the customer empty for support, you are on your own once you purchase it. AV companies are no stranger to this, trust me.
4) Trojan/Worm/Malware Detection.
-Detecting viruses is one thing, but considering 90% of the threats are NOT viruses, don't you need more? I think so!
5) Features...
-Do you want just a on-access/on-demand AV? Or do you want script blocking, pop3/mail protections, P2P security and IM security? There is more to consider than just raw AV features.
6) Ability to CLEAN, not just delete.
- Many AV's frankly lack the ability to properly clean, and end up essentially destroying your OS, requiring a full re-install. Doesn't that seem to defeat the purpose of a 'Clean' function?
Based on these 6 criteria, which I personally feel are the most important when selecting an AV, you can pretty much narrow your choices down to a few products. Then you need to pick from the ones with the interface you like the best, options you need, and a detection percentage you can live with.
Lastly, consider that most modern AV's are focused primarily towards ITW threats, and this leaves you wide open to the large portion of older threats still out there, that you can run into daily. Detection levels of most any current AV on ITW is 100% or close. But detections of older (1-3 year old) threats can RAPIDLY fall to 5% or less on those threats with some AV's. Right now, Avast imho does need some improvement on older threats, and heuristics, but its 100% ITW, and *SOLID* on older threats (90% range).
My 2 cents.