Antivirus is a utility for detecting malicious objects that penetrate the 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 software developers improve and optimize 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 send viruses to quarantine, others protect individual PC components, ensure a safe stay on the Internet, and some perform a one-time scan to identify "pests" and are portable. In the article we will consider the most popular and worthy anti-virus utilities with different functionality and computer protection.
Programs |
Russian language |
License |
Permanent protection |
Rating |
Online updates |
WiFi 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, whose fans have become more than 230 million users. Works on Linux, Windows, Mac OS, for PDAs on Android platform, Windows CE, Palm. The program tools protect the Wi-Fi network in mobile devices with the preservation of passwords and confidentiality. Four types of scans quickly detect and respond to embedded malicious junk. Protective screens conduct a comprehensive check of unknown sites, files opened, 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 of spam and malicious penetration, monitors the file system, has a mode " parental control”, 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 quick, full, custom and check external devices. Can work with kaspersky security network. It does not protect personal data, so antivirus will not be enough for financial and confidential work.
A program that scans the system in a few minutes and provides a detailed report on the threats found and their location path. It is possible to schedule the next inspection by specifying the day of the week and start time. Parental Control blocks inappropriate content.
A competitive antivirus that performs well-coordinated and decent protection of your computer without any load on the system. The program modules detect and eliminate advertising trolls, rootkits and spies, 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 configurable options for network security, checks downloaded files and scans the Facebook wall before downloading unknown links from it. The anti-virus scans emails 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 monitors the movement of suspicious files, an innovative scanning method protects against previously unknown macro viruses, and later versions of the antivirus block ad spam and spyware.
An anti-virus scanner for checking objects that get on the computer from removable media. Automatically scans flash drives, tablets, multimedia players, SD cards, smartphones and digital cameras for threats, and if detected, suggests sending viruses to quarantine or removal. It has a forced check and guarantees the protection of confidential data from interception. TO additional features 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. It has full, selective, quick and rating checks. You can schedule scans and set the depth of scanning files. Scans removable media, secures email, and constantly updates versions to keep your device up to date.
A powerful free antivirus with five optimized engines and protection against various kinds 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 its work. Also implemented is the ability 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 websites, anti-rootkits and spyware attacks. Does not conflict with other programs and antiviruses and constantly updates the database.
A program that detects adware, malicious plugins and unwanted software on websites. Detects objects that "fly" into the system when installing some programs, blocks unwanted toolbars and "pests" that change homepage in the browser. Does not require installation on a computer and can be used portable from removable media.
Antivirus is used to fully protect your computer from external and internal threats, viruses. Monitors the user's web surfing on the Internet, provides frequent updates.
The system for maintaining security on a personal computer scans HDD for malicious objects, removes and quarantines infected files and folders.
A version of anti-virus software that regularly monitors the pages visited on the network, blocks the download of suspicious content, and conducts a full and selective scan of the hard drive elements.
A software product from a well-known company works with malicious media files on a laptop, starts the scanning process, uses pinpoint detection of Trojans and deletes folders.
resource using modern technology scans removable media, can help in the search for dangerous infections, solves a complex of problems on the device, monitors spam in e-mail.
The free anti-virus client on a PC completely prevents virus attacks, scans the user's work in the browser, and provides a device status check mode.
Software platform with function detailed testing operation of the device, analysis of internal and external media information for viruses, trojans, spyware.
Efficient worm scanner. Has an intuitive clear interface, new search algorithms and self-learning.
A popular malware scanner on devices running the well-known operating system has a quiet installation, finds out the quality of virus objects, conducts quick diagnostics.
Fresh antivirus test for February, April 2011 from AV-Comparatives and Virus Bulletin.
Bringing to the attention of readers antivirus test to detect viruses malicious code during a user-demanded scan, taking into account false positives and scan speed. The report was compiled by the AV-Comparatives (On-demand Detection of Malicious Software) laboratory for February 2011. 20 antivirus programs took part in the testing, including free antiviruses:
1. Avast! Free Antivirus 5.1.889
2. AVG Anti-Virus Free 2011 10.0.1204
3. Avira AntiVir Personal 10.0.0.611
4. BitDefender Antivirus Pro 2011 14.0.23.337
5. eScan Anti-Virus 11.0.1139.855
6. ESET Antivirus NOD32 4.2.71.2
7. F-Secure Anti-Virus 2011 10.51.106
8.G DATA AntiVirus 2011 21.0.2.2
9. K7 TotalSecurity 10.0.0051
10. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011 11.0.2.556
11. McAfee AntiVirus Plus 2011 14.5.130
12. Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0.657.0
13. panda antivirus Pro 2011 10.00.00
14. PC Tools Spyware Doctor + Antivirus 2011 8.0.0.624
15.
Protect your Windows XP PC with Avast Free Antivirus
Qihoo 360 Antivirus 1.1.0.1310
16. Sophos Anti-Virus 9.5.5
17. Symantec Norton AntiVirus 2011 18.5.0.125
18.Trend Micro Titanium Antivirus Plus 2011 3.0.1303
19. TrustPort Antivirus 2011 11.0.0.4606
20.
Webroot Antivirus with Spy Sweeper 7.0.6.38
Test results
Missed malware (it is clear to everyone that the less the better).
| 1. | G DATA | 99.8% |
| 2. | trustport | 99.2% |
| 3. | Avast | 98.4% |
| 4. | Panda, F-Secure | 98.1% |
| 5. | Qihoo | 97.9% |
| 6. | Bitdefender | 97.6% |
| 7. | AVIRA, ESET | 97.5% |
| 8. | eScan | 97.4% |
| 9. | Kaspersky | 97.0% |
| 10. | McAfee | 96.8% |
| 11. | Microsoft | 95.8% |
| 12. | Symantec | 95.5% |
| 13. | Trend Micro | 94.4% |
| 14. | Sophos | 94.1% |
| 15. | PC Tools | 92.8% |
| 16. | AVG | 91.4% |
| 17. | web root | 85.5% |
| 18. | K7 | 84.4% |
Number of false positives(and in this chart, less is more).
| 1. | McAfee | 0 |
| 2. | Microsoft | 1 |
| 3. | Bitdefender, eScan, F-Secure | 3 |
| 4. | Sophos | 4 |
| 5. | AVIRA | 9 |
| 6. | PC Tools | 10 |
| 7. | Symantec | 11 |
| 8. | kaspersky, trustport | 12 |
| 9. | K7 | 14 |
| 10. | AVG | 15 |
| 11. | G DATA | 18 |
| 12. | Avast | 19 |
| 13. | ESET | 20 |
| 14. | web root | 22 |
| 15. | Qihoo | 104 |
| 16. | Trend Micro | 290 |
MB/s check speed(in this case, the faster the check speed, the better).
Test reward level
Antiviruses marked with * (asterisk) received a lower reward level due to a large number of false positives.
Antivirus Testing: VB100 April 2011 on Windows XP SP3
Comparative testing of antiviruses Virus Bulletin on Windows platform XP Professional SP3
In April, 69 antiviruses took part in the tests of the Virus Bulletin laboratory, as paid versions as well as free. The test was carried out on the operating system Windows XP Professional SP3 (as the most common at the moment).
During the evaluation of the results, both the number of detected malicious code and the number of false positives were taken into account, the scanning speed and the load on resources were taken into account personal computer. The test, as noted by the administration of Dirfreesoft.ru, was carried out on various sets of viruses, and these results were used to calculate the RAP (Reactive and Proactive) index, which characterizes the level of detection by both reactive and proactive methods. Summing up the results of testing, we can say how quickly the vendor responds to the emergence of new threats, as well as how well the antivirus finds unknown viruses.
It is already clear that the first place is occupied by the so-called multi-engine antiviruses. Special attention I would give free version Avira AntiVir Personal which showed excellent results even when compared with paid counterparts.
Conclusion: The most acceptable option for installation on a home computer, as a result of testing by two different laboratories, is a free antivirus Avira AntiVir Personal and we also give preference to him and the laurels of the winner and call him the best free antivirus.
Choosing a free antivirus for Windows 7 / 8 / 10
Thinking about choosing a free antivirus for Windows 7, 8 or 10? Our short review will help you make the right choice.
AVG AntiVirus Free Edition
Many Internet users willingly choose free AVG antivirus Anti-Virus Free Edition. And everyone is happy with how he is fighting viruses. In addition to the fact that the anti-virus program uses an effective module integrated into its structure, it also productively exploits unique protective tools for checking electronic text messages, rootkits.
For example, the LinkScanner program clearly works to select links that open dangerous sites. LinkScanner, in addition to instantly blocking malicious bookmarks, prevents the transition to such resources.
The use of the modular complex Identity Protection in the antivirus program will not allow attackers to steal personal data. Moreover, under strict control the workflow of running work programs.
The antivirus has a PC Analyzer function. Despite the fact that it does not directly protect the PC, nevertheless, its registry monitoring, detection of old files, the possibility of disk fragmentation, and removal of shortcuts help the computer show good performance. Given the effectiveness of AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition on Windows 7 and 8, many Internet users are willing to install it on their personal computers.
Avast! Free Antivirus
Free by design Avast antivirus can be considered unique and the same for computer security management. This antivirus program does not copy anyone or anything, therefore it is unlike third-party counterparts even in particular. He has his own priorities, which to this day remain unsurpassed. Its menus are made up of flat icons, and very subtle animations look great.
On Windows 7/8/10 systems Avast program it is advisable to think of it as a security manager, and not just as a simple scanner. It has a central command post in the form of a pop-up panel that displays tracking statistics, notifies you of system status, and constantly updates the virus and malware signature database.
The antivirus perfectly sublimates with various browsers, which is especially important for every PC owner. Using the installer in Avast, it is easy to download useful components and get a lot of different information about the functionality and search component of the anti-virus complex. To be honest, on this moment this is the best anti-virus scanner that perfectly performs the search and protection functions assigned to it.
Microsoft Security Essentials
If we talk about the virtual awards that the free antivirus program Microsoft Security Essentials received, then it should be noted that it fully deserved them.
Free antivirus for Windows XP
How many uninvited guests he caught, trying to get into computers in clever ways, is known only to him and the developers.
It should be noted that the antivirus was developed specifically for the needs of both ordinary users and businessmen. The program is easy to install. And it immediately starts trapping viruses, blocking their penetration into computers. In order not to overwrite useful properties, the program is systematically updated once every 24 hours.
Microsoft Security Essentials uses a green-yellow-red color background for encoding, which helps the PC owner immediately determine whether messages are worth paying attention to.
It is a reliable protector of your Windows 7 or Windows 8 operating system. No wonder it has been awarded Checkmark certifications from West Coast Labs and ICSA Labs. It is worth noting that the program is constantly being improved by a whole group of the most qualified specialists. Smart antivirus. It works when the computer is "resting". This greatly improves its performance.
Avira Free Antivirus
Avira Free Antivirus is a free virus killer. basic program, the development of which practically does not stop today. What has already been achieved makes it possible to completely protect the Windows 7 / 8 / 10 operating system from damage by polymorphic viruses. This is achieved thanks to innovative developments that block viruses at the beginning of the OS startup.
The antivirus is so mobile that it is able, as they say, to "run" to identify a potential threat, stop and identify suspicious code. As a resident module, VirusGtiard is used, which does not stop for a second to revise files for transparency that are already on the hard drive and coming to the computer via the Internet.
The antivirus program provides reliable protection Windows OS from worms, trojans, viruses. It can be updated offline. It successfully exterminates still unknown viruses far from the personal computer. The work of the antivirus program can be organized both in permanent and system mode.
Given everything that is said in this material, it would be rational for a PC user to download an effective antivirus program and work successfully, fighting off virus attacks with Avira Free Antivirus.
Panda Cloud Antivirus
Panda Cloud Antivirus is another well-known free antivirus. Its priority over PC users is that it offers its services according to the "Software + Services" algorithm. If the user has installed this anti-virus program on his computer, then part of it additionally works on the main Panda Security server. There is a rational division of duties: detection works on the PC, and there is scanning using cloud technologies. This gives a high percentage of computer performance with a uniquely low load on Windows 7 / 8 / 10.
Antivirus in the cloud makes the most of the Collective Intelligence system. It can be said that she is creative, diligently not only collects, but also monitors, and when she finds “beaten” files, she successfully treats them. It is gratifying that only all definitions of dangerous software hosted on third party servers. This creates an opportunity to opt out of downloading updates. Scanning systems operate on the PC resource, which have integrated three priority degrees into their structure.
The sublimation of the antivirus program with Windows is especially correct, which motivates Panda Cloud Antivirus to almost instantly scan the file stream that comes to the PC via the Internet.
On the site www.anti-virus-free.ru you can always choose and download the best free antiviruses for Windows, MAC OS and Android! Only we have antiviruses without registration and without SMS.
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The lightest antiviruses of 2016
Have you encountered a situation where you need to install an antivirus on an old, weak computer by modern standards? It seems a pity to throw it away, because you can watch movies, listen to music, surf the Internet on it, but some popular antivirus of the latest version will gobble up all the remnants of performance, which is already in short supply.
Especially for this case, I prepared this article. Here are collected the easiest antiviruses, in my opinion, from both the paid and free sectors. Programs are selected based solely on their load on the system, but sometimes the ease of antivirus comes at the expense of its reliability. There are also such programs here, but I left a note about reliability. The best antiviruses in terms of the level of protection will be collected in another separate article.
And so that you don’t have to rely solely on the opinion of some left dude from the Internet, for each antivirus I indicated its official system requirements. And so, let's go.
Lightweight Free Antivirus 2016
System requirements: processor with a frequency of 300 MHz, 256 MB random access memory.
Qihoo 360 Total Security Essential 8(link to review). A popular free antivirus from Chinese developers. Reliability at the level of the best paid products, except for the trouble with web protection and support for 64-bit systems.
Antiviruses and utilities
Very lightweight when using only native cloud engines. But even when one additional engine is connected, the load increases insignificantly. Personally, I have such an antivirus on an old computer with Athlon processor XP 1.9 GHz and 1.2 GB of RAM, an additional Avira engine is connected. Using a computer is quite comfortable.
System requirements: processor with a frequency of 1.6 GHz, 512 MB of RAM.
FortiClient 5.4(link to review). Underestimated antivirus, free, including for the corporate sector. Not cloudy, with a good level of signature detection, a full web screen and a parental control system. Proactive protection, unfortunately, is missing.
System requirements: Pentium-like processor, 256 MB RAM for Windows XP and 512 MB for Windows 7.
Lightweight paid antivirus 2016
Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus 9(link to review). In my opinion, the lightest antivirus of all on this page. Consists of one file, consumes 3 MB of RAM when idle. Cloud-based, ultra-light, with proactive protection, including against keyloggers. But the level of reliability is extremely low, there is no web screen, the performance of some components has not been confirmed by tests.
System requirements: processor family Pentium, Celeron, AMD K6, Athlon, Duron; 128 MB RAM minimum, 2 GB recommended for Windows 7.
One of my favorite paid antiviruses. Focused on cloud technologies, has everything you need to fully protect your computer.
System requirements: Windows XP - processor with a frequency of 300 MHz, 256 MB of RAM; Windows 7 - 1 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM (2 GB for x64); Windows 10 - 2 GB RAM.
A comprehensive antivirus that I did not remember either for its ease or reliability. However, its official system requirements are more than democratic, so you should not forget about the "little green man".
System requirements: Windows 7, 8, 10 - 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM; Windows XP SP 3 - 400 MHz processor, 128 MB RAM.
Attention! For the full and high-quality work of cloud antiviruses, an active Internet connection is required.
But even if these antiviruses seem heavy to you, there is only one way out - to install Puppy Linux).
Leave your feedback and comments
Windows XP ends its lifecycle in three months, on April 8, 2014. Microsoft strongly recommends that all users update their OS. What will happen to antiviruses when support for Windows XP ends?
Microsoft strongly recommends that all users upgrade to Windows 7 or Windows 8. Of course, this good advice, but many users will continue to use Windows XP even after this date. What antivirus protection options will they have? Andreas Marx, CEO of AV-Test, in a survey of 30 vendors found that all of them plan to continue Windows support XP even after the official closure of the project.
Forced decision
Make no mistake, if you have the opportunity to upgrade to a modern OS, by all means do it! Once Microsoft stops fixing vulnerabilities and security holes, Windows XP will be like a target in a shooting range. Of course, an antivirus can potentially block exploits that use system vulnerabilities to attack. However, it is highly likely that he will not cope with his task. In common practice, there is an interaction between a fully updated OS and an antivirus. As of April, Windows XP will not be able to carry out its part of this "partnership".
end of an era
Perhaps the biggest surprise of this study is the news that Microsoft will continue to support Microsoft Security Essentials (as well as corporate security solutions) for Windows XP through July 14, 2015. A company blog post confirms this: We help organizations successfully complete their migration to new operating systems».
Avira, Bitdefender, and Trend Micro told AV-Test that they have scheduled a support end date for their Windows XP products. Avira will end support on April 8, 2015, Bitdefender in January 2016 (2017 for enterprise solutions), and Trend Micro on January 30, 2017. If you're running Windows XP and using one of these products, you still have time to plan your migration strategy.
Let's wait and see
Half of the vendors surveyed said they have no definite plans to end support for their products on Windows XP and will continue to support them for at least the next two years.
Some companies have given deadlines, but allowed for the possibility that they may be extended.
Free antivirus for Windows computer.
VIPRE publisher ThreatTrack has promised support for Windows XP until April 2015 or later. Sophos will support the old system until September 30, 2015, while Norman and Qihoo will continue to work with the OS until January 2016. Let's say again that all these vendors can extend support if there is a need.
XP enthusiasm
Some vendors have promised long-term support for Windows XP. Kaspersky Lab will continue support until 2018 (2016 for corporate solutions). Webroot will work with the system until April 2019 or even later. Symantec hasn't made any decision about dropping support for XP at all. On the other hand, the stance of Norton products also provides for premature end of support, we just don't know the exact information.
The study contains detailed information about the positions of the vendor, and also includes useful recommendations for improving security after the official end of system support. Marx proposes to abandon the unsupported Internet Explorer in favor of Chrome or Firefox. The same should be done with email client, Outlook Express is best not to use.
So how will it be? Are you really going to give up Windows XP? If circumstances force you to use Windows XP, remember that your level of risk will rise. And be sure to choose an antivirus that will continue to support this OS.
Sourced from PC Magazine and AV-Test
In May and June 2014, the independent laboratory AV-Test evaluated 23 antivirus solutions for home users - free antiviruses and programs internet security. The operating room was used for testing. Windows system XP (SP3). Antivirus settings were set by default.
Total points scored in security, performance and usability testing
For testing, choose the latest public versions of antiviruses. Anti-virus programs are allowed to update at any time and make requests using "cloud" services. The AV-Test Lab has focused on the realism of the test scenario and tests solutions against real threats. Antivirus programs had to demonstrate their capabilities, using all their components and levels of protection.
Tested antiviruses
* As basic protection(baseline) used the free antivirus Microsoft Security Essentials (does not participate in the overall comparison).
How AV-TEST tests
One of the most important evaluation categories that the independent AV-TEST laboratory uses when testing antiviruses is Protection. The methodology includes tests that use all the protective components and capabilities of the antivirus.
AV-TEST uses the Performance parameter to evaluate the impact of antivirus solutions on system performance when performing basic daily tasks on a computer.
AV-TEST Lab uses Usability to evaluate usability antivirus solution, which is a test for false positives.
Test results. May-June 2014
The meaning of the question in the title should be clear to anyone who is going to follow fashion trends and change operating systems like gloves. As long as the OS is supported by the manufacturer, there are usually no problems with its operation. Unless the programs latest versions will swear during installation.
Most XP fans don't care much - they continue to use older versions of the software, as if nothing had happened. After the end of support, the situation changes dramatically. It shows up in the little things, but in the little things that matter. For example, in difficulties with support of old antiviruses.
Antivirus vendors are guided not so much by the needs of a handful of retrograde users as by the intentions of the operating system manufacturer. And if Microsoft doesn't want to mess with XP, then why bother with these antivirus labs? The question arises: where can I get a free antivirus for OS XP, and even one that will be updated regularly?
How is it with the most popular paid and free antiviruses on the XP platform, after MS abandoned this system - this is the topic of our short note.
Is it right to stay on XP?
There is another nuisance awaiting users who remain loyal to XP. Since MS ceases to issue security patches, the level of OS protection is sharply reduced. Virus producers will continue their malicious activities, but they will not receive a worthy rebuff.
As a result, an additional burden falls on the manufacturer of antivirus for Windows XP, which he may either not be able to cope with, or simply refuse such fuss for the sake of a small proportion of consumers. On the other hand, virus writers are usually focused on older versions of the OS, because most of the organizations, attacks on which make sense from a commercial point of view, “sit” on them. The unstable balance of interests breeds uncertainty. The best way overcome this uncertainty - update the system to the latest or at least the penultimate version. This is a good move for anyone who is not chained to the pig.
Support for Microsoft Security Essentials has ended for the mass user, although the US Navy has persuaded Microsoft to support XP on their computer, for example, but the fun is not free.
Against this background, the statements of owners of old PCs with Windows 98 installed look like a paradox: virus attacks on their systems have practically ceased.
How did the producers behave?
Let's just say it's different:
- Avira guaranteed normal operation with its product until April 15th.
- Bitdefender - up to the 16th.
- Trend Micro will support its product until the end of this year.
Some companies have shown sensitivity to the needs of users of not the newest PCs and continue to work with "piggy". Among them is Kaspersky Lab - they give guarantees until the end of 2018. Symantec is ignoring the issue completely and silent as partisans. No performance guarantees antivirus utilities Norton is not provided. How to be a user of the old system. There is an exit - chinese antivirus"360 Total Security" by developer Qihoo.
What you need to know about this program. First, what's on is completely free. Antivirus has a fairly complete functionality:
- Protects from attacks network connections, that is, it works as a firewall.
- Tests the security of incoming email.
- Controls the absence of viruses on connected removable media.
- Checks all installed programs.
Any suspicious code is placed by the program in a "sandbox", where it is blocked from accessing the hard disk and critical system resources until a full due diligence check. You can download the program at.
Microsoft strongly recommends that all users upgrade to Windows 7 or Windows 8. Of course, this is good advice, but many users will continue to use Windows XP even after this date. What antivirus protection options will they have? Andreas Marx, CEO of AV-Test, surveyed 30 vendors and found that all of them plan to continue supporting Windows XP even after the project is officially closed.
Forced decision
Make no mistake, if you have the opportunity to upgrade to a modern OS, by all means do it! Once Microsoft stops fixing vulnerabilities and security holes, Windows XP will be like a target in a shooting range. Of course, an antivirus can potentially block exploits that use system vulnerabilities to attack. However, it is highly likely that he will not cope with his task. In common practice, there is an interaction between a fully updated OS and an antivirus. As of April, Windows XP will not be able to carry out its part of this "partnership".
end of an era
Perhaps the biggest surprise of this study is the news that Microsoft will continue to support Microsoft Security Essentials (as well as corporate security solutions) for Windows XP through July 14, 2015. A company blog post confirms this: We help organizations successfully complete their migration to new operating systems».
Avira, Bitdefender, and Trend Micro told AV-Test that they have scheduled a support end date for their Windows XP products. Avira will end support on April 8, 2015, Bitdefender in January 2016 (2017 for enterprise solutions), and Trend Micro on January 30, 2017. If you're running Windows XP and using one of these products, you still have time to plan your migration strategy.
Let's wait and see
Half of the vendors surveyed said they have no definite plans to end support for their products on Windows XP and will continue to support them for at least the next two years. Some companies have given deadlines, but allowed for the possibility that they may be extended. VIPRE publisher ThreatTrack has promised support for Windows XP until April 2015 or later. Sophos will support the old system until September 30, 2015, while Norman and Qihoo will continue to work with the OS until January 2016. Let's say again that all these vendors can extend support if there is a need.
XP enthusiasm
Some vendors have promised long-term support for Windows XP. Kaspersky Lab will continue support until 2018 (2016 for corporate solutions). Webroot will work with the system until April 2019 or even later. Symantec hasn't made any decision about dropping support for XP at all. On the other hand, the stance of Norton products also provides for premature end of support, we just don't know the exact information.
The study contains detailed information about the positions of the vendor, and also includes useful recommendations for improving security after the official end of system support. Marks suggests that the unsupported Internet Explorer be phased out in favor of Chrome or Firefox. The same should be done with the mail client, it is better not to use Outlook Express.
So how will it be? Are you really going to give up Windows XP? If circumstances force you to use Windows XP, remember that your level of risk will rise. And be sure to choose an antivirus that will continue to support this OS.
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