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 to default.

Total points scored in security, performance and usability testing

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.

Tested antiviruses

* Free antivirus was used as baseline protection Microsoft Security Essentials (not included in the overall comparison).

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.

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.

Test results. May-June 2014

The activation key is issued using the official key generator provided by ESET. Using official keys will allow you to legalize your version of ESET NOD32 Antivirus and receive the latest updates antivirus databases. The number of generated keys is not limited, on the basis that 1 key is issued for 1 installation (they can be reused: to do this, download and run the generator again).

Download the ESET NOD32 Antivirus distribution with a built-in key generator

Instructions on how to get a legal key for NOD32 for 30 days

You need to download . Launch it. After the installation wizard window appears:

1. Make sure that opposite the inscription "Download and install Browser with Protect function" checked(without this checkbox you will not be given a key).

2. Press the button "Install trial version".

3. Copy the received key, which can be used to activate the antivirus.

*ESET prohibits posting activation keys for ESET NOD32 software products on the Internet. The Activation Key is issued after downloading during installation of the free version.

Antivirus is a utility for detecting malicious objects that penetrate a computer system via the Internet and removable storage media. During a period of excessive activity of hacker attacks and the constant emergence of new viruses and spies, developers antivirus programs improve and optimize their products for device security and secure web surfing on the 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.

A popular antivirus with more than 230 million fans. Works on Linux, Windows, Mac OS, for PDAs Android platform, Windows CE, Palm. The program's tools protect the Wi-Fi network in mobile devices with password saving and confidentiality. Four types of scans quickly detect and respond to embedded malicious junk. Security screens conduct 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.

Utility from famous company Kaspersky Lab with basic tools for reliable protection computer. 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» blocks 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 monitors the movement of suspicious files, an innovative scanning method protects against previously unknown macro viruses, and later versions of the antivirus block advertising spam and spy objects.

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. Additional features include 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.

A 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 meaning of the question given 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 They will swear during installation.

Most XP fans don't care much about this - they continue to use old versions as if nothing had happened software. After the end of support, the situation changes dramatically. This manifests itself in small things, but in significant small things. For example, in difficulties with supporting old antiviruses.

Manufacturers of antivirus programs are guided not so much by the needs of a handful of retrograde users, but by the intentions of the manufacturer operating system. And if Microsoft doesn't want to bother with XP, then why bother antivirus labs? The question arises: where can I get a free antivirus for OS XP, and one that will be updated regularly?

How things stand with the most popular paid and free antiviruses on the XP platform after MS abandoned this system is the topic of our short note.

Is it right to stay on XP?

There is one more problem that awaits users who remain loyal to XP. Since MS stops releasing security patches, the level of OS protection decreases sharply. Virus producers will continue their malicious activities, and they will not receive a worthy rebuff.

The result is that the manufacturer of antivirus for Windows XP has an additional burden, which it may either not be able to cope with, or simply refuse such fuss for the sake of a small share of consumers. On the other hand, virus writers are usually focused on older versions of the OS, since these are the ones that most organizations are running on, and attacks against them make sense from a commercial point of view. An unstable balance of interests creates uncertainty. The best way To 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 tied to the “piggy” with a chain.

Support for Microsoft Security Essentials has been discontinued for the general public, although, for example, the US Navy persuaded Microsoft to support XP on their computers, but this pleasure 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 stopped.

How did the producers behave?

Let's put it bluntly - in different ways:

• Avira guaranteed normal operation of its product until April 15th.
• Bitdefender – until 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 latest PCs and continue to work with the “piggy”. Among them is Kaspersky Lab - they provide guarantees until the end of 2018. Symantec ignores the issue completely and remains silent, like partisans. There are no guarantees for the functionality of Norton's antivirus utilities. What should the user do? old system. There is a solution - Chinese antivirus "360" Total Security» produced by the developer Qihoo.

What you need to know about this program. Firstly, it is completely free. The antivirus has quite complete functionality:

• Protects against attacks network connections, that is, it works as a firewall.
• Tests incoming email for security.
• Monitors 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 drive and critical system resources until it is fully verified. You can download the program at: