Antivirus software is a critical component in PC and server protection, but which product provides the best virus protection?
That’s a tough question, McAfee reports that there were 75,000 new Malware signatures detected in the first three months of 2012, and that they currently have over 80 million malware signatures in the their Antivirus database and it is likely to hit the 100 million mark this year.
If you are getting 75k new malware signatures a day, the important part of any virus protection software is its ability to keep up to date with this flood of new signatures. It comes as no surprise then that the best virus protection is likely to come from the “big boys”, the companies that can and have invested in large security analysis teams.
Having said that, there are also some “scrappy” new comers that have clever technology that have broken the top ten antivirus software for 2013. I am a big fan of the CYSEC Free Antivirus solution, just because it has by far the best detection rate of all the AV products we tested.
We have listed our Top Ten commercial products and included the product features as stated on Amazon, so that you get an overview of the product, and the winners are:
#10 : Avira Antivirus Premium
Quick Removal eliminates viruses in one click, Generic Repair removes all traces of infection automatically, Rescue System jumpstarts your PC in an emergency
Configure perfectly tuned security in a few clicks, Game Mode suspends unnecessary alerts during games and movies, Live Support experts available if needed, Netbook Support allows even low-memory ultraportables to enjoy high-speed protection
Web Protection stops you from landing on malicious websites, AntiDrive-by blocks unexpected malware downloads while you surf, Mail Protection keeps infected emails at a safe distance from your inbox
#9 : Kaspersky Pure
Secure treasured assets with backup and encryption to prevent loss, theft, or corruption. Keeps your kids safe and responsible with award-winning parental controls. Keeps your system running smoothly with special clean-up tools; manage networked machines from a single PC.
Safe Run mode works on 32-bit operating systems and Password Manager works with 32-bit applications and browsers.
Email, chat, and download files with protection from threats, cybercriminal attacks, and online scams. Help keep your kids safe when they go online with parental controls management.
#8 : Panda Antivirus Pro 2012
Using the cloud, the entire Panda community is protected faster from new threats. Minimum Impact Suspicious files and malicious activities are analyzed in the cloud, not on your PC, conserving your PC’s resources. Using the cloud, Panda’s detection capacity is not limited by your PC, so we protect you from more threats than ever before possible.
The protection is powerful and the performance impact is minimal. Easy to Use Designed for ease-of-use, the program protects you immediately upon installation. Fully automated, it constantly monitors itself and prompts you if anything needs your attention. Advanced features and functions are all just a click away.
#7 : ESET Antivirus
With one of the smallest program file sizes of any antivirus software, a more intuitive interface and a smarter alert system, a simpler, more secure digital experience.
The accompanying Internet security training teaches you how to avoid cyber threats, scams and hackers to make that experience even safer. Not all computer threats come through the Internet; Removable Media Control protects you from potentially infected files exchanged through USB flash drives, CDs and DVDs. Using advanced Threat Sense smart-scanning technology, ESET proactively protects you from new attacks.
#6 : Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus
Plus, with Webroot’s first-of-its-kind security portal, you can set your protection settings once and they’ll automatically be updated for all of your registered PCs. It’s so versatile and effective, you can use it as a standalone security solution or as an extra layer of defense against threats.
Blocks viruses, Trojans, spyware, rootkits, and other malware threats. Continually updates itself so it’s always current and you don’t have to download updates. Runs scans automatically or schedules them to run whenever you want.
Prevents malicious programs from changing your security settings
#5 : AVG Anti-Virus
Features: Anti-Virus, Anti-Malware, Anti-Spyware, AVG Protective Cloud Technology, AVG Community, Protection Network, AVG Resident Shield, AVG Smart Anti-Rootkit. Game and surf without interruptions. Only scans when you are away from your PC.
Stays out of the way when you are playing. Features: AVG SmartScanning, Game Mode, Auto-Fix Button. Surf and search the web securely. Surf and search without worrying about infected websites. AVG alerts you to threats before you click. Features: AVG LinkScanner Search-Shield, AVG LinkScanner Surf-Shield. Download and exchange files safely.
#4 : Bitdefender Total Security
Total Security also comes with 2 GB of free, secure online storage that automatically backs up your important files every time it detects a change; File Shredder, which ensures that no traces of your deleted files remain on your PC; File Encryption, to keep your files from being viewed by anyone else but you; and Tune-up, to keep your PC running at full speed.
Uses multi-layered proactive protection against new and unknown threats. I really like the file shredder feature, which permanently deletes a file for extra safety.
Scans all Web, e-mail and instant messaging traffic in real-time.
#3 : McAfee AntiVirus Plus 2012
Every second of every day, we focus on one thing: keeping your digital life safe, so that you can surf, shop, and socialize online with confidence.
Two-way firewall-Extra layers of Internet security software block bad guys from breaking in or seeking out your personal information. This traffic cop patrols nonstop to prevent malicious software from gaining access to your PC
Safe searching and shopping-Color-coded icons next to your search results let you know before you click which sites are safe and whichmay install malicious code, phish for your identity, or send you spam
Two-way firewall, Anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-phishing
#2 : Norton 360 
Norton 360’s PC Tuneup boosts overall performance and keeps your computer running at its best. Automatic online or local backup helps keep your important files and photos safe from loss.
Norton 360 keeps you safe with comprehensive, easy-to-use protection from almost any threat that comes your way. Prevent cybercriminals from stealing your identity and money when you surf, shop, socialize, and bank online.
#1 : Trend Micro Titanium Maximum Security 2012
Titanium uses cloud technology to proactively stop viruses and spyware before they reach your computer, so it won’t slow you down. It’s the same technology we use to protect some of the world’s biggest businesses, now available to you. Includes parental controls, data theft prevention, secure online storage, smartphone security and more.
All-in-one Internet-security solution for protecting you, your devices and your data. Cloud technology proactively stops viruses and spyware before they reach your computer. Parental controls, data theft prevention, smartphone security and more. Easy-to-understand user interface; 10 GB of online storage for secure backups.
With Trend Micro Titanium Maximum Security, your digital life is protected.