AOL Active Virus Shield

AOL may be a surprising name to find in a round-up of anti-virus tools, but its Active Virus Shield software has proved to be a solid performer in tests. Based on the famous Kaspersky virus definitions, Active Virus Shield offers excellent virus detection in third-party tests, and is free for anyone to use. As with AVG, Active Virus Shield boasts email as well as general virus protection, but there is no scheduling option.

The program constantly scans startup objects to ensure that no malicious software can run when Windows starts, and real-time scanning and pop-up reminders help ensure that viruses don’t slip through the net. There is an option to lower the security settings to enhance performance but provided this is left at the default level there should be no problems. It is also good to see that the program offers protection against malicious software other than viruses and there is an Internet Explorer toolbar to block pop-ups and other net irritations.

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