Windows 8 claims to have stronger security features compared to its previous versions. Family safety settings, phishing filter, and Windows Defender are just some of the safety and security measures you’ll find in Windows 8. But does Windows 8 come with antivirus software? Well, Windows Defender, the replacement for Microsoft Security essentials, comes with antivirus integration, but does this mean that you get better protection against malware, spyware and other viruses?
Well, according to the AV Test website, Windows Defender performed an appalling 2 out of 6 in protection against zero day malware attacks and did not figure in the top 10 antivirus solutions either. Therefore, it becomes imperative to search for an alternate antivirus solution. Lets take a look at some of the alternate antivirus solutions for Windows 8.
Powerful Antivirus Solutions for Windows 8
Please note this list is not given in any order of importance.
F-Secure: Internet Security
Testing by various competent authorities have proved that F-Secure blocked 100% of threats, an indication of how well it can perform when it encounters new malware and infections. The program has only a slightly poor record when it comes to false positives behind 4 of the top antivirus solutions in the market.
Deleting and cleaning up malware is just as important, and F-Secure has a good score in that department. Quick and easy installation, scanning, easy-to-use interface are other top features of the program. Slower system performance and not too many options for advanced users could be a slight turn off.
G Data: Internet Security
G Data is another antivirus tool that has a powerful virus protection module. Its malware detection rates are above the industry average but it also tends to indicate false positives. It performance when it comes to system cleanup and malware removal is top notch.
The program loads up pretty quickly, but has a slightly longer shut down and scanning time. Installation and set up is lengthy with lots of user input involved and its user interface is not designed for the average user. Overall great in protection but not so great on usability.
Bitdefender Internet Security 2013
Ads by Google
Certainly one of the best antivirus programs to use on Windows 8, Bitdefender Internet Security scores top marks in blocking malware and in tracing and eliminating infections and a low false positive score. The start up and scan times are slow to moderate, and the installation is a little time consuming as you need to register with some personal information. The program also installs a widget for quicker access to its features and the user friendly interface is perfect for both ordinary and advanced users.
Kaspersky: Internet Security 2013
Kaspersky is yet another antivirus solution that Windows 8 users can consider. It doesn’t have the best malware block rates, just a little below the industry standard, but its malware detection rate is reasonably good. It has a low score on false alerts and does very well in cleaning up infected files.
Kaspersky is also a little heavy, slowing down some processes and making file downloading a little longer than you would like. Installation and set up is easy and it has a user friendly interface with plenty for advanced users as well.
Trend Micro: Titanium Maximum Security
Titanium maximum security just about sums up what this antivirus solution can do. With a 100% real world attack test success, 100% detection and disabling of infections, and a 100% malware detection rate, Trend Micro’s suite certainly ranks as one among the best.
The not so great aspects to the suite include slow scan times, and about 80% clear up of infections. Installation and setup is easy, but the program tends to force-install browser add-ons. While it does not have the most attractive of interfaces, it certainly is easy to use. This is certainly a top option to consider when looking for an antivirus solution for your Windows 8 PC.
Source: PCWorld.com
Leave a Reply