Symantec Antivirus revived forgotten iAntivirus

Historically, antivirus software for the operating system Mac OS X is not widespread (especially compared to Windows). Today, the most popular antivirus software for Mac OS - free ClamXav, Sophos AntiVirus for Mac, as well as relatively lightweight iAntivirus. The other antivirus software or do not have a significant popularity among users, or are part of a complex application.

The last antivirus product debuted in 2008. It was a free antivirus developed by PC Tools. Unfortunately, since 2009 when there was a version 1.36, iAntivirus no longer updated.

However, the recent wave of OS X-threats, including Flashback and DNSChanger trojans, as well as fake antivirus MacDefender, back interest from the antivirus product for Mac. In light of this, Symantec has created its own iAntivirus.

iAntivirus is free, but offers only basic features to protect your computer. But despite the fact that this software does not have the functionality that have Norton Antivirus for OS X, it can be used to periodically scan your system and remove malicious programs.

Note that Symantec released iAntivirus as its own product, not related to iAntivirus from PC Tools.

To start iAntivirus requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and a minimum of 2 GB of RAM. While antivirus is only available in Mac App Store.

Top 7 free downloadable antivirus

I decided that would be a good idea to start with a compilation of free downloadable antivirus. Can be free protection effective? I do not trust it to get that for free. At the same time, the results of some tests, free antivirus programs have demonstrated a decent result, and often not much behind-cost solutions.

All the free anti-virus programs have one thing - they do not have full functionality, and therefore can not guarantee 100% protection. But perhaps for some it is the compromises that might measure.

So, Top 7 free downloadable antivirus:

1) AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition














One of the most well-known free antivirus, which has been awarded various prizes. In the free version there is no Anti-Rootkit, Web Shield (Screens your downloads and prevents accidental infections through IM chats), Identity Protection, Firewall, Anti-Spam.

Download AVG.

2) Avast! antivirus Home Edition














It has the following features:
Anti-spyware (built-in), Web Shield, Anti-rootkit (built-in), Automatic updates, Strong self-protection, Virus Chest, Antivirus kernel, System integration, Simple User Interface, Integrated Virus Cleaner, Resident protection, Support for 64-bit Windows, P2P and IM Shields, Internationalization, Network Shield

Download Avast!

3) Avira AntiVir Personal















Free version has the following modules: AntiVir (protection against viruses, worms and Trojans), AntiDialer (protection against expensive dialers), AntiRootkit (protection against hidden rootkits), AntiPhishing (protection against phishing), AntiSpyware (protection against spyware and adware), NetbookSupport (for laptops with low resolution), QuickRemoval (eliminates viruses at the push of a button).

It seemed to me a particularly interesting feature - NetbookSupport. Now it is claimed, but from other manufacturers for some reason is rare.

Download Avira

4) BitDefender Free Edition






As can be seen from the official press release:

«BitDefender Free Edition uses the same ICSA Labs certified scanning engines found in other BitDefender products, allowing you to enjoy basic virus protection for no cost at all.

BitDefender Free Edition is an on-demand virus scanner, which is best used in a system recovery or forensics role».

Download BitDefender

5) ClamWin Free Antivirus









ClamWin Free Antivirus is Open source GPL virus scanner. It has approximately the same set of functions that are free analogs. Since it is Open source program - perhaps its development by various developers, but at the same time, it makes it more vulnerable.

Download ClamWin

6) Dr.Web CureIt!







Free tool from the well-known manufacturer. It was not just checked - works qualitatively, but has no permanent protection and may not be updated. To do this you need to download the new version, which is issued daily.

Download Dr.Web CureIt!

7) PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition













As stated on the official site:

"With PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition you are protected against the most nefarious cyber-threats attempting to gain access to your PC and personal information. Going online without protection against the latest fast-spreading virus and worms, such as Netsky, Mytob and MyDoom, can result in infections within minutes.

Once infected, the virus will usually attempt to spread itself to your friends, family and associates by accessing your email contacts and networked PCs. The infection may also allow hackers to access files on your PC, use it to launch attacks against other computers and websites or to send mass SPAM email".

Download PC tool Antivirus

This short overview of free downloadable antivirus complete. I hope the one who does not want to pay for their security will find a suitable product. Those who want more and appreciate their own safety, it is better to buy an antivirus, without compromise.

See more:
Main types of computer viruses
What is a virus
What is Antivirus Ratings

Share