What is the best anti-virus? New test results released.

Updated September 2010:

We often recommend AVG Anti-Virus because it has good virus detection without slowing down your computer like other security suites do. However, AVG nor any other Anti-Virus software catches 100% of threats. The best offense is a good defense – read Don’t rely only on Anti-Virus software to keep your computer virus-free.

Sometime I compare protection for your car with protection for your PC. If you have all the best protection for your car (seat belt, multiple air bags, etc.) and then drive your car off a cliff, you’ll likely be killed. Similarly if you have all the best security protection on your PC and then install a malicious program on your computer, you’re likely to get your computer infected.

Historic tests of anti-virus products reveal that a majority of the programs detect 70-90% of known viruses (reactive detection), and 50-70% of unknown viruses (proactive detection). Since no program has a 100% detection rate, practice good defensive computing behavior to help prevent viruses.

AV-comparatives also conducts regular tests of anti-virus products. Their test results can be found here.