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Study names Avast Free the most popular antivirus

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On July 12, 2010, 8:50 PM

A new study by OPSWAT suggests that free antivirus applications outrank paid versions in popularity among users. While not shocking, it's an interesting discovery considering the fact that most large system builders ship their machines with Symantec or McAfee preinstalled, leaving smaller companies to rely on after-market installs. It's unclear what percentage of the usage is consumers and how much is enterprise-based.

Avast Free is supposedly the most popular software, taking 11.45% of the pie. Avira AntiVir Personal follows with 9.19%, AVG Free has 8.6%, and Microsoft Security Essentials has carved out a handsome 7.48% since debuting late last year. Below the freebies is Avast (paid) with 5.4%, Kaspersky had 4.48%, Norton at 4.24%, and ESET NOD32 claimed 3.84%.


OPSWAT combined different version numbers for each application, but most vendors have a few separate products, which makes the antivirus software chart a bit confusing. That said, things don't change much when you look at vendors. Avast leads with 19.14%, Avira has 11.39%, Symantec takes 10.06%, Microsoft claims 9.29%, while AVG is just below that with 9%.

The research firm also graphed the location of antivirus vendors. Apparently, 52% of those in the study are European, including Avast, Avira, AVG, ESET, Panda, BitDefender, G Data and Sophos. Meanwhile, 31% are located in the US, including Symantec, Microsoft, McAfee, PC Tools and Sunbelt. Numbers aside, what's your preferred antivirus and why?

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User Comments: 56

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  1. Well, I always thought it is the AVG with the very high download rankings everywhere. Plus it doesn't require you to 'register' your free software like Avast.

    I used AVG, Antivir and Avast as free antivirus, and I'm pretty happy with Avast for the boot-time scan, simple UI and update mechanism. Version 5.0 is a very good improvement, especially for the UI and 'gaming mode'. Except you have to tick 'Load avast services only after all other services are started' otherwise it will make your startup-time significantly longer.

    And regarding the one-year key, you can just search for the key at youtube (still the free version not the pro). It works exactly the same except the key can works up to 6 years depending on your avast version.

    --- anyway pardon me for asking but how do I post comment as guest?

  2. Staff

    Log out, go to the main news article page (here's a link to this story for example), and you should see a "Guest user" option at the bottom.

  3. Nismo91: Got it. Thanks Matthew...

  4. I am a user of avast since 2005

  5. HI I would just like to set the record straight I have been using avast antivirus free version for a number of years. You need to make sure that you don't get a trial version of avast antivirus. Make sure to go to http://ww.avast.com then look for avast free version and click on the download button uder the picture of the free avast edition.

    Don't worry when you download the free avast version from this website it is free for life. The only think that you will have to do is register avast free version with a free license After that you will have to re register for another license for avast free edition.

    Ps: Just make sure you do not download a trial version because those are the ones you have to pay for when the trial runs out. Avast does have a free no charge version it is free forever trust me I now I have been with them for 5 years all ready.

    have a great day

    Avast is Avast software

    http://www.avast.com

  6. I run java script blocker, flash block, and Avast free. I'm very happy with my combo. I also recommend avast free to people who I do builds for.

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