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CNET 2006 antivirus performance test scores

CNET Labs compares the performance of antivirus apps.

By Robert Vamosi (April 7, 2006)
Reviews

Testing done by CNET Labs focuses on how a given antivirus scan affects the performance of a few real-world tasks. To see how a given antivirus app performs when stopping malicious code, we recommend viewing the latest test results published by independent antivirus testing organizations AV-comparatives and Checkvir.com.

Antivirus scan impact on system performance
To determine the impact an antivirus scan has on your test PC, we chose two popular apps--iTunes 6 and Sorenson Squeeze 4--and performed common tasks such as encoding music and compressing video. While performing these common tasks, we also performed both real-time scans and deep scans with the antivirus apps. Our real-time antivirus scans didn't show much degradation. However, our antivirus deep scans did offer some interesting differences.

2006 performance tests  |  2007 performance tests


iTunes 6 deep-scanning performance
In seconds (shorter bars indicate faster performance)
iTunes 6  


Sorenson Squeeze 4 deep-scanning peformance
In seconds (shorter bars indicate faster performance)
Sorenson Squeeze 4  


Scan speed
(In seconds (shorter bars indicate faster performance))


Boot speed
In seconds (shorter bars indicate faster performance)
Read the CNET editor's take
Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2006
Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2006
PC-cillin Internet Security 2006 has a few shortcomings, but overall it's an affordable and feature-packed security suite that reliably defends against online threats.
7.8 out of 10
CNET editor's take
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F-Secure Internet Security 2006
F-Secure Internet Security 2006
F-Secure Internet Security 2006 provides reliable protection against viruses, spam, and other online menaces. Although its spyware defense needs work, F-Secure is a steadfast defender and a solid, affordable choice for newcomers.
7.3 out of 10
CNET editor's take
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CA eTrust EZ Antivirus 7.1
CA eTrust EZ Antivirus 7.1
eTrust EZ Antivirus 7.1 is a dependable antiviral crusader that's worth a look only if you're already running antispyware and firewall software.
6.5 out of 10
CNET editor's take
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McAfee VirusScan 2006
McAfee VirusScan 2006
With VirusScan 2006, McAfee greatly enhances user protection against spyware and adware threats but slows your system down in the process.
6.0 out of 10
CNET editor's take
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Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus 7.1 Professional Single Edition
Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus 7.1 Professional Single Edition
AVG Anti-Virus 7.1 Professional Single Edition is a solid, no-frills virus scanner. But you'll need to purchase antispyware software and a firewall for complete protection.
5.8 out of 10
CNET editor's take
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Norton AntiVirus 2006
Norton AntiVirus 2006
Norton AntiVirus 2006 improves its detection and removal of spyware and adware but lags behind the more proactive McAfee VirusScan 2006.
5.5 out of 10
CNET editor's take
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