I have been using Avast! for about 2 years and it has always been updated on definitions but for some reason it wont pickup adware and viruses that other scanners I have used have.

What I wanted to know what is some good Antivirus software that doesn't slow down your system that can scan files in real time like avast with the web/email/scanners. I don't mind paying a fee but I want something better and I have no clue whats good. I am running 32 bit Windows XP SP2.

Based on testing results, Avast always comes near the bottom. It isn't really the best software out there.

The best software out there, in my opinion, is NOD32 from Eset. The price isn't too bad either.

However, if you want something free, go for Anitvir by Avira. The Personal Edition Classic is free. Antivir has done really well in recent tests and matches up to NOD32 and outperforms well known software like Norton and Mcafee. The one annoyance is that everytime updates are downloaded, an advert is displayed on screen (an advert advertising Avira software). If you wanted to upgrade to a more feature rich version that includes spyware detection, then the cost is very low.

Hope this help.

I was going to purchase NOD32 but I wanted to know what was the difference in ESET Smart Security and ESET NOD32.

Does the ESET Smart Security come with NOD32 or is it extra software like for adware and firewall?

I wasn't aware of Smart Security, but I've just had a look and it is more of a security suite than the standalone antivirus program. It contains antispyware, antispam and firewall.

Smart Security costs £39.99 whereas NOD32 costs £26.99.

Like I said in my previous post, I highly rate Antivir, it's a much improved product and has performed and sometimes out performed NOD32 in comparative tests, so the choice is yours.