In what can only be described as one of the most egregious abuses of the Google AdSense program, antivirus vendor McAfee has hijacked the good name of BitDefender. Insult is then added to injury - the BitDefender antivirus software is called a "virus" in the advertisement appearing on Google.com. The ad copy reads "Remove Bitdefender virus. Clean your PC if already infected" and links to the mcafee.com website. The sponsored link appears when a search for "BitDefender" is performed using the popular google.com search engine.

Antivirus software is must-have protection. This review picks the best antivirus software based on its virus detection abilities, features, and breadth of protection. Whether you're seeking total system coverage or an ala carte solution, each of the following products provides superb virus protection for Windows-based PCs. Because every system is unique, evaluate several of these antivirus products to find the software best suited for your PC and your level of experience.

Though fewer viruses have been written specifically targeted the Macintosh OS, Mac viruses do exist. Cross-platfrom threats, such as many of the Office macro viruses, can also be a problem for Mac users. The following antivirus software is well-suited to defending Mac users against the threat of viruses.

Today's malicious code does not just target your computer--it targets you. Criminals who traffic in stolen credit card numbers and identity information increasingly use viruses and worms to snare victims.

An online virus scanner should never be considered a substitute for an installed antivirus scanner. But if you suspect your installed antivirus is missing a threat or you simply want a second opinion, an online scanner can be a valuable adjunct to security. Each of the following online scanners are considered best-of-breed and can offer important adjunct protection.

The Internet makes it possible for a new virus to spread around the globe in only minutes. Antivirus software is one of the single most important pieces of software on your system. While many new systems come with antivirus software pre-installed, it may not be the best choice for your needs and it most certainly is out of date by the time it's delivered to your home.

It takes more than just antivirus software to prevent infection. Fortunately, following the few simple steps outlined below can provide a good measure of security in very little time.

F-Prot Antivirus is top-notch protection, though perhaps more suitable for users already experienced with antivirus software. Manufacturer's Site Pros

NOD32 is a solid performer, easy to use and with little impact on system resources. Version 2 builds on the product's past accomplishments, remaining true to a singular theme - virus detection.

Norton AntiVirus is best suited for newer systems with large amounts of available drive space and plenty of memory.