Using the Internet is a process in which most PCs connected to online resources are at risk of becoming infected with viruses and malware. In turn, there are a large number of programs that can counter these threats. Which of them can be called the most effective?

Classification of programs for removing viruses from PCs

A program for removing viruses from a computer can be a highly specialized solution designed to search for and eliminate specific types of infected files on a PC, or multifunctional anti-virus software that includes a wide range of functions for treating an infected computer. It is difficult to say which type of software is more effective in cleaning a PC from a virus. In principle, you can always use both a highly specialized product and a full-fledged antivirus. A program for removing viruses from a computer, adapted for specific types of threats, may be more effective in cases where a large number of files are infected: simultaneous processing of them by an antivirus can overload the system, as a result of which treatment of the PC will not be entirely effective.

It would be justified to use the solutions in question if the malicious program is not actually a virus, but a script embedded, as an option, in the code of a web page opened in a browser. In this case, it may be difficult for an antivirus that is best adapted to searching for “classic” viruses to detect such a PC threat.

In turn, a multifunctional antivirus is more effective in cases where you need to find several infected files on your PC, but containing a very dangerous and difficult to detect virus. This scenario requires the program to access large anti-virus databases - those that multifunctional solutions have. But it will be useful to consider the specifics of both types of virus removal software. Let's start with programs that have a narrow specialization, that is, adapted to remove specific types of threats from a PC.

Kido Removal Tool

Among the most effective solutions in question is the Kido Removal Tool program. It is a small utility designed to search for and remove the common Conficker virus from a PC. It belongs to the category of worms - that is, it spreads through networks. The program has a console interface, generally simple in structure.

RootkitBuster

This program is adapted for removing rootkits from a PC. Characterized by exceptionally high operational reliability. Its important advantage is that it is free. The program checks a variety of areas of the operating system - boot record, registry, ports.

RecIt

Another useful program is RecIt. It does an excellent job of detecting common threats such as Trojans, in particular those that require sending SMS and block operating system interfaces. It is also controlled from the command line, but the process of using it does not imply any difficulties for the PC owner.

AdwCleaner

This software is best suited for removing malware, which is an unwanted advertising script, from your computer. As a rule, they are built into browser interfaces and greatly interfere with the user’s ability to receive information from sites.

The main advantage of the program in question is that it is free, combined with high efficiency. It is noteworthy that the interface of this software is complemented by various useful tips for the PC owner. The program updates the database of malicious scripts independently.

HitmanPro

The next popular highly specialized product is HitmanPro. Its main advantage is its speed, which is also combined with the high quality of the modules responsible for detecting and removing threats.

It is noteworthy that this solution does not require installation. The program in question works for free for 30 years, after which you will need to purchase a commercial version of the software.

Anti-Malware

Another example of successful software that falls into the highly specialized category is the Anti-Malware solution. In particular, it is perfectly adapted for searching for malicious scripts in the browser. This function of the program is assessed extremely positively by users and experts.

What is the best program for removing viruses from a computer among those that fall into the category of highly specialized solutions? The peculiarity of products of the corresponding type is that the user can test them one by one. Therefore, the PC owner can identify the most effective solution in the shortest possible time by trial and error.

In terms of basic functions and capabilities, the solutions we reviewed are generally on the same level, regardless of whether they are free or commercial.

Let us now study what popular programs there are that fall into the category of multifunctional antiviruses. They, in principle, can also be adapted to remove malicious scripts and other unwanted software, like the solutions that we studied above - but their main specialization is in searching for and removing “classic” viruses. That is, codes that are built into the structure of other programs and therefore, as a rule, potentially significantly more dangerous than malicious online scripts.

Kaspersky

Perhaps the most popular Russian program for removing viruses from a computer is Kaspersky Anti-Virus. It is characterized by functionality, reliability, a large anti-virus database, and a relatively high level of performance. This product is universal - it is perfect for most common operating systems.

Among its notable functions, in addition to protecting the PC itself from viruses, are the protection of electronic payments, control of access to sites, and the ability to emergency restore the operating system. Of course, the standard and most popular functions, such as, in particular, scanning disks, removing viruses from the computer at startup, monitoring harmful scripts, are also implemented and performed at the highest level in Kaspersky Anti-Virus.

The most common tests of antivirus solutions - conducted, in particular, by experts from Virus Bulletin and Dennis Technology Labs - show the highest efficiency of the Russian program - more than 90%.

Doctor Web

Another well-known Russian brand is the Doctor Web program for removing viruses from your computer. This solution is among the pioneers in the domestic market of antivirus solutions. The Doctor Web development team has extensive experience in creating algorithms for protecting PCs from various types of threats.

The main advantages of the Dr Web virus removal program:

Prompt updating of virus threat databases;

High performance with a relatively low load on operating system resources;

Clear and convenient Russian-language interface.

Among the disadvantages of the solution under consideration is the ability of some outdated software versions to cause freezes and crashes in the OS. However, the latest installations of Doctor Web, as users note, function without any problems.

NOD 32

The next popular antivirus product is NOD 32. Its main advantages are speed, excellent quality of threat detection modules, functionality, and the absence of high requirements for system performance.

Some users sometimes note that the antivirus is overly attentive to the files being scanned - when the program signals the presence of a virus in a harmless file due to the fact that the structure of its code contains algorithms similar to those characteristic of malware.

BitDefender

The next well-known program for removing viruses from your computer is BitDefender software. As in the case of Kaspersky Anti-Virus, this solution allows you to control access to sites, as well as protect electronic transactions. Regarding performance, the software in question itself works quite quickly, and also includes a PC acceleration function.

Some difficulties in using the program in question may arise due to the fact that its interface is not Russified. But the basic functions that this solution offers can be easily used by Russian users. It is noteworthy that the brand manufacturer of the antivirus program in question is organizing promotions in which you can get a distribution kit of the corresponding software for free six-month use.

360 Total Security

Another popular program for removing viruses from your computer is 360 Internet Security Solution. Its main advantage is that it is free, combined with the highest efficiency. Thus, Virus Bulletin tests show that the antivirus copes with more than 87% of tasks. The program in question for removing viruses from a computer—reviews from many users confirm this—is convenient. This is due not only to the presence of a Russian-language interface, but also to the well-thought-out menu structure and functions of the solution. The antivirus software in question has the widest range of capabilities to protect your PC, programs running on it, and remove malicious files from your computer.

Avast

The next common program for removing viruses from your computer is Avast. This software is available in both paid and free versions. Its main advantages are a high level of virus detection using signature algorithms. The user is recommended to use the enhanced protection mode provided by the antivirus in question - it allows the program to conduct even more effective monitoring of the appearance of malicious files on the computer. If the corresponding function is not active, the level of protection against viruses may be significantly reduced.

The program in question for removing viruses from a computer can monitor threats both on the PC’s hard drive and in the software interfaces used by the user when going online. Some experts consider this software to be quite difficult to set up - but, as reviews from specialists and users on thematic portals show, not everyone shares this point of view.

Comodo

The next notable program for removing viruses from a PC is produced under the Comodo brand. It is characterized by a high level of proactive PC protection. Equipped with a module for blocking unsafe connections - a firewall. True, it is not as strong as users note in terms of ensuring the protection of data entered using the browser. The program in question, according to many experts, has a rather complex interface. However, the fact that it is free and also has all the functions demanded by modern users determines its highest ratings from PC owners.

Norton

A program for removing viruses from a PC, produced under the Norton brand, is also among the most effective solutions. Its main advantage is its speed, accompanied by the highest level of protection for the operating system.

Another nuance characterizing the antivirus software in question is that, as a rule, the user does not need to enter any settings manually. The program has very well-developed modules to ensure autonomous operation.

G Data

The next popular solution is produced under the G Data brand. Its main advantages are an exceptionally high level of threat detection using signature algorithms. This is predetermined by the fact that the program uses 2 anti-virus engines at once. However, this feature implies a fairly high load on computer resources.

Which antivirus is the best?

What is the best program for removing viruses from a computer on the Russian and global software markets? It can be noted that the solutions we reviewed are generally comparable both in functionality and in the quality of protecting your computer from virus threats. The fact that some of them are free does not predetermine a significant deterioration in the performance of the corresponding types of software in comparison with commercial products.

Thus, we have considered, in principle, the best programs for removing viruses from a computer, and the choice of a specific one will, rather, be determined by the subjective preferences of the user, as well as his financial capabilities. The main condition for proper use of their capabilities is installation separately.

We noted above that those programs that fall into the category of highly specialized, in principle, can be used in turn at the same time. Moreover, some of them do not actually require installation. As for antiviruses, it is highly undesirable to install them on your PC at the same time. This will significantly reduce the quality of work of each distribution, there will be false positives, and there will be an additional load on PC resources. In turn, highly specialized solutions and multifunctional antiviruses are in most cases quite compatible - they can be used simultaneously. It is possible that through sequential selection of combinations of antivirus and software adapted to remove specific types of malicious code, the user will identify the most optimal combination of programs, from the point of view of his own needs.