NOD32 from Eset (www.eset.com) is the only tested product that has never missed a single "In the Wild" virus. Some of the features include:

• Centralized management of the resident antivirus modules and filters, automatic updates
• Integrates into Windows Explorer’s context menu, allowing quick selection of a scanning target using the right mouse button.
• Scans operating memory and check its own integrity.
• Removes infiltrations from files that are locked for writing
• Cleans, removes and quarantines infected objects.
• Automatic, internet/LAN Update module
• Centralized system of log files for all installed modules
• AMON - resident on-access monitor
• NOD32 - on-demand scanner
• IMON - Internet monitor - scans e-mails incoming via the POP3 protocol
• EMON - complementary e-mail scanner module

I tried the 30-day trial version and was impressed enough to buy the program. Although some people feel that NOD32 is difficult to set up, the only problem I had was removing the message it added to outgoing e-mail messages. That option is in the Internet module rather than the e-mail module, which threw me for a while.

NOD32 costs less than the McAfee, Panda, Trend Micro or Symantec programs, and it works just as well or better. One big advantage is that you are not locked in to an automatic renewal like McAfee and Symantec do. They require you to let them know that you do not want another year's worth of updates 30 days before the renewal date - and they automatically renew you 30 days before the year is over. Unless you are thinking 2 months in advance, you will get locked in for another year and have to fight to get your money back.

If you are thinking about getting away from the high-profile high-priced antivirus programs and don't want to rely on free programs, I recommend giving NOD32 a try. The 1 month trial is free, and you might just find that it is the right program for you.