How to Benchmark an AntiVirus Software
We just installed Windows 7 in our brand new PC that we build ourselves. There are heaps of antivirus software out there, avast, panda, avg, etc. We would like to balance between speed and security.
When we talk about speed, we want to have an antivirus that does not consume too much CPU. In term of security, we want to to have an antivirus that can scan emails, downloads, and a rich virus database.
Does anyone know a good way to benchmark an antivirus CPU consumption, and a way to compare different antivirus's virus database ?
Solution 1:
Well, you could install each antivirus on a fresh install of windows, find some test files for detection and than watch Task Manager or create a set of performance monitors in Windows...
There are a lot of AV's out there and it would consume some time, though I would applaud your efforts and would like to see your findings.
I would recommend looking at reviews from CNET or AV-Comparatives (several sources) to come to a informed conclusion.
I recommend starting at av-comparatives.org, I have found the comparisons unbiased, thorough and reliable.
Solution 2:
Well you could get the trial of each AV scanner and on a fresh install of Windows test it's general performance and CPU usage while scanning. Then go some where like http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/mdl.PHP and start going to the domains listed there, you are guaranteed to start getting some virus's from any website on there. Just keep track of which domains you go to and mark down which scanner finds virus's from which website. Alternately there are a few databases which catalog and make virus's available for download (I'm not posting these on a public forum). Then rinse and repeat.
I feel like the above method is very time consuming.... so you could also go to AV-Comparatives and read their in depth reviews. They are great source of AV comparisons and benchmarks and they run these tests every quarter so the comparatives are quite up to date. This will also save you a boat load of time.