Chances are that if you have purchased a new computer in the last several years that you received a limited time version of Norton Anti-Virus or some similar solution.  The problem is that these solutions rapidly expire and no longer receive updates thus leaving your computer exposed to subsequent infection. 

Now, I know, there are a number of you saying that you don't do anything to put your computer at risk.. You don't visit those sites, open attachments, etc.  While those are good protection measures, you may not be aware that there are a number of new exploits that use seemingly innocuous technology such as image searches to introduce viruses and mal-ware into your computer.  In light of this, it is very important that you keep your anti-virus subscription current.

However, before renewing your current Anti-Virus subscription you should takke into consideration  the performance impact to your system.  It is not uncommon for the more popular anti-virus engines (Norton, McAfee, etc) to have a performance impact of up to 30% to 50%.  It is in this area where we look for part of our recommended technology.  We also look at detection and clean rates. Primarily due to these two factors we, at Future Reality solutions recommend  NOD32 from ESET.  This program has detection rates among the highest in the industry with the highest performance.  These two factors, coupled with the attractive pricing model are why NOD32 has risen to the top of our recommended anti-virus technologies.

An independent report on anti-virus can be found at http://www.av-comparatives.org/seiten/ergebnisse/report16.pdf.