I'm sure this is brought up quite a bit and the sticky posts I've read seem to be pretty dated on all the forums I've visited. Would like to get some opinions on what people consider to be the best Antivirus programs and why. I just want the best protection with one package and sticker price is not an issue.

Thanks!

Mod Edit: Topic moved to more appropriate forum~ TMacK

There is no right or wrong answer here really. For every negative someone will find a positive and there is no 100% every time applcation.

I would suggest that you first decide if you want a free product or a paid for product and then it's a case of what you are happy with.

My choice is Avast for free and Nod 32 for paid but others will have different opinions.

Why - low resouces used and good write ups. I also like the way the look and operate.

Same here.

Independent comparatives of Anti-virus Software
click on the "Comparatives" link on the left
Comparison of Anti-virus Scanners
TopTen Review: 2007 Anti-virus Software

Of course these types of comparative testing results will vary depending on who is doing the testing, what they are testing for, what versions of anti-virus software is being tested, etc. There are no universally predefined set of standards/criteria for testing and each test will yield different results. Thus, you need to look for detailed information about how the tests were conducted, the procedures used, and data results. Then you have to consider the features offered by each anti-virus program, the amount of resources utilized and how it may affect system performance.

NOD32
Tried'em all and never had to reformate due to a virus in the 3 years I've been using NOD32.

I agree with Avast for free. But I'll stick with my paid Kaspersky. And as far as NOD or Kaspersky. It almost becomes a Ford vs Chevy argument. Each have their camps.

The best part is almost all good paid AV's have a try before you buy period to see if you like it. And free?? Well, it's free......

What ppl often forget is, that as well as good protection, it's just as important that your av can co-exist with whatever else software you got running.
Only way is to experiment.
I have stuck with ZA for a long time now and that software firewall runs very well with kaspersky av. That would be my favorite choice for a safe solution combination av-firewall.
Nod32 runs well to, but it has several conflict problems with other software, games in particular. Online games.
Norton is a dinasour dying a well deserved and glorius end. Stay away from that.
As I said, it depends a lot on your setup.

My cents.

I know this is off topic but just so you and others are aware.

In many cases, online gaming sites are infested with a smörgåsbord of malware that can lead to other sites where malware is lurking. These types of sites are an increasing source of malware which you can inadvertently download without knowledge or consent. Users visiting such sites may see innocuous-looking banner ads containing code that can launch annoying pop-up ads and change the home page settings of your browser. Further, gaming sites can put you at risk to fraud, phishing and theft of personal data.

Why online casinos and online poker rooms can be hazardous

How did I get spyware on my computer?

Spyware: 2004 Was Only the Beginning

How does malware get onto a computer? (scroll down)

Even if the gaming site is a clean site, there is always the potential of some type of malware making its way there. Innocuous-looking banner ads can contain code which trigger pop-up ads and Flash ads have been reported to install malware.

Dangerous Malware Detected on MySpace, Bebo, Photobucket and More

Advertiser Sneaks Malware into Flash Ad

Dangerous Malware Detected through Flash Advertisements

MySpace Attacked by Flash Worm

Ads are a target for malware writers because they offer a stealthy way to distribute malware to a wide range of Internet users.

More off topic.
Definate it is so, like it is with so many other online services/sites, as you point out.
No av or precautious surf habits can keep you safe from that. Some av's can keep you safer than others.
My personnal expirences with nod32 and games only include single-player offline.
The online problems are admittedly from 2nd hand hearsay.
Just so you know I wasn't really talking about online poker, more like wow and games like that.

But you are completely right and I appreciate you point it out.

This is some very helpful information from all of you. Thank you so much!!