McAfee vs ESET NOD32 vs Kaspersky vs ....?

Kaspersky is the best of what you have mentioned, Pricey but Good. A Better Choice would be Microsoft Security Essentials. It's free and get better all the time.

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

I use Malwarebytes to remove Malware

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Malwarebytes is a site dedicated to fighting malware. Malwarebytes has developed a variety of tools that can identify and remove malicious software from your computer. When your computer becomes infected, Malwarebytes can provide the needed assistance to remove the infection and restore the machine back to optimum performance.

Malwarebytes' products have proven successful in removing malware from customers computers time and time again. Malwarebytes is constantly working on creating new products which are continuously updated to assist you in keeping your computer infection free.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is an anti-malware application that can thoroughly remove even the most advanced malware. It includes a number of features, including a built in protection monitor that blocks malicious processes before they even start.

FileASSASSIN is an application that can delete locked malware files on your system. It uses advanced programming techniques to unload modules, close remote handles, and terminate processes to remove the file. Please use with caution as deleting critical system files may cause system errors.

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I've never even heard of NOD32....

McAfee and Norton are GARBAGE. Worst anti-virus ever. They actually are, in a sense, a virus themselves. You need an external application in order to unistall them...the fact that these worthless POS are preinstalled on some systems make me sick.

Alright, my rant is over.

Personally, I use Zonealarm for my firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware. Its amazing in my opinion. Then i use MBAM (Malebytes-anti maleware) for maleware. A scan with that once a week. Its small and easy to use.

That is all the protection you need. Of course, windows firewall should be enabled to for most of the time.

Kaspersky Internet Security is the best. Do note that if you go only for Kaspersky antivirus, then you can't install any other firewall except for the default windows firewall. And if you are going only for antivirus, then NOD32 is best.

I have tried all and I will NEVER go back from Nod 32. It is by far the best of the bunch. Most protection, and fastest live scanning. It has saved my computer from death numerous times.

EVER. period