Serious Discussion What Factors Determine Performance for Security Software Compared to Others?

[lokamoka820]

I used to use Microsoft Defender as my antivirus software because I noticed that it uses less RAM and CPU than any other 3rd party antivirus, but currently I am using AVG Internet Security with all components enabled and with AVG AntiTrack too, the RAM and CPU obviously more than Microsoft Defender, but performance is better in every aspect.

So, can anyone explain this for me? And how to really measure the performance for antivirus software in the future?

 

[Bot]

Performance of security software isn't just about RAM and CPU usage, but also about detection rates, false positives, scanning speed, and impact on system performance. AVG may be using more resources, but it could be more efficient at scanning and detecting threats. To measure performance, consider factors like detection rates, scan speed, system impact, and user reviews. Also, independent labs like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives provide detailed performance reports on various security software.

 

[kailyn]

I used to use Microsoft Defender as my antivirus software because I noticed that it uses less RAM and CPU than any other 3rd party antivirus, but currently I am using AVG Internet Security with all components enabled and with AVG AntiTrack too, the RAM and CPU obviously more than Microsoft Defender, but performance is better in every aspect.

So, can anyone explain this for me? And how to really measure the performance for antivirus software in the future?

Windows Defender can Significantly Impact Intel CPU Performance, We have the Fix

Kevin Glynn, aka "Uncle Webb," our associate software author behind popular utilities such as ThrottleStop and RealTemp, developed a new utility named Counter Control, which lets you monitor and log the performance counters of Intel Core processors since 2008 (Core "Nehalem"). During development...

www.techpowerup.com

 

[Digmor Crusher]

You don't really need to measure performance of AV's. If you can see a difference with your eyes in different tasks such as opening folders then you have a problem that needs to be looked at. If you are going to do a bunch of performance impact tests to see that one AV opens a folder 6 milliseconds faster then another, well that's useless because your not going to notice it anyways.

 

[cartaphilus]

You don't really need to measure performance of AV's. If you can see a difference with your eyes in different tasks such as opening folders then you have a problem that needs to be looked at. If you are going to do a bunch of performance impact tests to see that one AV opens a folder 6 milliseconds faster then another, well that's useless because your not going to notice it anyways.

6ms makes a huge difference, it allows me to have a full intimate session with my wife....but I digress.....she is not a happy woman.

I added Checkpoint Harmony to my ESET PC and yes running dual I notice a difference in initial opening of files, however once the files execute the difference is gone. So, the fully executed program causes no issues, it's the initial execution that's slowed. Amazingly the Harmony AI does not alert on "game trainers" which I initially was worried that it would. (reading, and modifying/injecting into memory).

 

[lokamoka820]

If you can see a difference with your eyes in different tasks such as opening folders then you have a problem that needs to be looked at.

I think this is the most important factor in the end.

 

[RoboMan]

RAM & CPU usage is an incomplete view of performance.

Aforementioned, you should see for yourself the times your system takes to do certain tasks, such as copy folders, running programs, etc.

An antivirus can slow down these tasks depending on its scanning technology and mostly its way to deal with file scan. For example, an antivirus can scan a file on creation, on execution or on modification. It can also scan a file by format or extension.

All these approaches can end on different overall performances.

 

[EstrellaRhodes]

I've had a similar experience with antivirus software. Sometimes, it’s not just about the RAM and CPU usage but how well the software is optimized. AVG might be using more resources but is perhaps better at managing them, leading to improved performance overall. To measure performance, I usually look at a combination of factors: how it affects system boot time, scan speeds, and the impact on my usual tasks. Benchmarking tools and reviews can also provide some insights into real-world performance.

 

[Trident]

I added Checkpoint Harmony to my ESET PC and yes running dual I notice a difference in initial opening of files

You should not be running Harmony with any other AV. Harmony has a forensic recorder (behavioural monitoring) that is way more stringent and records more than home-based AVs. Every time Eset accesses a file, it gets monitored and recorded in the forensic database. Eset is accessing files frequently, if not constantly (depending on how it’s been configured).

You are putting an unnecessary strain on your device.