Ask Our Experts: 64-Bit Virus Protection
Next major releases of antivirus software should offer 64-bit OS support.Narasu Rebbapragada
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I run Windows XP Professional x64 Edition but don't yet have any antivirus software. Any suggestions?
Matthew Tucker, Leicestershire, England
Senior Associate Editor Narasu Rebbapragada responds: Only a 64-bit virus can infect the 64-bit version of Windows. Luckily, at press time, no real-world 64-bit viruses--as opposed to proof-of-concept creations such as W64_RUGRAT.A and W64_SHRUGGLE.A--have yet emerged. Still, you should get antivirus protection. Several antivirus providers plan to offer 64-bit OS support in their next major releases. In the meantime, Eset's NOD32 and all editions of Alwil Software's Avast Antivirus support 64-bit Windows. We haven't tested NOD32 recently, but we can recommend Alwil's free Avast Home Edition. See "The New Virus Fighters" for information on this app.