Does anybody really know what the best free anti-virus software is?
I recently had a virus in my computer. I brought it to PC World to get my computer fixed. I asked the technician in PC World what was the best anti-virus software to download as I was thinking of using Microsoft Essentials. He told me not to use that but to use AVG instead. Then I came on here last week to ask a question and most people on Yahoo Answers were telling me to use Avast!
Why are there so many conflicting views??
September 12th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Different people may have different opinions as to which free antivirus programs are the best, as well as which antivirus programs they prefer to use.
In order to be protected from computer viruses and other malicious files or programs, I would suggest that run frequent antivirus scan, as well as frequent antispyware or antimalware scans.
Also, people should use caution when opening e-mails, attachments, and files from people that they don’t know, as well as not use Peer-To-Peer file sharing programs to download things, such as music, as there is always a chance of your computer getting infected with a computer virus or other malicious file or program.
If you need a free antivirus program, I would recommend that you try using Microsoft Security Essentials, which can be downloaded from the link below.
http://Microsoft.com/Security_Essentials
In addition to running frequent antivirus scans, I would also suggest that you run frequent antimalware scans.
If you need a free antimalware program, perhaps you should try using MalwareBytes, which can be downloaded from the link below.
http://MalwareBytes.org
Both of these programs are free and do not require that you pay to renew any subscriptions.
Also, perhaps you should try using Mozilla FireFox, which is a free browser that is safer than Internet Explorer and can be downloaded from the link below.
http://Mozilla.com
Good luck and I hope I helped you!
September 12th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
you forget the Avira :). Chose the one who have a nice design . All thes free anti-virus does the same job.
September 12th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
It all depends on your experience with each anti-virus, there is no such a thing as a perfect free anti-virus, that’s why there are so many conflicts. But i head that Microsoft Essentials is the ‘best’ out there right now for free, with my on experience of Microsoft, i would not recommend to use it. But AVG is no doubt one of the best free anti-virus out there, and also is Avast. Try getting AVG/AVAST and Malwarebytes for anti-malware/spyware
September 12th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
I liked avg’s interface much more than avasts when i used it. One test i saw showed avg with one of the best detection rates but more false positives than other programs.
either way you should have two because no antivirus is perfect download which ever one you want and a secondary anti-malware program like malwarebytes and it wont matter.
September 12th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Everyone has their own opinion, I’ve tried many and I like Microsoft Security Essentials and have had no problem with it.
September 12th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
its down to personal preference, most people prefer avg or avast i have tried both and i am now sticking with AVG.
But i would rather listen to a pc technician than to a group of people who may just be pc users(who may have some pc experience like myself)
September 12th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
The bast free package is to install the following:
AVG free
Zonealarm Free
Spybot Search and Destroy
AdAware
September 13th, 2010 at 12:02 am
If your primary means of protecting your computer is so-called antivirus, then your computer is essentially unprotected.
You can harden security by using a limited user account, using Firefox with NoScript, and just generally informing yourself about social engineering attacks.
More details here:
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntucat/windowssecurity
September 13th, 2010 at 12:31 am
Just personal opinion of course. I use Avast , I have also got superantispyware and Malwarebytes. I recently changed to Comodo firewall which seems fine and I seem to boot up quicker. They are all free for personal use and I have had no trouble with Viruses Trojans Hackers etc. I also use Windows Defender from the Microsoft site. It is safe to use two anti-spy products but never use more than one A/V as it can cause conflicts. You should run A/V and anti spy weekly.
September 13th, 2010 at 12:39 am
Hi.I use Macafee.It is free for me because I am an AOL user. If you are an aol user you will get it for free.Or you can use Kaspersky free trial.That one is better.
September 13th, 2010 at 12:46 am
The answer is no.
Programs from the pack of best vendors are always different in bits, but the scope and quality of protection they provide is basically the same (or veeeeery similar).
Check out cnet’s popular links and you’ll see what people really think and what they actually download.
As i always say, choose the program that suites you best personally (looks, options, etc.), the quality is always guaranteed.
Popular downloads:
http://download.cnet.com/windows/most-popular/3101-20_4-0.html?tag=rb_content;contentNav
Ratings by users and editors:
http://download.cnet.com/windows/3150-20_4-0.html?filter=licenseName%3D%22Free%22|&filterName=licenseName%3DFree|&tag=ltcol;narrow
September 13th, 2010 at 1:38 am
I LOve AVIRA Antivirus. Using since last 2 years and have no problem.
What so ever Antivirus u use , MUST IS TO KEEP ITS DATABASE UPDATED.