Best Free Anti-Virus Software

WANT TO INSTALL BEST FREE ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE?

Read below before you do so.

Antivirus (or anti-virus) software is a computer program (human designed and written) to detect, prevent, and takes action to disarm or remove malicious software programs (malware), including computer (software) viruses, worms, and trojan horses. Such programs may also prevent and remove adware, spyware, and other forms of malware.

In short computer viruses are deliberately designed to interfere with computer operation, record, corrupt, or delete data, or spread themselves to other computers and throughout the Internet.

Recent and intelligently created software sits in your CPU, or cleverly embedded in your opreating system, so hard that you have no way but to either use an anti-virus software to remove it.

There are times when and where you need to reload the entire operatin system again. And at times, the remedy is to best reformat your hard disk (CPU hartd disk memory) and reinstall the operating system. It is also recommended that you do not click yes or OK to anything that pops up in your screen. Experts would recommend you to only accept or agree any downloadable programs from trusted sources.

If possible, do not download anything you are not familiar with. Read the forum or discussion boards about any complaints about the software you may intend to download. Always delete your cookies (temporal memory area/ cache) too.

AVG FREE

AVG has been a popular free antivirus option for Windows users for a number of years. It provides solid protection against viruses and other malware, and there's no registration required. Virus definition updates are automatic, and scheduled scanning is supported. Version 8 ships with the optional AVG Security Toolbar, which may be a good idea for some users. It provides security ratings for known websites and provides a little added protection in your browser – a place some users desperately need it. Be sure to watch for the toolbar install and opt out if you don't want it.

Avira

t's rated highly for fast and accurate scanning, and is easy on system resources. AntiVir's simple interface and solid protection make it a good choice for novice users. One bothersome aspect is the nag screen that appears periodically to remind you about Avira's paid product.

BitDefender

Another lesser-known (but solid) option is BitDefender. In addition to virus and malware defense, BitDefender also includes a privacy protection feature that monitors web traffic and outbound mail for possible breaches. Its scanning engine is fairly speedy and detection rates are on par with more well-known software.

ClamWin

Clam is not a realtime virus scanner, meaning it won't notify you the instant an infected file gets saved to your hard drive. Because of this shortcoming, ClamWin is probably not a good choice for novice users. It does, however, support scheduled scans and integrates with Windows Explorer so you can manually right-click and scan files. It also integrates with Microsoft Outlook and can remove infected attachments automatically.

Comodo Internet Security

Comodo's free antivirus application comes as part of their Internet Security suite. Comodo's firewall software has always been very well-respected, but you can choose to only install the antivirus during the install if you prefer. It's a solid performer, with good scanning speed and detection rates, and few false positives. Like AVG, Comodo packages a toolbar (called safe surf). It'll also prompt you to change your homepage, so just make sure to uncheck the boxes if you want to opt out.

Immunet Protect

Recently launched, Immunet pushes the same advantages as Panda: low resource utilization (CPU/ram), no need to download giant definition updates, and the collaborative power of community cooperation. It's worth noting that only application installs are monitored in realtime by default. To activate application launch protection, open the program's main window and head to the settings screen.

Microsoft Security Essentials

The latest addition to this list, Security Essentials is the free follow-up to Microsoft's popular OneCare. While it's a very basic antivirus program, it provides a very good level of protection without bogging down your system. Like the other titles on this list, SE updates automatically and it can also perform scheduled scans as often as you like. It's still a beta release, but is very stable and I've not noted any problems with it so far.

PC Tools Antivirus

PC Tools are the same people that produce Spyware Doctor, one of the most popular anti-spyware applications around (though not my personal choice). Its interface is simple and easy to understand for novice users, though advanced users are likely to be frustrated by the lack of more sophisticated options that are available in other free programs. Scheduled scanning is supported, as are automatic definition updates.

Rising Antivirus

Even with the regal lion face logo, Rising hasn't garnered a lot of respect yet. Still, those who do use it seem very pleased with the protection it provides and also report that it's easy on system resources. A complete scan with Rising is a bit more sluggish than with more popular options, but most of you probably run scheduled scans when you're AFK anyway – so it's not a big downside. It's regarded as a good choice for non-technical users.

Spyware Terminator

Spyware Terminator isn't an antivirus program on its own, but you can choose to integrate ClamWin during the setup process. Unlike installing Clam on its own, pairing the two applications provides realtime virus protection. It's regarded as a very good anti-spyware application, though reviews are mixed on its ability to handle antivirus duties. As with AVG and Comodo, a toolbar install will be offered during the setup process.

Kaspersky

Another option is highly regarded by experienced users and endorsed by famous movie icons, i.e Kapersky. The Kaspersky scanning engine is licensed by a number of other companies that provide antivirus software. Trial versions last 30 days.

Symantec Norton AntiVirus 2009 Latet Version

Symantec has been listening to its users, and this year the company delivers a slimmed-down and faster Norton AntiVirus 2009. Almost all the security vendors this year have recognized the changing threat landscape and have rethought traditional protection. Norton Antivirus 2009 is available as a full-function download, free for 15 days.

Trend Micro

Trend has been a truster choice in coporate environments for a long time, though their PC Cillin software for consumers isn't as popular as some other tites. It's still a solid choice and provides good protection. Again, 30 days to try it out.