Best FREE Antivirus Software?

[120inna55]

My nephew's laptop was recently infected and has now been fixed. However, I noted that his McAfee (OEM bundled w/his laptop) was long expired. I asked him why he hadn't updated it. He said it was because he couldn't afford it.

After telling him he could scrape up the change to protect his computer as opposed to blowing it like a child, I realized he's, well, a child (even though he's 18).

I've heard some things about AVG Free. Is this a good option, or is there something better out there?

Thanks.

 

[Bobby]

I've never used AVG but I used Avast. Avast works quite well, and is free.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

I swear by AVG, been using it for years and has always worked very well.

 

[mogera]

I've never used AVG but I used Avast. Avast works quite well, and is free.

I also recommend Avast.

 

[qwert1515]

I swear by AVG, been using it for years and has always worked very well.

I also have been using AVG for many years and I recommend it.

 

[mruk69]

I recommend Microsoft Security Essentials, it is very good. It will scan for virus's, trojans and spyware. Best of all it has a real time scanner and is constantly updated.
I have tried avast several times in the past and find it to be a memory hog.
I have also tried AVG, in my experience I got too many false positives.
Alvira was good, did not hog the memory,but when it updated the definitions, you get a pop up suggesting to buy the premium version.

 

[Larry1]

I use the combination of Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes (resident/paid version). Works great for me so far. Malwarebytes has instructions on their forum for configuring it to work with anti-virus programs. Was simple to configure. Remember you need more than just virus protection to keep your computer running. Malware can cause just as many problems and some of it will not be caught by the virus scanners.

 

[No_Brains]

i also use AVG. never had an issue with it and it works great. just bought a brand new laptop and instead of purchasing norton or mcafe, i download avg.
you can go to freeavg.com and download it

 

[120inna55]

Thanks for replies. I ultimately went with Avast. My main rationale was that since AVG & Avast both have good reputations, it was my understanding through my research that AVG nags every now and then, while Avast does not. I understand there's a way to hide AVG's nags, but I opted for the easy way out. The interface is simple.

I've cleaned up my nephew's laptop, uninstalled McAffee and installed Avast along with Malwarebytes (an essential that I already was aware of), and I've returned it to him--a happy camper.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

 

[Stargazer]

I have used AVG for several years and it had worked quite well for me. I install it on everybody else's computers as well that I see have no anti-virus on their computers.

 

[hopton]

Avira Antivir is usually one of the top free antivirus programs listed in comparison studies. It does have a nag screen to upgrade to premium, but a quick goodle search on how to disable the nag screen will easily take care of that! I have used Avast, AVG, and now Avira. While I didn't have any problems with any of them, I like the UI of Avira best and it uses very little resources and scans screaming fast!

 

[navychop]

I have used AVG for several years and it had worked quite well for me. I install it on everybody else's computers as well that I see have no anti-virus on their computers.

You mean you'll touch the UNCLEAN? Don't approach with a thumb drive in your hands...

 

[JoeSp]

I have used AVG in the past and the only problem is that it is a basic virus scanner -- no spyware or malware in the free program. If you want that support from AVG you have to purchase the full product.

The only program out there that is free and does it all is Microsoft Security Essentials.

 

[navychop]

And how good is MS Security Essentials? Highly thought of?

 

[donaldelee]

Avast best free antivirus

After using numerous free antivirus programs I recently had the opportunity to research different programs, and the Avast was the leader. I also recently, had the opportunity to place the Microsoft Security Essentials on both of my computers, a XP, and a Vista. Windows Security Essential will not play well with the Windows Defender, on either the Vista, or the XP. Although, they are Microsoft programs, I was surprised that they had a conflict. If two children can not play together, you will have to separate them.
So, I installed Avast, and ran the Windows Defender together with each other. The review I watched indicated that Avast was no more of a resource hog, than, any of them. And, all of the free programs are actually better than the paid ones. Meaning, they use less CPU.

 

[kvhollis]

Avast is what I use on all of my machines plus any customers I work with as well.

 

[KAB]

Avast...set it and forget it.