There are a few choices when it comes to security, mainly in the AntiVirus department. Some very good, free anti-viruses available to download are:
1) AVG 8 AntiVirus. Easiest interface to use, very fast scanning and doesn't lag your computer at all. Only has a 76% detection rate, but catches the most harmful of viruses. If you're a normal home user, you're not in too much danger of higher level viruses and this is the AV for you:
2) Avast! 4 AntiVirus. Smaller, sleeker skin, average scanning speed, but reports alot of safe files as viruses, so you might need to watch out for that. 78% detection rate, but alot more complicated than most other free AVs. Use this if you are handy with a computer and you know what needs to be scanned:
3) Avira AntiVirus. Simple layout, which even the most basic of users can navigate. Incredibly fast scanning, with a 90% detection rate. Not as easy on the eyes as other AVs, and you need to know what you're doing to get the more advanced features, but it is definite a candidate:
Personally I use AVG, but only because I go for the easier interface. If you are paranoid about viruses then the only real option is Avira. But if you just want normal protection, then any of the three will do it for you.
For any spyware problems, get SpyBot - Search and Destroy:
All of them are free, as powerful as paid programs, like McAfee and Norton (which only has an 18% detection rate!), and don't use up as many resources.
Just boot into Safe Mode (Press F8 when turning on the computer) and run full scans.
I have used AVG Anti Virus, Zone Alarm Firewall, Spy-bot Search and Destroy a spyware killer for years. I have recently added superantispyware. They are all free for personal use and I have had no trouble with Viruses Trojans Hackers etc. I have just upgraded to AVG free 8.0 and all seems good so far. Zone Alarm allows a lot of personal configuration unlike the Windows Firewall. They can all be downloaded from http://www.download.com/ 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. Hope this helps
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
There are a few choices when it comes to security, mainly in the AntiVirus department. Some very good, free anti-viruses available to download are:
1) AVG 8 AntiVirus. Easiest interface to use, very fast scanning and doesn't lag your computer at all. Only has a 76% detection rate, but catches the most harmful of viruses. If you're a normal home user, you're not in too much danger of higher level viruses and this is the AV for you:
http://www.free.grisoft.com/
2) Avast! 4 AntiVirus. Smaller, sleeker skin, average scanning speed, but reports alot of safe files as viruses, so you might need to watch out for that. 78% detection rate, but alot more complicated than most other free AVs. Use this if you are handy with a computer and you know what needs to be scanned:
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
3) Avira AntiVirus. Simple layout, which even the most basic of users can navigate. Incredibly fast scanning, with a 90% detection rate. Not as easy on the eyes as other AVs, and you need to know what you're doing to get the more advanced features, but it is definite a candidate:
http://www.free-av.com/en/download/index.html
Personally I use AVG, but only because I go for the easier interface. If you are paranoid about viruses then the only real option is Avira. But if you just want normal protection, then any of the three will do it for you.
For any spyware problems, get SpyBot - Search and Destroy:
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.h...
And for protecting your computer for malware or tracking cookies, use Ad-Aware 2008 Free Edition:
http://lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php
All of them are free, as powerful as paid programs, like McAfee and Norton (which only has an 18% detection rate!), and don't use up as many resources.
Just boot into Safe Mode (Press F8 when turning on the computer) and run full scans.
Hope that helps.
2
I have used AVG Anti Virus, Zone Alarm Firewall, Spy-bot Search and Destroy a spyware killer for years. I have recently added superantispyware. They are all free for personal use and I have had no trouble with Viruses Trojans Hackers etc. I have just upgraded to AVG free 8.0 and all seems good so far. Zone Alarm allows a lot of personal configuration unlike the Windows Firewall. They can all be downloaded from http://www.download.com/ 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. Hope this helps
See this really good guide on free AntiVirus software: http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-anti-vir... Choose one from here based on your personal preference.
I strongly recommend Avast Free Home Edition. at www.avast.com.
It scans files that are being downloaded so it makes our comp really safe.
AVG
http://free.avg.com/
it is the best FREE anti-virus you will find. Many people comparable to the best Anti-viruses on the market.
AVG is one of the best
and I've heard good things about Avast!
try both and see which one you like better ^^
Here is one of the best, AVG. Download the free version.
http://free.avg.com/