[jacobthecool3000]

plz tell me what the best anti virus freeware is i am very cautious of my computers saftey. i dont want mcaffee!

[LiveBrianD]

Microsoft Security Essentials and Avast Free are both good choices. As an ondemand scanner, Malwarebytes anti-malware is good to have around.

[Flashorn]

Hey jacobthecool3000!

Welcome to PCWorld Community.

First of all, there are a few rules to follow when installing a new antivirus application.

Which ever you used in the past, have you uninstalled that previous antivirus with
the author's uninstall tool ?
You will find all of the popular antivirus uninstall tools here :

http://singularlabs....urity-software/

Please follow the instructions posted in the Info link.

IF you have used more than one antivirus in the past and did not use the author's
uninstall tool, I would recommend you do so "After" you have uninstalled the current
one and have used the Add /Remove (XP) or Program & Features (Windows Vista, 7)
to uninstall then, it's uninstall tool .

I would also recommend you download which ever one you will want to use along with all
uninstall tools required to clean out your PC of old registry keys left behind by the previous
and current antivirus applications. Then, download CCleaner to clean leftover unused
files.Piriform.com
After you have downloaded all applications to uninstall and Re-install you security:
"Please" disconnect from the Internet while you are installing and cleaning. You can then,
re-connect to have the security applications Update their definitions.

Now, the best antivirus will depend on what you expect of this application. IF you want an
ALL-in-ONE (antivirus,antimalware,firewall) you will most likely have to buy one.

On the other hand (and this is what I recommend the most) if you would rather have a
Tiered system to protect your PC then, these are the ones I would recommend:

MSE (Free) (Microsoft Security Essentials) : http://windows.micro...rity-essentials

Will have Both,antivirus and Anti-malware (antispyware)
You will not need another security application running in Real Time alongside it.
This app, will disable (upon install) Windows Defender (which is on by default in Windows 7)
It will also activate the Windows Firewall (Windows7)
You will have a secure PC. It is also recommended (as was mentioned), to have On-Demand scanners
such as :
MalwareBytes' Antimalware (free) : Download@MajorGeeks

And / Or

SUPERAntiSpyware : Download@Author's Site

The other ones I would recommend you take a look a\t are :

Avira Free : http://www.avira.com/en/for-home

This one , as the others that are only antivirus scanner, will protect you against viruses and up to a certain point
malware as well. I say up to a point because, they do not have the full capability of a antimalware in their definitions
solution. You will therefore, need a anti-malware application running in Real Time to accompany this application
along with :

Avast : http://www.avast.com...ivirus-download

Again, a good and free antivirus application but, will also need a Anti-Malware app. to supplement it's work as
a security app.

To supplement these two apps, I would recommend you buy either of the free on demand scanners mentioned
above to have them running in Real Time alongside Avira and Avast.

With these last two antivirus app mentioned, you will also need to activate the Windows Firewall or choose one
to your liking.



FLASHORN.

This post has been edited by Flashorn: 29 July 2012 - 11:45 AM

[johhny]

If you want a free version of Antivirus, you can go for Avira Antivirus or Avast Pro Antivirus.

[DavidBlum12]

All free anti-virus programs are almost the same and only provide basic protection. I personally use Avast antivirus software. It works really good for my PC.

[rascal27]

jacobthecool3000, on 29 July 2012 - 09:14 AM, said:

plz tell me what the best anti virus freeware is i am very cautious of my computers saftey. i dont want mcaffee!

microsoft essential is good and use IObit malware fighter...both works smoothly not slow down your PC....

[LiveBrianD]

You do realize IOBit has been known to steal things (anti-malware databases, for instance), right? I sure wouldn't trust them.

[TTGSteve]

A lot of people will say Microsoft Security Essentials and that's what I will say, as well. Run it in conjunction with Malwarebytes.

[cyberknight]

Avast is for now, though i was a one time AVG user. For the secondary layer use MalwareBytes. There is no need to feed it frequent updates, as it downloads the total database everytime (around 7mb). Plus no real time shield in the free version, means it will come handy only if u run a manual scan.

[sarahmsarah]

All freeware is pretty similar, I personaly prefer Unthreat Antivirus because it doesn't slow down my computer...
Like Flashhorn said, make sure you uninstall your existing antivirus before downloading a new one!

This post has been edited by sarahmsarah: 08 November 2012 - 04:13 AM

[Justin123]

If you want safe and the best antivirus then I want to suggest you Microsoft Security Essential antivirus. This antivirus protect your PC from virus, spyware and other malicious software.

[danieladdison]

Those antivirus gives good " Virus Removal Service " to me it is best for me.