Keeping your Windows computer virus-free doesn't have to cost you a lot of money. Heck, it doesn't need to cost you any money. There are plenty of good options available for those of you on the hunt for free antivirus software.
I see Avast's little blue sphere in a lot of system trays, and with good reason: it's one of the most recommended free Windows antivirus options. One nice thing about Avast is that the installer only installs the antivirus program – there's no toolbar or anything else to dodge. Definitions update automatically, scans can be scheduled, and the boot-time scan tool does a good job at uprooting even stubborn infections.
You do need to register for a product key, though Avast will never email you anything other than the confirmation message.
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. Also pay attention on the download page: free link on the left, TrialPay on the right.
Avira's offering is third on the list alphabetically and that's where it falls popularity wise on Download.com, just behind AVG and Avast. It'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. Also, on Avira's download page look on the left side for the completely free link - the right side is a TrialPay offer.
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.
The download page is a bit like Avira's, so make sure you don't use the TrialPay offer on the right unless you really want to. The free download is on the left side.
Unlike other programs on this list, 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.
You can get on-access protection with ClamWin by integrating it with WinPatrol or Spyware Terminator
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
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.
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 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.
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 applicationlaunch protection, open the program's main window and head to the settings screen.
It's worth noting that only application installs are monitored in realtime by default. To activate applicationlaunch protection, open the program's main window and head to the settings screen.
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