AVG

and, by far, the most expensive. Hardly the 'free' the OP was asking for.

There's a common saying for that, 'A fool and his money...' I believe.

If you wanted complete AV protection, install Linux, Ubuntu is popular at the moment but CentOS is just as good - and they're both free.

But as for the original question, go with Microsoft Security Essentials, it's completely free (and there isn't a paid upgrade). Generally though, just don't run dodgy crap and you wouldn't need AV at all. Malware bytes is good for when you do install something you shouldn't though. (Also free to a home user).

As for the nonsense of paid vs free versions, you get the latest AV database with both versions, otherwise people who tried the free would never buy the paid (as they'd assume it doesn't work). AV companies that offer a free version generally sell extras that you may or may not need in the premium version and are generally aimed at businesses as they usually include central administration.

In the past i used to use the AVG free virus scanner, it was in the days when i was pretty clueless with PC's. It seemed to be great but with the free version it didn't come with a firewall so i bought the paid version which was the full internet security.

Anyway, i installed it and ran the virus scanner just to make sure everything was working fine. On the paid version it found 2 virus's that the free version never found, how would you explain that ? It was only a day or 2 previously that i had run the free scanner where everything was clear, i had only been to normal safe websites inbetween like the bbc sport website, rl fans and sky sports etc.

Like i pointed out above, the free AVG is just a virus scanner, thats pretty pointless really as you need to stop virus's before they get onto your pc as they could do all sorts of harm before your virus scanner has picked them up.

Free is fine for basic computing as long as it includes a good firewall, if you do downloads or streaming then you need very good protection. Ive never had a problem with Kaspersky internet security, it always seems to be up the top when being reviewed or tech awards are being dished out.

71 would probably fit the 2 categories of

1. Having more money than sense
2. Having your brain removed

You may be on to something JD

i do both downloads and streaming and have never had any problem at all.

I'm taking it as a given that everyone has a firewall.

Kaspersky is over the top for anyone but the professional user. Avast is fine.

if you really want to remove risk of virus then go linux but it can be a pain to use.