ive used the free version of AVG for the last 5-6 years now and ive never really had any problems with viruses.... Infact i ran a virus scanner for the first time in about 12 months last week and only found 6.

AVG

We got free Microsoft Security Essentials after our McCrappeeAffee expired, would recommend.

The free ones don't scan for anywhere near as many virus's as the paid ones do, thats why its free, its just a sample to try and get you to buy their full versions which scan for all the latest vurus's which the free ones don't cover



Just because the free one only picked up 6 things it doesn't mean your pc is clear of virus's, its only scanning for the things that they programme the updates to scan for.

If the free one did everything they would go bust as they wouldn't be able to sell you there full versions as you wouldn't need them.

Its ok.... i work in IT and i 'borrowed' a good virus scanner



if the day ever comes that the free version of AVG starts letting lots of crap through, then i may consider buying something.... or 'borrowing' one from work anyway.

Which is pretty much what the magazine review expert keep saying.......dont pay for soemthing when you dont need to. A lot of these FREE progams do infact do as good as job as the paid for anti-virus software. The companies expect normally members of the public to use these free programs and then to recommend the company to "their IT people".

The companies make their money by selling packages WITH EXTRA ADD-ONS commercially to bigger organisations. Add-ons which the average man in the street does not need.

Thats why i pointed out above that for basic web browsing and just checking things like email then a free one is probably ok, if your doing other things that come with a bit more risk of getting a virus, trojan or a key logger being installed then you need good protection.

A lot of people do various downloads these days and they always come with a risk, anything you download has a risk especially if you its non microsoft or similar.

avast is great.

I've tried various of the paid over the years and TBH they slow the computer down far too much.

Also install "Spybot search and destroy"
and "Malaware bytes"

As belt and braces

Agree 100% with this.

x 2

Avast is very good - but it depends on what you're looking at

Your avatar

Sounds like Rob downloads a lot of porn.

Ive tried, i really have. Its just i couldn't find any decent Les Boyd wire downloads.

Avast and Malwarebytes is better (yes i said it) than most of the paid ones, I promise! Get these three programmes and you should never experience a problem.

No offence to Rob but he is exaggerating the truth. The free ones are just as good and better in some cases. Also, many virus software companies have a much different business plan than the one rob suggests. They prey on big companies and idiots to buy expensive and (some might argue) unnecessary software.

I'll send you a link...

As above. I would throw in Comdo Firewall, too.

Spot on jd rocket.

It makes me mad when i'm in a computer shop seeing people be fleeced for expensive anti virus software that they just don't need.

A Mac.

The best anti virus!!

:38ikj6o9

I realize it is a fishing trip but:

:38ikj6o9

If you honestly believe the reason for buying a mac is cause you don't want to get three free pieces of anti-virus software, you're an idiot.

Reasons to buy a mac include)
Having more money than sense
Having your brain removed
Trying to be 'cool' by doing what the web designer, failed writer and web designer are doing.

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.