Best Free Antivirus Software
Installing and using adequate antivirus software is a must if you want to remain safe while your computer is connected to the internet. No matter how careful you are, viruses and malware can slip into your computer, forcing you to spend hours removing them or formatting your hard drive and wiping out your data. But with that in mind, it’s also a must to use good internet surfing and computer-using habits and protocols if you want to stay protected against all the threats out there.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to protect your system against viruses. In fact, you don’t need to spend anything at all. Our top picks for anti-virus software effectively detect and remove computer viruses, use minimal system resources, and are completely free to download and use. Even though they are free, these programs offer protection on par with paid antivirus programs, albeit with less advanced features and customization options. Here are the best free anti-virus applications based on their detection rate, ease of use, and speed.
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Why it's best:
AVG Antivirus has been the premier free antivirus program for quite awhile now. What’s made it so popular and highly regarded over the years is that it’s reliable and features most options and capabilities you would need in an antivirus suite. And best of all, you get a...read full review
Why it's a best pick:
Previously code-named “Morro,” Microsoft Security Essentials is a newcomer in the antivirus software field. Though it’s new, this antivirus suite performs admirably in a host of tests. It features a high detection rate with a low incidence of false-positive matches. It... read full review
Why it's a best pick:
Avast Home Edition provides great protection against viruses and malware. It guards both your PC and your network from malicious threats using multiple shields and has several options to customize the protection of your computer. Various windows allow one to tweak Avast Anti... read full review
Why it's a best pick:
Avira AntiVir is a great freeware antivirus program that regularly posts top marks in antivirus tests. It has a great detection rate of viruses but has an occasional annoying habit of returning false-positive results in tests. For most, false-positives will not be an issue, ... read full review
Why it's a best pick:
Comodo Internet Security is not just an antivirus program but a full security suite that includes a firewall and a few other helpful programs. It’s easy to install and has an interface that’s full featured but not intimidating to new users. The one-two punch of antivirus... read full review
