Having a quality antivirus program on your computer system is an absolute necessity in this day and age. The number of ways that viruses, spyware, hackers and the like use to enter and infect your system is growing daily. Infected email attachments, pirated movies, hacked websites, infected ‘free’ software or a multitude of other seemingly ‘safe’ tasks can soon see your computer as a host to one of these nasties.
Regardless of the potential damage that these viruses may cause, most people don’t wish to pay out the yearly fees to use a top shelf antivirus program, so what other options are there.
A free antivirus of course!
Now the tricky bit; with so many claiming to be the best free antivirus, who can you believe. Here is our take on the Best Free Antivirus software programs.
1. Avast Free Antivirus
From install to scan to threat removal, this easy to use tool will happily take on the task of keeping your system free from viruses and has been given the tick of approval by independent test labs. Definitely our number one choice.
2. AVG Free Antivirus
One of the most prolific antivirus packages getting around, this feature packed software provides anti-virus, email scanner, identity theft protection and more to keep your computer and your identity safe while surfing the net. With lots of features comes a bit of a learning curve but once mastered, this tool will provide excellent protection.
3. BitDefender Antivirus Free Edition
Noted by users and independent labs alike as having one of the most robust virus engines around, this free version of the paid BitDefender is a basic but powerful antivirus that does manual scans well, just don’t expect ANY bells or whistles
4. Panda Cloud Antivirus Free
This lightweight antivirus is a free version of a paid product and does miss out on a few features but still maintains the same level of virus detection. It is also certified by independent labs.
5. Avira Free Antivirus
This incorporates a toolbar which provides an anti-phishing tool and ad blocker, albeit at the cost of replacing your default search engine, and an antivirus program. Virus detection rates are high but the user interface can be a little tricky to get a grasp of. Lab certified.
6. Zone Alarm Free Antivirus
Another lab certified piece of software and a free version of its paid big brother. Pros are the ease of use and built in firewall, Cons are the daily (versus the normal hourly) updating of the virus database meaning a potential 24 hours of exposure to new virus threats.
7. 360 internet Security
A relative newcomer, this program uses three antivirus engines to deliver accurate detection ratios and has received independent certification. Simple to use, its only other function is a malicious website blocker.
What do you think of our list? Have you used a different program that offers superior protection and isn’t included? Leave a comment below.
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