Best Free Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is used to protect computers from all kinds of viruses, worms, trojans, and malware. Many antivirus software programs are quite expensive. Many think that the free antivirus programs are just as dependable and effective as their paid counterparts. And there are plenty of free or no cost antivirus programs available for immediate download on the Internet. Here are a few of the best free antivirus software programs that their users claim are very effective at preventing or removing viruses, worms, trojans and any malware that might have invaded the computer.

Free Antivirus Software

Avira AntiVirus Software - First let's start with negative points and the only negative points I've found while using the free antivirus software. Here goes...every few minutes a pop up is displayed on the screen to remind the computer user to download the latest virus file. Plus, the program displays annoying popup ads asking the computer user to buy the premium edition. Well, the minor interruptions are tolerable in exchange for a great antivirus program. On the positive side the program does not hog computer resources, scans fast, and catches viruses that other programs missed. The interface is also easy to understand.

AVG 9.0 Free-AVG's scanning speed is a bit slower than the previous software. One thing I liked about this antivirus program is it's easy integration with the computer's email program, checking for viruses, worms, malware as the email is downloaded to the computer. The program also scans links on webpages for malicious programs. On demand scans are easy and the programs schedules regular scans. The negative: The program does display an ad at the bottom of the program asking the computer user to upgrade to the premium edition.

Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Security Essentials is a new player on the block. Users report that the antivirus program does a fairly good job at detecting malware, viruses, and worms. The scanner is a bit slow and no match for the faster antivirus programs previously mentioned. Download this program if you are looking for a good basic antivirus or want a backup antivirus program.

PC Tools Antivirus - PC Tools Antivirus Free Edition is gaining great popularity and it is free. It's performance is not as good as the other free programs. According to PC World Magazine, the free antivirus leaves the door wide open for many forms of malware because of an old style detection process. Another negative is that the program does not automatically schedule scans.

Commodo Internet Security - This software is packed with a free antivirus program and a firewall. Firewall installation is optional. This program is not as efficient as many of the other free antivirus programs and had problems even detecting basic malware programs. And the program has an annoying tendency to disrupt the computer with pop-ups when a virus or malware is detected. Asking the computer user to check the box to tell the program which action to take. This can be bothersome when surfing or in the middle of an important project.