Best Freeware for Keeping Computer Safe and Optimized; Best Free Anti-Virus, Anti-Malware, and Optimizer Software

Keeping your computer safe and running at optimum performance capabilities is and should be a top priority for everyone who uses a computer, with all the viruses, spam, hijackers, malware, spyware, and any other malicious attacks from around the net, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
I've spent years searching for the best software to help keep everything running safe, and smooth and after much trial and error these are my findings:

Right now, I'm using Microsoft Security Essentials,, CCleaner and Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, but here are my recommendations and you can make your own choice.

1. Best All-Around Optimizer: CCleaner

I use this one all the time and have for awhile now. It's pretty simple to use and user friendly. You'll be glad you checked it out. CCleaner is the number-one tool for cleaning your Windows PC. It protects your privacy online and makes your computer faster and more secure. Easy to use and a small, fast download.

OR: Advanced System Care Free

This utility offers a one-stop-shop for cleaning and maintaining your computer for better overall system performance. I found it pretty simple to use and very thorough for a free product. There's really no need to upgrade to the pro version, so stick with the freeware and you'll be fine. Just remember to run the program every so often because if you don't purchase the pro version, you can't set up any auto-scheduling.
Here's The publisher's description of AdvancedSystemCare Free;

Slow down, freeze, crash, and security threats are over. Advanced SystemCare Free is a comprehensive PC care utility that takes a one-click approach to help protect, repair, and optimize your computer. It provides an all-in-one and super convenient solution for PC maintenance and protection. Download here from cnet.com

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2. Three best free anti-virus protection programs:
Microsoft Security Essentials, Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.377 AND AVG 9.0

• Microsoft Security Essentials- Download from Microsoft.com
  
• Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.377- Download from cnet.com
• AVG9.0 - Download from cnet.com

About Microsoft Security Essentials

This one is best for Microsoft users, and so easy to use, with realtime protection and the simplest of setups. I use this one, along with Ccleaner and Malwarebytes to keep everything running great on my PC. Here's what Microsoft has to say about it:

Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. Microsoft Security Essentials is a free* download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and always kept up to date so you can be assured your PC is protected by the latest technology. It's easy to tell if your PC is secure - when you're green, you're good. It's that simple.
Microsoft Security Essentials runs quietly and efficiently in the background so that you are free to use your Windows-based PC the way you want-without interruptions or long computer wait times.
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AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0.730: Cnet has this to say in their review:
AVG Free provides the bare necessities when it comes to security, but that should be enough for savvy Windows users. You'll get a combined antivirus and antimalware engine, LinkScanner, and e-mail scanning. Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high level of detection capability. The new 9.0 edition is faster, safer and easier to use. Download AVG 9.0 from cnet.com

Many people I know recommend AVG, and AVG is easy to use, but make sure you've got the most up-to-date version, because, as you may know, things change quickly in the computer world. I've listed three of the best for you to decide which you prefer.
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Avast Free 5, an A-list freeware antivirus app, provides the same steadfast protection of well-known, pricier antivirus programs. Avast is remarkable for both its effectiveness and arguably providing the most complete free antivirus on the market. With over 71 million downloads since it's appearance on Jan. 18, 2010, I'd say it's a good bet. I like it a bit better than AVG as it doesn't take up as much space on your hard drive and still packs a punch. Download from cnet.com

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3. Best Free Anti-malware/spyware:Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

I love Malwarebytes' software, it's so easy to use and works like a dream. The only drawback is that you have to remember to run it as it doesn't automatically run on a schedule. But hey, it's free, what'd'ya' want?
cnet has this to say, From Malwarebytes :

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is a high performance anti-malware application that thoroughly removes even the most advanced malware and spyware. With one of the fastest, most effective quick scans and malware removal capabilities on the market, this program is the perfect addition to your PC's defenses. The full version of the product includes a number of key features, including the ability to schedule updates and scans and most importantly, a real-time malware protection module that blocks malicious processes before they even start. D0wnload from cnet.com here

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And that's that.All of these are excellent programs and work wonderful, it's really just a matter of personal preference. Choose which one's suit you after doing a little research for yourself.

Make sure that after you've downloaded all of these programs, run them and set a reminder for yourself to keep up with the maintenance by checking back at least once a week to make sure all your updates are up-to-date, and scans are clean, then you're good to go. And you should have a fast running, safe and secure computer at it's optimum performance capabilities.

What are YOUR favorite anti-spyware, anti-malware and optimization programs?

Resources and Short List:

http://www.cnet.com

short list
1. Best all around optimizer: CCleaner
2. Three best free anti-virus protection:Microsoft Security Essentials,
Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.377 Download from cnet.com
AVG9.0 Download from cnet.com
3. Best Free Anti-malware/spyware: Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware D0wnload from cnet.com here