New computer: What are the best anti-virus and spyware programs? Free?

[Jemshads]

Okay, Norton keeps popping up and getting in my face, presumably to sign up for their paid service via a free "trial." Is there an anti-virus I can get for free that works well?

And what about anti-spyware?
_________________________
valuepointdistribution.com

 

[gamerk316]

On the free side, Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is about all you need. While some swear by Avast! or NOD32, there is very little reason to go for paid AV protection anymore.

 

[JDFan]

AVG Free edition is a very good overall protection suite and does a good job of protecting your system while remaining fairly unobtrusive.

Also what Internet provider do you use ? they usually also include anti virus - spyware tools for free with your internet service subscription nowadays !

For Example

AT&T Yahoo! Mail automatically scans all incoming and outgoing email attachments for known viruses. We use industry-leading Norton AntiVirus software, so you don't have to do a thing. Download the attachment and wait for that reassuring message "No Virus Threat Detected." If a virus is detected, it will be cleaned if possible, and you'll be given further instructions.

 

[nikorr]

Get this combo : )

Avast or Microsoft security essentials, Malwarebytes and Comodo Firewall : ) All 3 are pretty light on system. And Comodo is the best free firewall!

http://www.avast.com/en-us/index
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials
http://www.filehippo.com/download_malwarebytes_anti_malware/
http://www.filehippo.com/download_comodo/ select install FW only

 

[sosofm]

Avira Antivirus free edition and Lavasoft Ad-Aware free edition and Malwarebytes.

 

[Onlyusemeisaac]

AVG was the best 2 years ago. Avast! was the best last year. This year Lavasoft's Ad-Aware free has pulled ahead in its detection capabilities. Only talking about free-editions here of course.

 

[DXRick]

I still pay for Norton Internet Security Suite. The latest version has been significantly improved to be less intrusive on the system. I just believe that they are still better at identifying new threats as they come out and supplying updates for them. However, I buy it from a reputable seller off of Ebay for a lot less than they charge.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

* Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free

* Superantispyware Free Edition
http://www.superantispyware.com/index.html

* Avast Free Antivirus
http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?part=dl-85737&subj=dl&tag=button

These 3 ^

[:aford10:8] to the forum!

 

[lookerup]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/antivirus-performance-benchmark,3045.html

 

[scout_03]

take nikorr and area 51 reopened answer there are the best choice

 

[gamerk316]

AVG USED to be a good AV program, now its the new Norton: Slow, bulky, and not particularly effective.