Best free anti-virus program?

[Bamafan3723]

I looked for some older posts on this but they are all about 6 years old. I have always used AVG but am tired of it and it kills my processes. What is everyone's opinions on the best free anti-virus programs? I want something that will do the job but not suck up all my processes at the same time. Any suggestions?

[dickey1331]

I use AVAST and really like it. Haven't had any problems with it

[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: Best free anti-virus program?

If something sucking up your processes, you need more RAM in your PC. Check your ISP provider some of them give away free anti virus for being a customer. Like currently Comcast gives away Norton for free to their customers.

[slickdtc]

Ew Norton.

Go Avast! Worked great for me while I had it. Currently have Vipre because a family member paid for it, it works too but when I expires I'll go back to Avast.

Had AVG at first but definitely liked Avast more overall.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Best free anti-virus program?

I use Avast. Used to use AVG, but a couple of releases I wasn't a fan of.

http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?tag=main;pop

[Moses Shuttlesworth]

Re: Best free anti-virus program?

Not using one currently but Avast has always been my go-to.

[Yrogergj24]

Re: Best free anti-virus program?

My family was always one of those people that spent money on Norton, until somebody recommended the free Microsoft Security Essentials, however seeing all the Avast posts here have got me curious, so I probably will install it on my laptop once it gets fixed.

[mb625]

Re: Best free anti-virus program?

I use CCleaner and that works fairly well for me.

[st67]

You want lightweight? Try Microsoft's. It's free, lightweight and actually works pretty well.

[Sandman42]

Re: Best free anti-virus program?

Microsoft Security Essentials. AVG is way too bloated nowadays. Avast is alright, but MSE seems to use less resources.

Also CCleaner isn't a virus scanner. It cleans up the registry on your PC. You have to run it manually so it won't prevent viruses.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: Best free anti-virus program?

After some recommendations in another one of those threads, I switched over to MSE. Couldn't be happier. It does its job, and I barely even notice it's there.

[shugknight]

Re: Best free anti-virus program?

Best free?

MalwareBytes. Proven to get rid of all infections.

Cons? They provide no real time protection unless you pay for it.

Pros? They have great deals every other month that is $10 for a lifetime key.

If you want actual real time protection, go with (gasp) Microsoft's Security Essentials. It's actually a really good program that I'm actually shocked they haven't started charging people for licenses.

Malwarebytes also just released a new free program called Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit. It's basically protection for programs that you use that might have exploits that viruses can get to (cough*java*cough) This helps for programs that developers don't create patches for to help fix these called exploits (cough*IE*cough)

So my advice would be..

Install Security Essentials
Install Anti-Exploit
Install Malwarebytes and try to run a full scan every other week.

If you think your system is infected, let me know and I can give you pointers on how to get rid of the crap on there.

Another TIP..

AVOID ALL BIG NAME COMPANIES SUCH AS NORTON's.

[mikenoob]

Re: Best free anti-virus program?

I run a combination of Microsoft Security Essentials, MalwareBytes, and Spybot S&D.

[dpmx21]

I use bit defender. It isn't free but it is the best av I've had. It's worth a buy.

[mb625]

Re: Best free anti-virus program?

Also CCleaner isn't a virus scanner. It cleans up the registry on your PC. You have to run it manually so it won't prevent viruses.

Ah... shows what I know.