Anti-Virus software are one of the MUST haves for a computer user, there are a lot of commercial products available to choose from but the free/alternative products are equally popular and effective. Here is a list of five popular free Anti-virus software
Avira Antivir
Avira is one of the best freeware Anti-Virus Software around. Ranked No.2 at downloads.com with 981,521 downloads is known for its high detection rates and low system resources usage. Version 9 has a better interface with more detailed information. It allows QuickRemoval that eliminates viruses at the push of a button. Also gives protection against phishing, spywares and adwares. The scanning is a bit slow. Also every time it updates its definition shows a nag screen to upgrade to premium. Installation is straight forward, gives an optional subscription to the news letter, uncheck if you don’t want to subscribe. Avira Antivir has a huge user base. Its completely free for personal use and a dependable anti-virus software for protecting home computers.
AVG Antivirus
AVG Antivirus is the most downloaded software on CNET’s Download.com with 1,405,030 downloads. It is one of the most used antivirus applications worldwide. Protects against viruses, spyware, adware and trojans. It integrates into the web browser giving real time link scanner protection against poisoned web pages while surfing. Tabbed navigation makes it easy to use. It uses less system resources while scanning or when running in the background. By default, the application is set to search for new virus definitions daily which is a recommended setting for stronger protection but if you want you can use the scheduling tool to change this. AVG Antivirus is Free for personal use.
AVAST Antivirus
AVAST Antivirus is one of the popular Antivirus software, its lightweight, doesnt hog much system resources and pretty fast in scanning. FREE avast! antivirus Home Edition includes ANTI-SPYWARE protection, certified by the West Coast Labs Checkmark process, and ANTI-ROOTKIT detection based on the best-in class GMER technology. Daily automatic updates ensure continuous data protection against all types of malware and spyware. Has a huge user base of over 80 million users. Its boot-time antivirus scan feature helps detecting viruses and worms during the system startup. AVAST Antivirus is free for home users.
PC Tools AntiVirus
PC Tools AntiVirus is another free AntiVirus software thats protects against the most nefarious cyber-threats attempting to gain access to your PC and personal information using its real-time protection IntelliGuard™ and comprehensive system scanning. Its rapid database updates, IntelliGuard™ real-time protection and comprehensive system scanning to ensure your system remains safe and virus free. Features Include:
* Protects your PC as you are working, surfing and playing
* Detects, quarantines, disinfects and destroys Viruses, Trojans and Worms
* IntelliGuard™ protects your computer against threats in real-time
* Automatically checks for frequent updates against the latest threats
* Best of all it’s FREE. No catches, limitations or time-limits.
Comodo Antivirus
Comodo Antivirus comes combined with Comodo Firewall as Comodo Internet Security. It is another light weight antivirus software with a fast scanner. It eliminates ALL known Viruses, Worms and Trojans from desktops and networks. It constantly protects with real-time On Access scanning. The Built in scheduler feature allows you to run scans at a time that suits you. Daily, automatic updates of virus definitions helps keeping the system secure and virus free. Its easy to install and use with no license fees or hidden costs.
