[bob47]

Is there a concensus of the best free antivirus software to use with Windows 7? In the past, Avast free got pretty high marks.

Is a free antivirus program a big step backward from something like Norton Antivirus?

Thanks.

Bob

[zcaveman]

I prefer to pay for Norton Internet Security. I tried several of the free services and was not happy with them.

Z

[Regor]

Microsoft Security Essentials!!! Totally free and you never know it's running in the back ground.

[Edjkoz]

Avast is very good

[mainlander]

AVG has a free one besides their paid version. New viruses are written everyday that is why the paid versions are much better as they constantly update the known risks. Paid version do a number of things the freebies do not. Good luck,, but I think it wort5h a few bucks for better protection. Regards.

[HiHoSteveO]

If you're a Comcast (Xfinity) customer, Norton Security Suite is FREE.
Norton
Say "No Thanks" to the Constant Guard software and just get the Norton Security.

[Xavier]

Originally Posted by Regor

Microsoft Security Essentials!!! Totally free and you never know it's running in the back ground.

You betcha! Windows Security Essentials is top-notch. I've been using it since "hector was a pup" (beta release) and it has NEVER let me down. CLICK HERE to obtain your free copy from Microsoft.

Xavier

[Blackie]

Please read this review regarding Microsoft Security Essentials. This is one of many articles that have appeared over the last year or so - all saying essentially the same thing.

It is now one of the poorest performing anti-virus programs.

Avast free is far better.

Why You Should Replace Microsoft Security Essentials With A Proper Antivirus

[kellyjam]

I have used Spybot for 10 years and have been very pleased.

[Bonny]

Many years ago I had AVG. I've had Avast now for 6 or 7 years. Love it. I'm always doing something and going to different sites. Never had a virus yet !!

[gpirate]

Originally Posted by Xavier

You betcha! Windows Security Essentials is top-notch. I've been using it since "hector was a pup" (beta release) and it has NEVER let me down. CLICK HERE to obtain your free copy from Microsoft.

Xavier

I agree as well with Windows Security Essentials. All I have used for several years now and never had a problem with viruses. Best of all it is free and they update often.

[getdul981]

I also use Microsoft Security Essentials. I have in the past had something crazy happen to my computer and I can't figure it out. Then I do a system restore to a previous restore point, usually a week or so before. That has always worked so far.

[bob47]

Thanks for all the input. My Norton is going to expire tomorrow and I'll replace it for a while with Avast free version.

Just ordered from Frys, Kaspersky Internet Security, which is $75 but has $75 in rebates. Seems to be a highly rated antivirus program year after year, and maybe less of a resource hog than Norton.

Bob

[2BNTV]

I was paying for Mcafee anti-virus and it wasn't worth a dang!!!

Switched to MS Essentils and haven't had a problem yet, that wasn't caught.
Of course, I am careful, what I click on, and don't have any heavy duty use, of downloads.

Easy to use, as it runs in the background.

I also downloaded malwarebytes, the free version and it works like a charm.

Run these programs on a quick scan every week, and full scan, once per month. The MS Essential icon, will turn from "green" to "orange", if you forget, and will tell you, your PC is unprotected.

Good luck!!

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by bob47

Thanks for all the input. My Norton is going to expire tomorrow and I'll replace it for a while with Avast free version.

I had a computer "professional" come in last year to give me some tips.
He installed Avast and said the federal government uses it.
I have the free version, I'm sure the Feds have an improved version.
He told me to always use Foxfire as my browser.
I just installed Malwarebytes, but it didn't show any problems.