Thread: Best Free Anti-Virus

Tried using several antivirus for the past years (all free version) and some of the includes Avast, Avira, AVG, Kaspersky and they seemed to work fine but after a while, I don't think that they really do the job. My laptop became sluggish and scanning doesn't even help. Then a friend of mine recommended Malware Bytes and that's what I'm using right now It does the job and can really delete trojans and other harmful malwares.

What about you? What antivirus are you using?

I think Malware Bytes works well in conjunction with other programs. It's not really an anti-virus. I use it alongside Kaspersky, which I love. I used the free one in the past, but I have the paid one now, since it offers a lot of nice features. We buy it around the holiday season, since it can usually be found on sale at heavily discounted prices. Try Newegg or Amazon if you're interested.

If you want to stick with free, the ones you named are fairly popular. I think some of those are only trial versions though, aren't they?

Originally Posted by Gamesha

I think Malware Bytes works well in conjunction with other programs. It's not really an anti-virus. I use it alongside Kaspersky, which I love. I used the free one in the past, but I have the paid one now, since it offers a lot of nice features. We buy it around the holiday season, since it can usually be found on sale at heavily discounted prices. Try Newegg or Amazon if you're interested.

If you want to stick with free, the ones you named are fairly popular. I think some of those are only trial versions though, aren't they?

Yes the ones that I've used are the free versions, including Malware Bytes. I'm really satisfied with it and I never use another anti-virus since I've installed Malware Bytes on my computer. Anyway, I haven't heard of Newegg though but I'm gonna check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!

Originally Posted by Mojari

Tried using several antivirus for the past years (all free version) and some of the includes Avast, Avira, AVG, Kaspersky and they seemed to work fine but after a while, I don't think that they really do the job. My laptop became sluggish and scanning doesn't even help. Then a friend of mine recommended Malware Bytes and that's what I'm using right now It does the job and can really delete trojans and other harmful malwares.

What about you? What antivirus are you using?

Avast has been the best for me ever since I started using android device and a laptop. At the initial stage, I was making use of NetQin but I discovered it wasn't that strong and effective in affording my system the adequate protection it requires against virus.

My best antivirus is called Common Sense and I've had it installed in my head ever since I realised how careless you can be without realising it. Downloading software from public torrent trackers like The Pirate Bay is pretty risky. It's important to install programs slowly, as if you don't you could agree to installing some nasty third-party adware and toolbars. Lots of companies rely on people rushing through an installation as they get paid for installing this crapware.

Generally speaking I think the web is safer nowadays. Many browsers have strong defences against malicious code. Some take it too far and try to handhold you and guide you away from safe sites they're erroneously flagged as dangerous. My general policy is: "When in doubt, Google!" I'd probably recommend Avast though.

I've never considered installing antivirus on a phone and haven't needed to either.

I am using Panda, Advanced System Care, and Malware Bytes myself. All of them are free but I have the pro version on ASC.

I have been using all three for about 3 years now together and I think it is a great combo.

(I also use Ccleaner as well)

Vitamin-C?

Originally Posted by Mantis

My best antivirus is called Common Sense and I've had it installed in my head ever since I realised how careless you can be without realising it. Downloading software from public torrent trackers like The Pirate Bay is pretty risky. It's important to install programs slowly, as if you don't you could agree to installing some nasty third-party adware and toolbars. Lots of companies rely on people rushing through an installation as they get paid for installing this crapware.

Generally speaking I think the web is safer nowadays. Many browsers have strong defences against malicious code. Some take it too far and try to handhold you and guide you away from safe sites they're erroneously flagged as dangerous. My general policy is: "When in doubt, Google!" I'd probably recommend Avast though.

I've never considered installing antivirus on a phone and haven't needed to either.

I generally frown upon antivirus protection but since my PC got a virus, I have been very careful to push my distaste aside. I am using the free version of Avast, which I don't think is helping at all. When it spots a malicious file all it does is give a notification and scan the PC automatically. If I am surfing, it will break connection to the site and navigate to the homepage. It does nothing to combat the viruses though. I regularly install games on my PC and you can understand why I am not a fan of games. With games, a 1kb file may cause the entire thing not to play. Antiviruses always seem to find something wrong with my games. I was using Kaspersky but after it expired, I did not renew it.

Originally Posted by Mojari

Yes the ones that I've used are the free versions, including Malware Bytes. I'm really satisfied with it and I never use another anti-virus since I've installed Malware Bytes on my computer. Anyway, I haven't heard of Newegg though but I'm gonna check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!

You might want to try Spybot Search and Destroy as well. It finds things that Malwarbytes doesn't find. I'd get a complete AV program though, in my opinion, especially if you work online, stream a lot, etc. If you ever get a virus, trojan, etc. it's a pain to get rid of.

I got a great deal on Kaspersky at Amazon, although the free version is good too. Some mentioned Avast, but it never did a thing for me.

As for downloads, you can save your file and scan it before opening it. Right click and Malwarebytes will give you the option.