Free Antivirus & Malware removal software

My top 3 recommendations for Anti Virus programs

A. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Quote:

Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. Microsoft Security Essentials is a free* download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and always kept up to date so you can be assured your PC is protected by the latest technology. It’s easy to tell if your PC is secure — when you’re green, you’re good. It’s that simple. Microsoft Security Essentials runs quietly and efficiently in the background so that you are free to use your Windows-based PC the way you want—without interruptions or long computer wait times.

I actually switched from AVG to this on the count of the reviews i read for it online , so far lives up to all the hype, uses very little system resources, run its scans in the the background ( like all should) but you can barely feel it running. Completely free

B. http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage

Quote:

AVG Free provides you with basic antivirus and antispyware protection for Windows and is available to download for free The most downloaded software on CNET's Download.com Free protection against viruses and spyware (antivirus and antispyware Fast, effective security that is kind on resources Compatible with Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP More http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage#ixzz12OJFojlc

Probably one of the most popular Anti Virus suites around. I have used it for years, really cant complain. Catches virus almost instantly although it is not the best program for catching malware.Also when running scans if you have a older system , you will notice a lag. Not so much on newer machines but i can notice it. There is a free version and a paid version. Paid version ups the malware protection, never used it so cant speak on it. If you want to go free a popular free suite this is the one.


C. http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus


Honestly never used avira so cant say much. Have heard its good.


2.Anti Malware/ Spyware programs

Your second line of defense, Anti Virus programs catch 99% of the problem but there is that 1% that can slip in, most machines now that are destroyed are no longer done so by viruses but by Trojans and other malware. Make sure to run these scans at least once a month.

My top 3 recommendations for Anti Malware/Spyware


A. http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Quote:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is an anti-malware application that can thoroughly remove even the most advanced malware. It includes a number of features, including a built in protection monitor that blocks malicious processes before they even start.

The BEST program of it class. Whenever someone ever complains to me about there computer have a virus. I install and run this and catch tons of Trojans and other things. No issues with program. Light on resources does its job perfect. I would run this at least once a week.

Another great thing about this program is its support forum. IF you do catch something you can post in the community and get tons of detailed help

B. http://download.cnet.com/Spybot-Sear...-10122137.html

Quote:

Spybot - Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware, a relatively new kind of threat not yet covered by common anti-virus applications. Spyware silently tracks your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile for you that is transmitted without your knowledge to the compilers and sold to advertising companies. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you haven't intentionally installed, if your browser crashes inexplicably, or if your home page has been "hijacked" (or changed without your knowledge), your computer is most probably infected with spyware. Even if you don't see the symptoms, your computer may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm giving it a try to see if something has invaded your computer.

This program i use as a back up precaution when running scans on machines, not the best in the world but does a good secondary job. Keep this around in cases of emergency only .

C. http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/

Quote:

Scan your computer with HijackThis version 2.0.4 to find settings changed by spyware, malware, or other unwanted programs. HijackThis version 2.0.4 is now Windows 7 compatible. It generates in-depth log reports for Windows-operated systems, including Windows 7.

Probably one of the most slept on programs around . Hijack this scans your registry files and them reports and deletes errors . ONLY warning with this is if your not sure about messing with registry tread lightly before erasing stuff, because you can do damage to your machine. Thankfully they too have a great community that you can post and get help

You can also use this website http://www.hijackthis.de/ ( which is what i use cause sometimes you dont get an answer right away on there site ) . Just copy and paste your report log in that site and it will tell step by step in color coded answers what to erase and what o keep