Stop Wasting Money on Anti-Virus Software when You can get it Free
There are viruses, worms, trojan horses and malicious programs waiting to infect your computer each and every day. And though there are countless anti-virus software programs, how do we know which one to get?
When doing a search for anti-virus software, Google showed me 45,800,000 results! When doing the same search for FREE anti-virus software, it even gave me 69,600,000 results! Now I don't know how there could be more results for FREE anti-virus software than for ALL anti-virus software, but I'm sure you get my point.
When I recently suspected that my computer was infected in spite of my having anti-virus software, I did some serious research on viruses, worms, trojan horses, malicious programs and anti-virus software.
First of all, if you don't know already, most anti-virus software is advertised to protect you from not only viruses, but worms, trojan horses and malicious programs as well.
Second of all, there are many "free" anti-virus programs that aren't free. They appear to be free, considering the are advertized as "free anti-virus software downloads", but often its only the download that is free for a trial period. After the trial, they become useless, and other tahn wasting your time, they are good for little more. So make sure, when looking for real, free anti-virus software, that its really free and not just a free download.
Third of all, just because a anti-virus program costs $100 doesn't mean its good, or even any better than any of the FREE anti-virus software available for download 24/7.
In fact, while going over countless options of both free and paid anti-virus software and even more independent reviews and testamonials, I discovered that THE best anti-virus programs are free. Particularly 4 options come to mind:
Without a doubt, Microsoft is one of the biggest names in association with computers, software and the Internet.
When a company the size of Microsoft puts out software, its got to be good. This doesn't mean its the best, but I'm sure you agree, they aren't going to risk their reputation by putting out some garbage. But if you doubt me, Microsoft's free anti-virus software has received the VB100 award from Virus Bulletin Ltd., Checkmark Certification from West Coast Labs, and certification from the ICSA Labs.
The Microsoft Safety & Security Center is the most comprehensive computer protection website in the world. It includes: PC security, online privacy and safety, family safety, a wealth of information and contless resources.
It includes:
Microsoft Security Essentials
Not only does Microsoft Security Essentials offer you comprehensive, state-of-the-art protection against malicious threats such as viruses, Trojans, spyware, and other malware, Microsoft Security Essentials offers more help getting started than just about aby other anti-virus program available, free or paid.
Microsoft Security Essentials is as easy to use as clicking a download button. Once you have installed Microsoft Security Essentials your software updates automatically, making it easy to sit back and relax.
Microsoft Security Essentials runs quietly and efficiently in the background so that you are free to use your PC the way you want. When user intervention is required, clear status and recommended actions are presented to you on the home page and through application alerts, which are designed to minimize interruption. In addition, you can take immediate action directly from an alert.
Microsoft Malware Protection Center
The Microsoft Malware Protection Center (MMPC) provides world class antimalware research and response capabilities that support Microsoft's range of security products and services. With laboratories in multiple locations around the globe the MMPC is able to respond quickly and effectively to new malicious and potentially unwanted software threats wherever and whenever they arise.
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers running Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software—including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom—and helps remove any infection found.
When the detection and removal process is complete, the tool displays a report describing the outcome, including which, if any, malicious software was detected and removed.
Microsoft Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner
Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner is a free service designed to help ensure the health of your PC.
- Check for and remove viruses
- Get rid of junk on your hard disk
- Improve your PC's performance
AVG Free Anti-Virus Software is some of the best anti-virus software available.
AVG Free Anti-Virus Software is perhaps THE best anti-virus software available, with the exception of Microsoft Security Essentials, in which case I would have to declare a tie.
AVG Anti-Virus Software was rated #1 in threat detection by independent antivirus testing labs. Over 110 million people have used AVG Anti-Virus Software, though this includes both free and paid versions.
Besides the grade A quality of this software, AVG also includes free phone support, forums andmalware removal tools (though I would recomend you try Microsoft's Malware Protection Center first.
Comodo Antivirus Software provides complete Internet Security. This proactive system automatically isolates threats from untrusted files so they can't cause harm. Comodo's automates the decision process regarding blocking or allowing untrusted files, so you never have to worry about making the wrong call.
Comodo Antivirus Software frees you from intimidating pop-ups by placing questionable files in an isolated environment where they can run with limited rights allowing you to continue working. Simply Install and Forget.
Conclusion
I'm sure you know by now (or you haven't been paying attention) that there are many, many, many more both free and paid, good anti-virus software programs. The above are just MY personal favorite FREE anti-virus programs. Unless you are an Internet professional, with high stakes and a lot of money riding on your computer, the above named programs should be plenty enough protection from viruses, worms, trojan horses and malicious programs. However, if you are an Internet professional, with high stakes and a lot of money riding on your computer, I suggest you do some more research, better yet get some professional advice. In high stakes Internet security you will have increased probablility of fraud, identity theft, etc.
Should you fall victim of such criminal behavior, please do yourself and society a favor and report it to the proper authorities.
How to Report Internet-Related Crime
Reporting Internet Fraud (usa.gov)
How to File a Complaint (Internet Crime Complaint Center)
Reporting Computer Hacking, Fraud and Other Internet-Related Crime (US Justice Dept.)
Good luck and stay safe.
