[Closed] Free anti-virus advice and recommendations needed

Avast

Microsoft Security Essentials

MSE

Buy AVG if you have been happy with the service for the past 2 years

AVAST!

why do you need to borrow AVG from work, they do a free version

http://free.avg.com/gb-en/get-basic-protection

aciclovir 400mg twice daily as a preventative against genital herpes...

MSE you phool!

MSE is the one true way.

AVG used to be the best, back in version 7 days. These days, meh.

Avast is alright.

Whatever you choose, you -must- uninstall AVG before installing another AV product, or they'll fight.

Yep, MSE.

online Free Anti virus software doesn't appear to include anti malware (I think this is standard across them all) , so I recommend downloading free Avast and free Malwarebytes.

MSE includes a basic malware component. For belt and braces, I'd suggest MSE and Threatfire. Malwarebytes is first port of call for spyware detection and removal, but the realtime scanner isn't free.

Or just stop installing random shit from the web and giving yourself malware in the first place!

I just have avast! on my machines. I don't bother with a software firewall or anti-malware. Just not needed if you are sensible.

Agree with Graham - it's all about you; not the computer.

Don't visit sites likely to harbour nasty viruses (bit like not visiting people with nasty viruses!)
Don't sit there logged in on your computer with an "administrator" account - save that for special occasions
Don't install software you don't know the provenance of. This ESPECIALLY goes for pirated software - hey, they don't do it out of the kindness of their hearts, kids...

I recently decided to install ClamXAV the other week on this 18 month old computer, just out of interest - 500,000+ files, no viruses.

Rachel

I don't look at naked lady action on the internet (assuming that's a main area for problems) and have free Avast, but got some problems a few months back. I'd had no problems for over a year with Avast, but something got in my computer and Avast was stopping it communicating, but hadn't stopped it getting on my computer. I did an Avast search and it found nothing. I downloaded Malwarebytes and did a search and it found 2 trojan horses. Not had a problem since with free Avast and free Malwarebytes.

The people who advise on paying for AV on this thread really shouldn't be giving advice on a subject they clearly know nothing about.

A fool and his money may be easily parted, doesn't mean you have to make the OP a fool also.