Free or By Antivirus software

I have just bought an Acer AS5750 and guess it wolud be better to get another Antivirus app. in addition to windows. But which is actually best bought or free. I don't intend to do anything dangerous and would describe myself as an average user. Please give me examples (by the way I was warned against Norton by 2 local shops but it seems to be respected in your list).

Thanks

Stewart

PS I am guessing that going forward in order to keep the speed up I should keep memory useage down and regularly defrag, if you've any points that would be a good habit in future please let me know.

 

I use Avast free edition.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/Avast_Free_Edition_d1968.html

I have not had any problems with it in 3 years, my only complaint is that it talks to you when it updates but that's a small price to pay for security.
As Laura said do not wait to install an AV because until you do you are open to attack.

 

Hello,
From your description of browsing habits, I think any of the following free antivirus programs would be fine. Personally I use avast! but use the one you are most comfortable with. Go to their web pages and see what they are about. If you decide on Avira, I would recommend that you do not install the WEBguard component with the ASK toolbar. Avira does have a large ad pop-up when the virus definitions are updated. For a simple set and forget, Microsoft Security Essentials is good.

I would also recommend that you do all of your browsing using a Limited User Account.

Microsoft Security Essentials

Avast!

Avira Personal

 

You can turn off the sound in settings.

http://www.softandtips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Avast-sound-settings-panel1.png

 

I can't remember seeing any positive comments here about Norton, but I have seen negative comments.

Another vote for Avast Free Edition, which I'm using with Windows XP.

Here is a recent thread on a similar issue.

 

A vote to microsoft essentials security by microsoft

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security_essentials/default.aspx

light and free !! :wave

 

Make sure you check out:
Anti-Virus programs at http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads29.html

AND

Top Freeware Picks at http://www.majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=20

I used to use Avast but the size, in megabytes, of the updates got to be ridiculous, IMO.

I now use Comodo Internet Security at http://majorgeeks.com/Comodo_Internet_Security_d6234.html

This is a combined Firewall and Anti-Virus program. One of the best, I reckon.

Bazza

 

Today's update sizes. :cry
Ridiculous if you are using a download/upload limit Broadband plan.
Even more stupid nowadays, as the updates are now released 2►3 times a week.

AVG Anti-Virus Update October 21, 2011 [ 66 MB | Freeware | Win All]

Avira Antivir Virus Definition File Update October 21, 2011 [ 54.9 MB | Freeware | Win All]

avast! Virus Definitions October 21, 2011 [ 42.1 MB | Freeware | Win All]

Kaspersky Anti-Virus Update October 21, 2011 [ 119 MB | Freeware | Win All]

Ad-aware 2007 / 08 / AE Definitions File October 21, 2011 [ 145 MB |

I think they just, each time, include previously released info and add new updates. Lazy programming, IMO. I could be wrong, of course.

Bazza