free anti-virus software?

[JasonSobel]

hey folks, what's recommended for free anti-virus software?

I currently have three machines (old desktop + old laptop, both on WinXP), and a HT computer running Win 7, and none of them have any anti-virus software.  I've basically been fine, but with a new computer (Win 7 64 bit) on the way to replace the old desktop, I figure it might be time to get anti-virus software loaded onto it.

any suggestions?

[Brian Skalinder]

I use and like Avast.  Small footprint @ 4 MB, definitions and app updated regularly, easy to configure.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

Microsoft Security Essentials has been good to me.

[OOK]

Go to:            http://www.majorgeeks.com/

on the right hand side click on the top free picks...... you will have a choice of several.  I use AVG free edition.... 
there are also other neat free tools....  I also use iobit 360 for malware... and the iobit advanced system care.....

between the 3 I catch alot and they keep my machine running great.....

peace ook

[Gordon]

I've used AVG free for years.  Recently though it has become quite the resource hog!  Not huge by any means but there is no reason to have 8-10 running services at all times.  I changed all our machines to Avast and love it so far!  As Brian said very small footprint.

I also use and recommend malwarebytes free addition.

[T-90]

fwiw....ive used AVIRA for years with good results

[JasonSobel]

Go to:            http://www.majorgeeks.com/

on the right hand side click on the top free picks...... you will have a choice of several.  I use AVG free edition.... 
there are also other neat free tools....  I also use iobit 360 for malware... and the iobit advanced system care.....

between the 3 I catch alot and they keep my machine running great.....

peace ook

ok, I'll bite.  if you use AVG free edition for viruses, and iobit 360 for malware...  what exactly is the difference between a virus and malware?  not the same thing?  why do you need both?  and what does the "advanced system care" program do that the other two pieces of software don't?

[jamroom]

I use and like Avast.  Small footprint @ 4 MB, definitions and app updated regularly, easy to configure.

It's kept me safe for a good number of years now.

[OOK]

Go to:            http://www.majorgeeks.com/

on the right hand side click on the top free picks...... you will have a choice of several.  I use AVG free edition.... 
there are also other neat free tools....  I also use iobit 360 for malware... and the iobit advanced system care.....

between the 3 I catch alot and they keep my machine running great.....

peace ook

ok, I'll bite.  if you use AVG free edition for viruses, and iobit 360 for malware...  what exactly is the difference between a virus and malware?  not the same thing?  why do you need both?  and what does the "advanced system care" program do that the other two pieces of software don't?

I have found what one may miss the other will catch....  The advanced care has two levels of care....
The quick care does the following: malware scan, fixes registry issues, short cut fixes, Privacy sweep, and deletes junk files.
The Deep Care does the following more indepth:  malware scan, registry fixes, short cut fixes, system optimizer, privacy sweep, deletes junk files, disc scan, sets up passive defenses, scan for vulnerabilities then fixes them, disc defrag.

it also does realtime monitoring and suggests when to run a scan to keep you computer running at its peak....actually all 3 do real time montioring...


peace ook

[newplanet7]

superantispyware free edition does the trick.

[Chuck]

Microsoft Security Essentials has been good to me.

me 2

[JasonSobel]

thanks for the replies everyone.

I got the new computer built, and up and running yesterday afternoon/evening.
and I've got Microsoft Security Essentials loaded and running smoothly.

[EarlyMorningRain]

Malwarebytes and Microsoft Security Essentials.

Both have small foot prints and also do not conflict with each other.