Free antivirus for windows 7

[AlexC]

Hello,

I´m installing Windows 7 32 bits in a new pc and i intend to uso Comodo firewall without HIPS, Opera for general browsing, and Malware Bytes and SuperAntiSpyware as on demand Scanners.

I want to to use a free anti virus but i dont now witch one, besause i heard about some new versions. So, should i use Avira Personal 10, Avast 5 free, or AVG 9 free? Which one is the most complete? thanks a lot in advance! :thumb:

[southcat]

Hello.

For free Antivirus, I would recommend Avast but If your computer always stay online maybe you also can consider "Panda Cloud Antivirus".

Also don't forget "Sandboxie", it can provide greatest protection when you surfing.

And you said that you disabled Comodo HIPS, so you might need one HIPS ?


Regards
southcat

[adik1337]

for a free av you can't go wrong w/ either avast or avira ...

[AlexC]

Thanks for the quick answer!

I´m trying to use a "set and forget it" security setup because the computer is for for family use. So i need to cut in some more complicated security applications, like HIPS and sandboxing... Thats why i need to know which free av offers the more complete protection along with Comodo firewall; or if is there any other better better free and very simple security setup. Thanks!

[doktornotor]

-{ Quote: "
I´m trying to use a "set and forget it" security setup because the computer is for for family use. ... Thats why i need to know which free av offers the more complete protection along with Comodo firewall" }-

Well, I'd definitely forget about Comodo being "set and forget it" thing. Will never be.

[JoeBlack40]

-{ Quote: "Well, I'd definitely forget about Comodo being "set and forget it" thing. Will never be." }-
;D :thumb:
Only for advanced users.

PS.Careful OP to not turn this thread A vs B.;)

[southcat]

If you want it simple, i think Avast and spyware blaster worth to be considered. But that is another things is some of the users they don't download, play games and only surfing popular website like google, yahoo,.... but their computer still got infected because from USB (thumb drive, Portable HDD, SD card,...) . You might want to consider how to defense USB ports.

Regards
southcat

[CiX]

Dont forget Microsoft Security Essential;)

[linuxforall]

Avira is top notch followed by Avast and MSE, all of them would protect your system well and for free.

[iravgupta]

Would not recommend Antivir Personal for a set-forget setup. Main reasons -
1. Inability to configure default actions in the guard.
2. Notifier during updates.
3. Occasional update glitches.
As of now avast! is just too good.

[Brocke]

-{ Quote: "Would not recommend Antivir Personal for a set-forget setup. Two main reasons -
1. Inability to configure default actions in the guard.
2. Notifier during updates.
3. Occasional update glitches.
As of now avast! is just too good." }-


agree, id try Panda Cloud AV, Avast 5 free or MSE. Avast 5 is the most complete AV for free right now. and does its job really well.

[BuzzStone]

Just use MSE and Win7 firewall and you are all set. That's all I use and never a problem.

[AvinashR]

Use whatever you feel better. You cannot wear everybody's shoes.

[JerryM]

My signature shows my preferences. When the trial of Avast Pro is over I will go to the Free version.
I would not be anxious with any of the most used freebies; AVG, Avira, or Avast. The one which runs best on your system is the best for you.

Regards,
Jerry

[linuxforall]

-{ Quote: "Would not recommend Antivir Personal for a set-forget setup. Main reasons -
1. Inability to configure default actions in the guard.
2. Notifier during updates.
3. Occasional update glitches.
As of now avast! is just too good." }-

But in detection Avira is tops, as for default actions, its a moot point so yes Avast is very good, Avira its not yet.

[RejZoR]

AVIRA is good, but also requires user to know files well, because generic detections often missdetect stuff. And you don't want casual user erasing half a system just because AV has so aggressive detection.

[The Hammer]

-{ Quote: "AVIRA is good, but also requires user to know files well, because generic detections often missdetect stuff. And you don't want casual user erasing half a system just because AV has so aggressive detection." }-A friend of mine routinely installs Avira on people's systems that have very little security knowledge and hasn't run into this yet. Also Avira had very few FP's on the last on demand test at AV-Comparatives. But it's a point worth considering if true.

[lubieplacki]

I think you can install Avira AntiVir Personal, Microsoft Security Essentials, Avast 5, Panda Cloud Antivirus, Immunet. You need make a personal tests, you need to try everyone and choose the best.

[Noob]

Panda Cloud AV or Avast! 5 would be my options.
Avira gave me too much problems in my friends 2 laptops.

Comodo is good if you know what you're doing :D

[AlexC]

Thanks all for the replies :)

I´ve installed Avast 5 free, Comodo (firewall only), MBAM and SAS (both free).

My previous setup, in another computer, was Avira 9 free and CIS in proactive defense. I was very happy with it, but now i need a more "set and forget" setup, thats why i´ve changed.

[JerryM]

-{ Quote: "Thanks all for the replies :)

I´ve installed Avast 5 free, Comodo (firewall only), MBAM and SAS (both free).

My previous setup, in another computer, was Avira 9 free and CIS in proactive defense. I was very happy with it, but now i need a more "set and forget" setup, thats why i´ve changed." }-

I think you have as good "set and forget" setup as is available.

Regards,
Jerry

[gery]

i gave avira another try and i am disappointed that it still would not update when started . Uninstalled it and back to Avast free. I like the set and forget set up

[acr1965]

I gave Avast 5 free version a whirl and it is better than I ever expected. The configuration ability is much better than most other av's. It also runs light and smooth on my system. Running it alongside Prevx and everything is going well. So far Avast 5 free version is very close to being the best av I have ever used- free or paid - and I have used them all.

[webbit]

i know free is good, but shop around, buying security direct from vendors is exspensive, i got a 5 user kaspersky licence for 7.99 from our local book shop, 2009 version, upgraded to 2010 and although look complicated really i have never had to alter anything. You pay for what you get.
I do think the best free one is MSE

[gery]

I do think the best free one is MSE" }-
well you are not allowed to say such a thought here;D ;D ;D :thumbd: :thumbd:

[The Hammer]

-{ Quote: "I do think the best free one is MSE" }-
well you are not allowed to say such a thought here;D ;D ;D :thumbd: :thumbd:" }-
I think you can. What you can't say, if I understand correctly is that your choice is better than (insert name of competitor here).

[Sher]

Avast Free will do better than MSE.

[raven211]

-{ Quote: "Avast Free will do better than MSE." }-

Oh great, that was very informative... please avoid these types of comments.


1. It's not based on anything written in the same post.

2. This thread is about MSE and what to run with it alone, not other AV software.

3. A vs. B threads are forbidden. :dry:

[The Hammer]

-{ Quote: "Avast Free will do better than MSE." }-
It's easy to tell when someone hasn't read the whole thread.::)

[AlexC]

Just another question: since i´m running avast free, is it worth to turn on Windows Defender (considering the additional layer of protection i get Vs the resources used)?

(PS: I´m currently running, besides Avast, Comodo (Firewall only), MBAM and SAS (free versions, for on-demand scanning), and i intend a "set and forget it" setup)

Thanks in advance!