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Free antivirus solutions for Windows

I currently have McAfee VirusScan Enterprise on my computer. This was preinstalled on my PC. (My university did a bulk laptop purchase so I got a sweet deal on my laptop. McAfee was one of the extras that were included.)

Apparently, it's getting bad ratings from sites such as Virus Bulletin and AV-Test.

Am I better off with avast's free antivirus? Is it worth considering avast! Internet Security? I currently have a three-year license for VirusScan Enterprise. I keep my software up to date using Secunia PSI and I don't click on any suspicious links.

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closed as exact duplicate by Nifle, random♦ Dec 22 '10 at 18:04

This question covers exactly the same ground as earlier questions on this topic; its answers may be merged with another identical question. See the FAQ for guidance on how to improve it.

4 Answers

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Asking questions about Antivirus is a bit like asking questions about Ice Cream... everyone has a favorite and the taste of some is just awful.

For me, McAfee was a resource hog, but rarely caused problems.

I don't trust my networks to "free" versions of security programs - they are almost always more limited than any paid version.

The exception GENERALLY being Microsoft Security Essentials.

Don't like Avira - a client had it installed and a couple weeks back I had to uninstall it because it completely killed his internet connection "protecting" him.

Symantec is AWFUL.

I've been using VIPRE and it's generally be good.

Finally, I agree - ratings and reviews for something like this... generally meaningless. Read a review, then read 12 others and come to your own conclusion. There are so many options for Antivirus, the Ice Cream flavor analogy REALLY seems to work.

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For me, AV products need to detect popular and upcoming malware before they can do any harm and do it without making my computer run like a slug. Effectiveness is not subjective like ice cream flavors if you ask me. – Pieter Dec 22 '10 at 17:38
But they are all equally effective... And by equal I mean significantly ineffective often enough. If it's not protecting you from 99% of the bad stuff, it's not good. Its better than nothing, but not good. And programs haven't protected from 99% of the bad stuff for at least 10 years. – Multiverse IT Dec 22 '10 at 18:10
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This question is subjective, but...

I wouldn't recommend either, out of the two I would suggest Avast, but my preferred free one is Avira, if you can handle the "upgrade" popups when it updates. It has a bundle of features in the free version and a good database. MSE isn't bad nowadays though...

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I prefer MSE and don't trust ratings, everyone has their own bias for whatever reason, makes sense to use the AV made by the same company that makes your OS...

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

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http://www.av-test.org/certifications?order=protection_desc&lang=en

Ceritified? worthless imho.

One can setup a review/test criteria to favor any AV they want to.

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I have noticed McAfee to cause many issues with computers. I would highly recommend people to NOT use McAfee due to its many issues reported at the data center I work at and with computer I work on through private IT. I always uninstall McAfee/Norton and install Microsoft Security Essentials (AKA MSE). Usually that will fix the computer or make it possible to fix the computer. McAfee also bogs the system down a lot. It utilizes the CPU like no other AV.

-Hope this helps.

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