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Free Anti-Virus Software for Home Computer

Hi,

I have already read through several posts on here about anti-virus software. I had Microsoft Security Essentials on my laptop, but it does nothing. I know that my computer has a virus, several website pop-ups have started to load on my computer when I open the browser. I have ran MSE several times and it says that my computer is fine.

That being said, I deleted it and want a new, better, actual working anti-virus software. I have read up on a few but would still love some recommendations.

Right now I am leaning towards Panda Cloud Anti-Virus because it seems to have the most to offer for the free version. Plus it has a panda.
I have also looked at Avast, but I feel like they don't really offer much.

Does anyone have any better recommendations for a free anti-virus program? I'm only going to be running it on my personal laptop (Toshiba running Windows). I hardly use the laptop anyways, and only for simple web browsing. However, I do log into my bank accounts and such so of course I want to feel secure!

Also, if anyone has any recommendations for good firewalls, that would be great!

Thanks in advance :)

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Dave Baldwin

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SOLUTION

Scobber

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aadih

First without practicing safe browsing habits, no matter what software you use, you will be infected for sure at some time.

Now, any antivirus program, including the two you mentioned, are as good as any out there.

So, starting with the letter 'A': Avast, AVG, Avira ... ... are available and work great.

FWIW, I have been using Avira for more than a decade. No problems. On a resource-challenged PC I use Webroot SecureAnywhere (6 months free license). When it expires I move on to Panda Cloud. Again no problems.

It's a matter of personal liking and disliking. It's a subjective decision.

So, try one out; then another; and yet another; until you find one that your 'heart' likes.

SOLUTION

Eirman

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Kristina

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Thank you for the feedback. I will try out Avast and Malware Bytes. I appreciate the recommendations as I have no interest in trying one out; then another; and yet another; until I find one that my 'heart' likes... I want to download one good program that works well. I am very fastidious in my safe browsing habits and only go to pages that I trust. I also never open emails from unknown sources, nor do I install additional add-ons from programs. Who knows how I got a virus, but of course I did, because that is what happens.

So, I very much appreciate your time and effort in recommending your personal favorites for me to explore!

Thanks again :)

Dave Baldwin

I use the Free Avast for daily real-time protection and Malwarebytes to scan for things when something odd happens. I also still use SpyBot and SpywareBlaster which do still work with Avast although some other anti-viruses that try to do everything don't work with them.

Dave Baldwin

The only time I have gotten a virus was from a 'drive-by' contained in an advertisement on either Myspace or Yahoo.

aadih

I have no interest in trying one out; then another; and yet another; until I find one that my 'heart' likes.

No malware in the above. Just to break the monotony of technical discussions. ;-)

Cheers. :-)

[If you have some time, it may not hurt to read:

< https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/28424599/office-hazards.html > ;-)