Is there such a thing as a FREE GOOD virus protection program?

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

We have 6 computers. We pay for 2 different virus protection licenses that allow 3 devices per license. So we pay $60 X 2 every year to cover our 6 computers.

I recently bought a used laptop for my son and do not have an open license slot on either of our virus programs. I would have to buy a whole other license to cover his laptop.

I know I have seen ppl mention it in the past but never paid attention to whether or not there are any actual FREE virus protection programs that actually work. Do you know of any?

 

[DVC California]

Before we switched to Apple computers, I got tired of spending money on Norton and tried downloading AVG FREE Antivirus from the CNET site.

It's a great program that isn't a memory hog, updates available free, and caught as much or more as Norton (Symantec).

I found it worked best combined with a malware program such as Malwarebytes. Again free download from CNET.

HTH, Steve

 

[wendybeth75]

Malware bytes is good to get spyware off but offers no free continuous protection. I use it often.

 

[LJSquishy]

Before we switched to Apple computers, I got tired of spending money on Norton and tried downloading AVG FREE Antivirus from the CNET site.

It's a great program that isn't a memory hog, updates available free, and caught as much or more as Norton (Symantec).

I found it worked best combined with a malware program such as Malwarebytes. Again free download from CNET.

HTH, Steve

Ditto on AVG Free & Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. I use both. Both are free.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

You know what is really creepy? When I came back into this thread to read what you all have written so far there is a big clickable ad for AVG virus protection at the top of the page.

I have CCLeaner and Malware Bytes on all my pc's. I also use Spybot Search and Destroy.

On 3 of our computers I have Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security and on the other 3 I have Norton 360. I do not like Norton but on my kids 2 cheap laptops that their dad bought for them the Norton WOULD NOT DELETE. I tried adding Trend Micro to them I could not manually delete the Norton and I let Trend Micro try to delete it and it would just not come off so in basically what they had in mind is I had to activate the Norton 360.

 

[scard192]

Check with your cable/internet provider, a lot of them provide a free a program. I have McAfee and my sister has Norton and they are free,

 

[PaulaVonSchweetz]

My hubby is a tech guy. Uses malware bytes AND microsoft security essentials for his clients with virus'.
Usually does the job.

 

[tinkmom2]

Check with your cable/internet provider, a lot of them provide a free a program. I have McAfee and my sister has Norton and they are free,

I just got rid of my ATT free antivirus. They didn't catch on for a few months that I don't have their phone service anymore. I then purchased Norton antivirus by getting a discount code at Retailmenot. That brought my total to under $40 not bad and we have a ton of devices and computers. I would avoid the hassle and go with a reputable name.

 

[Sadie22]

My hubby is a tech guy. Uses malware bytes AND microsoft security essentials for his clients with virus'.
Usually does the job.

Agreed. Microsoft Security Essentials and antimalwarebytes to present viruses. Other software hogs resources.

 

[keahgirl8]

Another vote for Microsoft Security Essentials. Our computer guy recommended it. It is free and doesn't slow your computer down.

 

[LilyWDW]

AVG, Avast, or Microsoft Security Essentials. All are better then Norton or McAfee. They seem to be used nearly equally by those I know that are "computer" people (from software to coding to hardware and more). Personally, I use Avast because I have done so for longer then I can remember and it has always protected me.

There is no reason to pay for virus protection.

 

[DVC California]

You know what is really creepy? When I came back into this thread to read what you all have written so far there is a big clickable ad for AVG virus protection at the top of the page.

I have CCLeaner and Malware Bytes on all my pc's. I also use Spybot Search and Destroy.

On 3 of our computers I have Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security and on the other 3 I have Norton 360. I do not like Norton but on my kids 2 cheap laptops that their dad bought for them the Norton WOULD NOT DELETE. I tried adding Trend Micro to them I could not manually delete the Norton and I let Trend Micro try to delete it and it would just not come off so in basically what they had in mind is I had to activate the Norton 360.

I would go to CNET and download/install AVG AntiVirus Free 2014 on one of the computers with Norton. Make sure you click the "CNET SECURE DOWNLOAD" link as there are about 3 or 4 other download buttons to choose from.

Afterwards, use CCleaner to uninstall Norton. Hopefully it will delete all traces of Norton, even in the registry. (I can't remember if you have to disable/quit Norton prior to uninstall).

If that works, repeat on the other Norton machines. Don't forget to opt out of any auto renewals you may have for Norton Subscriptions.

HTH, Steve

 

[ArmchairDetective]

This really depends on how the household uses the computer.

If you just go to bank sites, weblogs, message boards, and generally "safe" sites then your best bet is to use a browser like Chrome or Firefox with adblock enabled and Microsoft Security Essentials as your anti-malware software.

But.... if you have kids in the house that are on Facebook, game sites, etc then I would recommend still getting the browser set up with adblock and running something more robust. MSE may still be all you need with the occasional scan with Malwarebytes, Spybot, and Norton Power Eraser.

 

[ArmchairDetective]

I do not like Norton but on my kids 2 cheap laptops that their dad bought for them the Norton WOULD NOT DELETE. .

Norton makes a removal tool for their products.

 

[richmond282]

Agreed. Microsoft Security Essentials and antimalwarebytes to present viruses. Other software hogs resources.

 

[scrapquitler]

My tech geek hubby says the most secure thing is to use ONLY the chrome browser and use AVG antivirus with it. We have the free one, and have never gotten a virus on any of our computers when we have it up to date and scanning regularly.

 

[njmom47]

I use Microsoft Security Essentials and Spybot Search and Destroy as well.

 

[LilyWDW]

My tech geek hubby says the most secure thing is to use ONLY the chrome browser and use AVG antivirus with it. We have the free one, and have never gotten a virus on any of our computers when we have it up to date and scanning regularly.

I have never used chrome OR AVG. Nothing wrong with using them, but there are other things out there just as good. I use Firefox plus Avast and have never had a virus on my computers since using them... but I would never say it is the "most secure" as there are combinations that would work just as well.

 

[cndij]

Another vote for AVG and Avast. I work in IT and our desktop support people like those the best for home use. I also use ZoneAlarm, but that is to block people/bots from pinging my open ports.