Top 5 Free Anti-Virus Software Options

free antivirus

Why pay for anti-virus software when you can get it for free? Here are some of the highest-rated anti-virus programs, all of which you can start using today.

1. Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft Security Essentials is an excellent and free antivirus software created for Microsoft Windows operating system that can provide protection from various types of malware like viruses, wabbits, Trojan, spyware and URL injectors. This antivirus software has been developed in 2005 by the Sybari and was then released by Microsoft Forefront. This antivirus was made for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. It immediately checks downloads virus updates. Another good quality of Microsoft Security Essential is that, it is amazingly ready to use and it also refurbishes automatically.

2. Avira

One of the most commonly downloaded software, which was designed by a German company, Avira Operations GmbH & Co. KG. It was first launched in 1988. Avira ascribed from an ambit of antivirus Internet security software made for Windows, Solaris, FreeBSD, Linux and OpenBSD. Avira has been awarded in 2008 as the AV Product of the Year. Also, from the Summary Report 2010, it got the award for Speed category and received a Silver award from obtaining a 99.5% detection rate.

3. Avast

Avast was designed as an antivirus for computer program. Its first release was in 1988. Avast was certified by West Coast Lab Checkmark process and ICSA Labs for protection efficiency. Avast is also a free software made for Microsoft Windows users. It offers numerous features such as antivirus kernel, shields, anti-spyware, anti-rootkit, audible alarms and consumer alerts to name a few.

4. AVG AntiVirus

AVG was designed for Microsoft Windows, FreeBSD platforms, Linux, Mac OS X and was developed as a private company called AVG Technologies. It features general functions for Internet security, which includes periodic scanning, repairing virus corrupted files and providing a detention area. This is also a free software that you can download for the protection of your computer.

5. Comodo Antivirus

Comodo Antivirus is an Internet security designed for Microsoft Windows. Also, it provides an anti-malware protection, firewall and defense+. It has been released by edition. The first edition is the Comodo Internet Security, followed by the Comodo Internet Security Plus. The third is the Comodo Internet Security Pro. And last is the Comodo Internet Security Complete. It was made from the idea of layered security for the following protections: Firewall, Antivirus, HIPS and Remote Assistance. Comoodo ranked 1 from the Matousec’s Proactive Security Challenge and got a 100% passing from test.

Here’s a final one for MacIntosh: iAntiVirus

Another free antivirus software made for Macintosh computers, called iAntiVirus. This software was first released in June 2008. It is commonly used to ascertain and delete malwares both using the signature and heuristic detection. iAntiVirus was praised for its quick scanning method.

  • Neil

    I tried AVG antivirus some years ago, is really user friendly and easy to run and scan your computer any time.  Is nice to see that a site builder would inform about  this kind of tools, cause sometimes we forget that everything we download or use could contain virus and harm our computers. 

    • Anonymous

      This isn’t our normal tutorial but since most of the members of our site builder are entrepreneurs or from small to medium sized businesses, we thought an article providing anti-virus options would be very helpful.  When creating a website, there’s no doubt that having a virus-free computer will help…

  • Arthur K.

    This is great information, we all know antivirus are important and having one is almost mandatory if you want your computer to work long term. We are all at risk of a virus, we all have email or surf the net, I´ll add a link to this post when I make a website so that visitors can read about the best options they have to protect their computers.

    • Anonymous

      That’s a great idea Arthur.  The less viruses that people have, the less they spread - so in that sense it’s a good idea to promote the use of anti-virus software to all.  I never thought of adding this onto a page itself, or even onto the footer when you actually create a website for business.

  • Jenn-share

    Great recommendations, I really like Avast since I only use windows. In my line of work I share files with people all over the world  and sometimes I just press download and go to bed or go do something else, Avast has audible alarms so this is great for me.

    • Anonymous

      I happen to use Avast also, and I must say that it has been very effective.  Thanks for commenting!

  • Valery

    The truth is downloading files and programs is part of life now if you´re one of many who uses a computer on a daily basis, I know that this is a site builder and is nice you also include information like this, is very valuable since not all of us know how to protect our computers of harmful viruses. 

    • Bob Charles

      Thanks for the compliment about our website builder.  We take our support very seriously, and that is why we strive to provide high quality website building tutorials.  But there are some cases where creating a website isn’t everything — you need to run a business too.  And that is where this article came into play.

  • Carl

    I like very much Avira´s free version, I´m thinking of buying the full version next month, I guess is a good investment if you use the computer frequently and you work online, I´m about to make a website but it includes sharing stuff and a forum, so I´m thinking of really updating protection for my computer before I complete my site. 

    • Bob Charles

      If you’re going to create a website, it’s definitely a good idea to scrub your computer clean of viruses but in general this should be a priority to everyone.  Eventually it can effect your email, documents, and more.  With all the free options above, there’s really no excuse for not maintaining a clean computer!

  • Marion

    Other than liking your tutorials,I really appreciate this post, you have an amazing site builder, many people don´t realize how important it is to have an antivirus, and dont know other antiviruses other than norton and macafee, which are ok, but I think these ones are better and they show different advantages, so this information can really help someone choose what fits best for their work. 

  • https://viruscaptive.com/ free download

    I’m very happy to say Antivirus software about “Top 5 Free Anti-Virus Software Options” for me. Right protected you’ve included of the range of advanced security options – parental controls, link scanners & identity protection and etc it’s great Paid Versions. I’m vary satisfied for your information, I’ll change my services computers and others, And I’ll back soon again when provide new information. Thanks !!!!!!

  • Alex

    Ok! I read the post completely and thanks for the
    information. But I would like to know about Immunet antivirus. I am hearing
    about it (positive reviews) from my colleagues and friends.

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