Free Reliable anti-virus?

[Brian Fein]

I have been using McAfee anti-virus and personal firewall software for years.  I have never had a problem with viruses or anything.  But, the software is a resource hog and I am sick of paying for it.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a good free anti-virus software that provides regular updates, etc?

[Buddhagirl]

I use AVG on my PC. I haven't had any problems.

[Spider-Dan]

Since you are talking about anti-virus, I'll presume you're using Windows.

If you have a legitimate copy of Windows, Microsoft offers a free download for Windows Security Essentials, which is an anti-virus and anti-malware program in one.  From what I've heard, this particular program is less resource-intensive than many other AV products.

[Fau Teixeira]

i use microsoft security essentials at both work and home and it works pretty well

[Sunstroke]

I use security essentials at home, and don't really have any problems with it.

...not really sure what's on this office computer.

[Brian Fein]

I'm fine with stuff that works seamlessly with Windows.  Is this something I can get from the web site, or is it likely that I already have it.  Does it work with Vista and Win7?  Also, I have something called Windows Defender - anyone know WTF that does?

[Spider-Dan]

You have to get it from the website:  http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/
It works with XP, Vista, and 7.

Windows Defender is the anti-malware program that was made by Microsoft.  Windows Security Essentials supercedes it, along with some other anti-virus program that MS used to make.

[StL FinFan]

Free stuff and our computer got infected regularly.  AVG came highly recommended, but malware still found it's way in.

[fyo]

Free stuff and our computer got infected regularly.  AVG came highly recommended, but malware still found it's way in.

If malware is finding its way in "regularly", you're doing something wrong. Seriously. There just aren't that many *remote* 0-day exploits (vulnerabilities with no known fix). In other words, either you're computer is woefully unsecured or one of its users is... f*cking things up

If you start out with a clean system, malware has to come from somewhere. Who's downloading crap?

You might also want to take a look at what browser you're using and what plugins you have installed.

[Lee]

I like Avast.  Just need to register via email and they send you a product key.

http://www.avast.com/security-software-home-office

[Tenshot13]

I'm an AVG fan

[StL FinFan]

If malware is finding its way in "regularly", you're doing something wrong. Seriously. There just aren't that many *remote* 0-day exploits (vulnerabilities with no known fix). In other words, either you're computer is woefully unsecured or one of its users is... f*cking things up

If you start out with a clean system, malware has to come from somewhere. Who's downloading crap?

You might also want to take a look at what browser you're using and what plugins you have installed.

We had it cleaned up and purchased a security program and no problems since.  I have no faith in free stuff anymore.  A friend of Mr StL's cleaned it up for us (IT guy who got laid off) and we picked out the security software ourselves.