NEW : Check out the newer version of this post – The Top 10 Free Antivirus of 2010
the top 10 free antivirus 2009
The Top 10 Free Antivirus Of 2009
Have you read my post about my picks for the top 10 antivirus programs of 2010?
If not I recommend doing so before returning to this page as there are many fine AV products listed there.
If, however, none of them take your fancy, or if you are looking for something a little cheaper, then the following programs may be for you.
(They are all free!)
1. Avast! Home Edition
At last I can please my good friend Justin Bellinger by referencing his company – Avast!
Their ‘Home Edition’ is a free antivirus program that comes complete with spyware protection.
It is certainly one of the better free antivirus packages on the market and features antispyware and rootkit protection.
Additionally, it defends against peer-to-peer and IM nuisances too.
2. AVG Free
AVG Free is the entry on this list that I have used most often as it resides on all of my kids’ computers.
It is a trusted antivirus and antispyware solution for Windows users that features a new LinkScanner Active Surf-Shield which enables you to check and verify the safety of web pages before clicking on any links.
Additionally, it also adds dialogue to search engine results pages, advising users whether a listed entry is safe to visit or not.
3. Avira Antivir Personal
Avira Antivir Personal will scan your computer for evidence of malicious programs such as viruses, Trojans, worms, etc.
Running in the background, it will monitor the user’s every action and will notify them of any threats immediately.
Download Avira Antivir Personal
4. Bitdefender 10 Free Edition
BitDefender Free Edition uses exactly the same ICSA Labs certified scanning engines that are found in the other BitDefender products.
This allows the end-user to employ an on-demand virus scanner for zero cost.
Download Bitdefender 10 Free Edition
5. Clamwin
Unlike most other antivirus programs I’ve mentioned in the past, Clamwin is open-source.
Its features include a scanning scheduler, standalone virus scanner and an addin for Microsoft Outlook that allows for the manual identification of virus-infected attachments.
The drawback of ClamWin, in my opinion, is that it does not include a real-time scanner.
Instead you will have to manually scan a file in order to detect whether it is infected with a virus or spyware.
6. Panda Cloud Antivirus
I’ve previously tried Panda’s Cloud Antivirus but found that the beta version I was using was a quad core CPU hog.
Its quite possible that the resource usage issue has been resolved by now though.
Cloud AV is the first free cloud-based antivirus client.
Download Panda Cloud Antivirus
7. Comodo Internet Security
Comodo Internet Security is a free all-in-one security software that that comprises of antivirus, host intrusion prevention system and a firewall.
Interestingly for a free product it comes with a free 30 day trial of their LivePCSupport.
Download Comodo Internet Security
8. Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) Beta
I’ve not personally used Microsoft Security Essentials Beta yet because it wasn’t available to UK users last time I checked.
If you are in the US you are luckier as you can try it out now.
I’ve heard that it offers a good level of protection against the usual suspects, such as viruses, spyware, Trojans, worms and all the other bad stuff.
With automatic upgrades and updates, MSE beta offers users what many of them are looking for from such a product – simplicity.
Download Microsoft Security Essentials Beta
9. PC Tools Antivirus Free Edition
Lastly, there is PC Tools Antivirus, another free program.
Download PC Tools Antivirus Free Edition
10. ???
I couldn’t actually think of a tenth free antivirus for the list.
Have you got any suggestions???
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
hi im looking for some good anti scans rather than mCaffi, Norton or Avg due to i have used these and they are not that great, i would not recomend using free scans due to when needing to delete all the virus you need to purcase for the right 100% removal.
*Mcafee
Are you looking for a free or paid-for antivirus program Anthony?
you should consider nortonn anti virus software
If it had been a top 11 list then Norton would probably have been on this one!
The 10 th Free antivirus is Mcafee 8.5i
I always use avg its good and its free!
I cannot think of a number 10 but the other nine arnt bad. Thanks for offering up so many alternatives.
It’s nice avast! got a mention, thanks Lee
But, it’s even better that you put a list of all those free resources to give people choices.
A great, well thought-out and thorough list!
I’ll let people know about it
Best,
Justin.
Thanks Justin
You’re welcome Clive.
Its probably my favourite on this list too and my kids are still using it!
Why do you rate that one satadal?
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