Best Free Anti Virus Program

[Ann]

Could other ABers please recommend a free anti virus program which won't slow my computer down? I had been using AVG which was good, but got fed up it with telling me my free trial was coming to an end and I needed to purchase, so I switched to Avast but this slows my computer right down and the pages freeze when scrolling down which is driving me mad.

Is it really necessary to have a special anti virus program? I already run lots of clean ups - CCleaner and Advance Systemcare and Malwarebytes among others. I read somewhere that if you have too many clean up programs they work against each other and slow your computer down, is this correct?
I would value your expert opinions please ............... Many thanks A x

[sandyRoe]

Microsoft Security Essentials has been recommended to me.

[jno]

you don't have to pay for AVG, just renew the free version

[ummmm]

Like sandy says MSE is what I use along with malwarebytes.

[tonyav]

MSE, is what I use,Ann. very good.

[jno]

MSE refused to recognise the external hard drive I back things up on, so it was no good for me.

Also, I don't think you can use it if you've got Windows 8 - I think there's a new one, Microsoft Defender or something.

But most people are very happy with MSE.

Avast slowed my computer down too.

So I just renewed AVG. They offer you the free version or the paid-for version; just take the former.

[Prudie]

I'm also very happy with MSE. The only time I've had a really bad virus that required laptop being sent to experts was while using the paid for version of Avast.

[Ann]

Thanks - just looking at MSE, but it says I need to uninstall every other clean up and anti virus prog as they may conflict. Do you have any clean up programs you operate yourself if you have MSE or can you solely rely on it to clean up temp programs regularly and cookies etc?

[theshedman]

I have used AVG free for many years with no problems. Just go to the link below and click on the free one. I have used paid for ones over the years including Norton and free ones like Avast but have found for me that the Free AVG has been the best. It is necessary to have a anti virus program to help keep your PC safe and it is a good idea to have some cleaners. I run ccleaner and malwarebytes and find these have been enough for me.

http://free.avg.com/gb-en/free-antivirus-download

[Alex_Higham]

Do Not have more than one AV Programme because they will conflict and can cause serious problems.

Jno is correct about Windows 8 having it's own 'built-in' Defender.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/windows8.aspx

[RATTER15]

I run Microsoft Security Essentials, Winpatrol and Malware bytes, nothing else is required.

[Noe-schitt]

Yes you really need specific anti virus protection
Ccleaner is probably the best cleanup utility available it also encompasses a registry cleaner but as with all registry cleaners you use them at your own risk
Free anti virus programs only really give you basic protection none more so than MSE.
Of the free programs available in my opinion Bitdefender free anti virus offers the best protection and is lightest on system resources
It is available from http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html