Free download for computer security

[barb1314]

I've always had the McAfee Security Centre for my laptop and it expires in December.The renewal is over £50.I wondered if there is any kind of security against viruses etc I can download for free or is it a case of you get what you pay for.McAfee has always been great and there have been no issues.I'm just looking of a way of saving a few pennies.Thanks if you have any advice.

[sandyRoe]

AGV must be worth a look. I use their free stuff and have had no problems. ( touch wood)

[daffy654]

Microsoft Security Essentials is free and very good.
You could also look up the free versions of AVG and Avast. I don't like AVG as it slows down the boot up process and insists on installing all sorts of link scanners that I do not need and then have to disable manually.
I have no experience of Avast but I know some people recommend it.

[bibblebub]

I've used Avast! for the past couple of years and haven't had a virus yet.

[barb1314]

Hi and thanks for your speedy replies.
I have just looked at Avast.Am I right in thinking it's not free but a lot cheaper than McAfee.It states 2 packages for £27 and £30? Not sure which one I would get but certainly a saving.

[daffy654]

To reiterate what EDDIE said, uninstall McAfee before putting any other anti virus software on.
I also had McAfee and it is a bu@@er to remove, you must download the removal tool to do so, you cannot just uninstall the normal way, if you try you will have lots of problems.

[riptide]

I have Microsoft Security Essentials, but have used Avast which is also very good.
My cousin thinks Avast is brilliant, there is a free version which she uses.

[VHG]

>>>AGV must be worth a look.

Or even AVG.

[carlton23]

Go for MSE, the best of all.

[Mobius1]

To clarify about Avast! - like other products such as AVG there are paid versions as well, but the free version is safe, effective and quite comprehensive. You have to register by email even for the free version of Avast, but only once per year. There is no charge for it.

[barb1314]

Thanks so much to you all.Weighing up all the options and advice.The uninstall info is very helpful too as I had no idea. Cheers

[Buenchico]

An important note:
McAfee isn't just a single program. It's a suite of programs. If you're going to replace it with some of the free stuff you'll need to replace several different components.

Decent computer security requires:
(a) a good firewall ;
(b) an anti-virus program ; and
(c) anti-malware software.

Windows (from XP onwards) has its own firewall but it's widely criticised. The most popular free alternative is ZoneAlarm
http://www.zonealarm....ity-free-firewall.htm
with Comodo also having many fans
http://personalfirewa...om/free-download.html

AVG used to be the leading free anti-virus program but some people (including me) have experienced problems with the most recent versions hugging resources. Avast now seems to be moving ahead in the popularity stakes.

The king of the anti-malware programs is Malwarebytes
http://www.malwarebyt...cts/malwarebytes_free

The manufacturers of those programs give away the relevant parts of a full security suite in the hope that you'll buy the entire package. (Which is why you've encountered both a free and a commercial version of Avast). The trick is to to put a collection of freebies together, from different sources, to make you own complete suite.

Microsoft belatedly decided to produce their own security software, in the form of Microsoft Security Essentials.
http://www.microsoft....sentials/default.aspx
It runs on most PCs but a few older systems aren't compatible
http://www.microsoft....stemRequirements.aspx
It also requires the user to have a genuine (non-pirated) version of Windows, which probably rules out about half of home users in the UK anyway!

Chris

[Buenchico]

Removal instructions for McAfee:
http://service.mcafee...ment.aspx?id=TS100507

[meglet]

I asked the same question a little while ago.

http://www.theanswerb.../Question1058917.html

I went for Microsoft Security Essentials in the end.

[Wak]

I've used the FREE AVAST for about 12 years now and never had a problem with it.
I also use Malwarebytes Anti-malware and a good Firewall which was also free years ago but which was later sold (I think to McAfee?) and which is now charged for.
I did try AVG but found that you couldn't shut it down without removing it but you can close Avast down totally or in part when required.