Free Anti-Virus Software

[Old_Geezer]

A question asked here many times but I was wondering what recommendations folk had.

Defender seems to have a reputation as being ok for minimal protection, but when I perform a web search for the best free antivirus, whist there is a group of names that tend to bubble to the surface (although not all sites agree which is best) one finds, if delving deeper, that there are annoyances like pop-up ads (undesirable, and rules a product out) or maybe a need to keep reregistering annually.

Is there any good trustworthy free products around that confirm the the old basic idea of offering the product free, without catches, for the benefit of the Internet and all its users generally ? And wont nag you continually about pro trials no one wanted when you don't give a darn if it has finished or not ?

TIA

[Old_Geezer]

Maybe you don't know that you have an issue ?

[Buenchico]

All of the freebies are actually parts of full commercial 'security suites', with the manufacturers hoping to tempt users into paying for the 'bells and whistles' product. So, if you use any of them, you can expect to be invited to upgrade to the 'full' (i.e. paid-for) product when you first install the software and whenever major revisions to the antivirus program are required.

However AVG (which I use and currently seems to be the most popular freebie amongst ABers) isn't particularly intrusive. Every few months, when it's necessary to install the latest version of the program (because it can no longer be updated simply through the normal day-to-day background processes that go on all of the time) you'll be offered the chance to upgrade but it's hardly a problem - you simply have to choose between the 'free' and 'paid' versions when accepting the update. You might also see the occasional pop-up when you open your browser but you can simply click to close it. (It won't keep reappearing).

http://www.avg.com/gb-en/homepage

[Quizproquo]

I use Avast free software and in the settings change it to silent/gaming mode, which stops the popups

https://www.avast.com/en-gb/free-antivirus-download

[Buenchico]

I think I'm going crackers!
(There are plenty here who'll say I've been crackers for ages, no doubt!)

I stopped using AVG ages ago (because it seemed to slow my computers) and I now use Avast. (How the hell could I have forgotten that?). Please replace all references to 'AVG', in my post above, with 'Avast' and use the link provided by QPQ!!!

[stefos]

I am currently using '360 Total Security' after reputable recommendation and am impressed.No badgering!

https://www.360totalsecurity.com/

[CrapAtCryptics]

I am often amazed that people will spend 100s of pounds on a computer and then more on broadband but seem to expect to get quality protection for free. Tesco are doing Norton Security for £10 - the market leader - which does cleanups and backups as well and is available in multi license options that you can use on phones and tablets.

[Quizproquo]

:)

While I'm at it, there's a better thing that we're not allowed to mention too. Think youtube but change to word you for the letter U and then the B word that rhymes with clock ;)

[Quizproquo]

CrapatCryptics, I use Avast, Malwarebytes, CCLeaner and Spybot. All free and I have zero threats on my computer

[Old_Geezer]

Cheers all.

[CrapAtCryptics]

Quiz try a free trial of Norton and see how much junk it will find

[Quizproquo]

No thanks CrapatCryptics. I don't rate Norton.

[gingejbee]

If you bank online, you may find that your bank offers free security software. I've had Kaspersky's Internet Security for several years free with my Barclays online account....

[Old_Geezer]

After a 2 to 1 split, I'm installing Avast. Thanks to all for all the help.

I notice one can not turn off the adverts for Avast products unless one has a "premium" product. Have to see how that goes.

Cheers.

[Quizproquo]

Hi OG.
I have the free version and can turn off the popups.
Double click on the icon in your taskbar, then click on the cog on the right hand side.
Set to gamer mode and it should work.

[TTG]

Also disable flash unless absolutely necessary, surf the net on a standard user account (not admin), don't use java, be careful about using email attachments and links.