Where can I download an anti-virus software without downloading a virus?
Monday, March 14th, 2011
I’m getting a new computer soon because my current one has had too many viruses and stuff and well I want to be better prepared for my new computer and get anti-virus software, but I’m scared I would download a virus, can someone lead me in the right direction and tell me what to download, and if you have downloaded it before and is why you know its not a virus, much help appreciated, THANKS!
Here’s a list of some popular and free AV programs:
Microsoft Security Essentials: <— my first choice among the free ones!
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
Avast: <— my 2nd choice among the free ones!
http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download
Avira: <— my 3rd choice among the free ones!
http://www.free-av.com/en/products/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html
BitDefender:
http://www.bitdefender.com/PRODUCT-14-en–BitDefender-Free-Edition.html
Comodo: <— Has a free AV too but it’s still not considered as one of the best AV. However, it’s my 1st choice for the free firewall feature which is superb!
http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/free-internet-security.php
AVG: <— ah forget that I mentioned this. It’s slow in updating their malware definitions.
http://free.avg.com/ww-en/download-avg-anti-virus-free
Also, install either Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware or SuperAntiSpyware to supplement your AV:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/
http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispywarefreevspro.html
MBAM and SAS are not AV but dedicated anti-spyware programs. However, they work great against trojans and malware that most AV programs can’t detect or remove. Both have free versions too but I highly recommend that you get the paid versions which offer real-time scanning and blocking of malicious websites. Nowadays, you shouldn’t be using a computer without an antivirus AND a dedicated antispyware program.
NOTE: Never use more than one AV program at a time as it can cause severe performance and system instability issues. Whatever AV and antispyware program you choose, make sure that they are always updated and your firewall is always on.
If you want a better (and still free) firewall other than the built-in Windows firewall, you can choose either Comodo or ZoneAlarm:
http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/firewall.php
http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-pc-security-free-firewall.htm