best free anti virus

[Octet]

The other thing you might want to consider is using OpenDNS which stops a lot of c**pware by letting you use their DNS servers which filter out a lot of malicious content. Additionally if you pay for it, you can secure a whole load of devices (like my sons iPod) to restrict some of the less desirable images that are out there. So it is not and does not replace AV, but think of it is helping to prevent rather than cure.

http://www.opendns.com/

A very good point you have made. There is also something called OpenNIC which is an alternative to OpenDNS and other DNS providers which you might also want to look into.

 

[creditcrunched]

Hi, thanks I had not seen OpenNic, I'll check it out.
OpenDNS works well for me and the VPN service that you can add to remote devices keeps my son free from inappropriate sites when he is visiting his pals house so it offers protection beyond this place i.e. even when he is connected to other WiFI networks.

As for Microsoft Security Essentials it seems to work well without the bloat and cost of others.

 

[fossyant]

Open DNS, Avast or MSE (depends upon PC)

Used Open DNS for years after having problems with my ISP's DNS servers. Never gone back.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

I also use Avast! It seems reliable, and doesn't slow the PC down. The paid version is reasonably cheap, too.

 

[Acyclo]

Arrrh, AVAST!, it be the best arrhhh.</ Robert Newton blog >

 

[Ciar]

MSE, have tried most of the others, but this one actually seems to work well and doesn't cause your PC to slow down.

 

[HLaB]

I like Avast but I havent tried others.

 

[Blue Hills]

Been using MS Security Essentials a while now.

All very good.

There does seem to be certain lack of control over it though.

I would prefer to be able to set it up so that I manually run updates - ie: it never does it automatically - but it doesn't seem to allow this.

 

[swee'pea99]

Can't comment on MSE - never used it - but Avast has served me well for many a year.

 

[Dangermouse]

Tried em all and MSE has been the best, you don't even know its there........ I upgraded to Win 8.1 and its there but you don't see, hear anything from it, it just works no bells or whistles, it simply does its job

 

[shouldbeinbed]

MSE now but used Avast for years with total confidence in it. The American lady updater voice was the clincher in not putting it onto my latest 'puter

 

[MontyVeda]

Will MSE continue support for XP after April 2014?

I guess some of the antivirus/firewalls will continue as there's still a lot of us out here.

 

[Venod]

Been using MS Security Essentials a while now.

All very good.

There does seem to be certain lack of control over it though.

I would prefer to be able to set it up so that I manually run updates - ie: it never does it automatically - but it doesn't seem to allow this.

MSE for me too its all I have been using for a couple of years, it updates automatically, but a quick look and I can't see how you have an option to enable this, so Mort I would remove it & re-install to see if that helps with the updates.

 

[accountantpete]

[QUOTE 2795843, member: 259"]^^ Or buy a Mac or use Linux.[/quote]

I planned to use XP up to March and then get Windows 7 but Ubuntu13.10 made me hesitate and Mint (Olivia) has sealed it - Linux for me.

 

[Doseone]

Used to use AVG but it started to get a bit bloaty. Used MSE for a bit and like others found it very good and no drain on resources but my mate whose business is computer repairs said he was getting a lot in with viruses that had got past MSE, so I got scared off. Decided to go paid, ended up with Norton and find it really good. It's no longer the hog it used to be.

I now use cryptoprevent as well.