Free anti virus software recommendation?

[SuperDanX]

Hi, I use Norton 360 for my pc security needs, but dont want to pay for that anymore. Is there anything free i could use? And would it be as good? Dont want to comprimise security for the sake of a few quid unless its just as good. Cheers!

[Skull Commander]

I use Avast, and it seems to be decent enough.

[smouty]

AVG free works for me.

[SuperDanX]

Thanks guys ill take a look at those.

[charlesr]

http://www.av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/summary/summary2008.pdf

Note: not all free. I pay for NOD32 for example.

[Magnakai]

AVG is decent, but they install a bucketload of crap with it if you're not careful. My colleague's computer is laden down with AVG-branded search bars etc.

[Hohum]

Avast. Probably the best free option out there currently.

[sj33]

I used to use AVG, but I've replaced it with Avira recently, applying the fixes to remove the Advertisement popup. It feels lighter than AVG, but it might be a placebo because I doubt the difference would be perceivable on this machine. It does update silently in the background though, unlike AVG.

[kernow]

I use the free clamav port for windows. don't run it as a service and just run impromptu scans when I feel like it.

[MJ]

I've got on well with Avast and AVG.

[CMcK]

My mate builds and repairs Windows PC's for a living and swears by Avast.

[Brad]

My Son has AVG on his PC. It updates every day. Last night I found half a dozen bits of Malware on there though and AVG still claims his PC is clean. I know AVG is just for viruses though so what should he put on there to stop trojans? or is there no way to stop this?

[abigsmurf]

AVG is horrible. Almost every browser exploit gets past it. It only picks up these things once they've installed themselves. Given the regenerative qualities of most virii, once something has installed, the anti-virus isn't likely to clean it.

Can't remember for sure the one I'm using, think it's Comodo firewall+antivirus.

Unlike AVG it picks up common exploits, applications trying to install themselves and modifications made to the registry.

[Hohum]

My Son has AVG on his PC. It updates every day. Last night I found half a dozen bits of Malware on there though and AVG still claims his PC is clean. I know AVG is just for viruses though so what should he put on there to stop trojans? or is there no way to stop this?

Avast provides virus and spyware/malware protection, although you should still run a seperate anti-malware application on occasion (such as Spybot S&D).

[Mayhem]

I think my parents' PC runs a combo of AVG, SpywareBlaster and SuperAntiSpyware to combat various things. I have the latter two on my work laptop, with Symantec Endpoint (business edition) for the anti-virus instead; quick, small footprint and effective (why can't ALL their products be like that?!).