Frugal Tips. Which FREE Antivirus?

With the internet being prevalent in most of our daily lives, having some form of security seems to be the obvious choice to keep the nasty side of the internet out of our lives. If you buy a brand new computer nowadays you will find it has anti-virus installed. It will usually be from a major player in the world of ant virus like McAfee or Norton’s. Thing is you usually only get a few months’ worth of security then you will have to pay for the privilege of continuing to use their software.

If you are looking for an antivirus product then why not look online at the free products currently available? Just because it’s free doesn’t mean its rubbish, quite the opposite. In fact just like shopping, sometimes buying a no frills product will serve you just as well or better than a paid for service.

Avast!

Avast! Claim to be the world’s most popular antivirus software although I think some other company’s would disagree. They have a basic software package where they give you the antivirus for free along with anti-spyware. If you need any other service, like a firewall or anti spam then you will have to upgrade.

AVG

AVG has 3 levels of protection for you to try with the basic free product being a popular download. With the free version you get the AV, anti spyware and Smart anti-rootkit along with Social Networking protection and Linkscanner. Sadly, like Avast! You have to pay if you want their firewall and other software packages.

Avira

Basic anti-virus is included in the free version. Like other products mentioned above you have to upgrade to get more features. This doesn’t come cheap if you require a firewall with the antivirus.

PC Tools

This free antivirus software comes with antispyware as standard along with a few other components like File Guard and Search Defender. Again if one wants a Firewall or other software add-ons it will cost you dearly. PC Tools also have a free iAntivirus product for anyone with a MAC which is a sign of the times I guess.

Comodo

With Comodo you get almost everything for free with their Internet Security Software. Antivirus, Anti-spyware, Firewall, even a Sandbox where unknown programs can be run without fear of damaging your computer. The best thing about this entire product is it's free. You can upgrade to the Pro version but there’s no need, with the free version most home users will be more than protected.

It really does pay to look online and try out free software especially antivirus software. If you have ever priced up any type of software in the shops one will realise just how expensive it is. But with a free copy you can get the same level of protection and best of all it’s free. If you are unsure check the company out first online. There’s bound to be forum topics regarding the supplier you are checking up on. Paid or free, the choice is yours but I know which I would choose.