Solved Free Antivirus for Laptop

trvlr June 22, 2015 at 14:11:14

✔ Best Answer

Avast, Bitdefender, AVG - to name but three... There are paid for and freebie versions. Avast will run in the background (at least on my Mac systems) and monitor continuously; Bitdefender requires to be manually started to effect a scan; and I'm not sure if the freebie version actually "active" the same way Avast is... But the paid for Bitdefender logically runs in the background? No experience currently with AVG; but in the past it was OK (on windows systems). Some will suggest the M$ suite is perfectly fine; and it's free... Besides having a virus utility installed/running etc.. wise to regularly scan with one or two "free" pest removers; pests that virus scanners don't deal with. adwcleaner - "free version": http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/dow... Junkware Removal Tool (JRT) - free;: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/dow... malwarebytes (free): http://filehippo.com/download_malwa... When you install "anything off the web... never use the proffered default - Automatic Installation option... Always use the MANUAL option; and carefully uncheck all those so helpfully pre-checked little boxes - except the one for actual utility/item you want to install. The rest (pre-checked for installation) invariably are items you neither need nor want; and often can cause more problems and be PAI to eradicate... Wise to scan with the three additional utilities on a regular basis.

Derek June 22, 2015 at 14:17:23

I have seen this program advocated quite often from a respected helper on here: http://unchecky.com/ Can save you hassle if you often download things because so many include unwanted goodies - even thrown in by well known outfits, such Adobe Flash Updates. Always pop back and let us know the outcome - thanks

trvlr June 22, 2015 at 14:25:42

Agree that item mentioned by Derek is a useful one to have around; but one still does the "manual" installation option and double checks - just incase?

Derek June 22, 2015 at 15:00:33

Yes indeed, do the manual double checks because programs can have imperfections,. Always pop back and let us know the outcome - thanks

Fingers June 22, 2015 at 15:26:11

Avast is good. It does get annoying once a year when it wants you to reregister to remain free and then asks you to upgrade to the paid version. It also has the annoying voice that tells you that it has updated its definitions but what do you expect. Personally I like Webroot Secure Anywhere but you do have to pay for it though I have found it really cheap as a download on Newegg once in a while so you are set for the first year anyway. You have to be a little bit crazy to keep you from going insane.

trvlr June 22, 2015 at 16:06:15

Also - if you did decide for a paid version... Bitdefender is frequently offered at a discount from Hermanstreet.com.... Often as a stand alone and often as part of bundle... Frequently cheaper than many other sources too... There is a Mac version and a Windows version; invariably Windows users get more offers/deals than Mac users; but Mac deals are OK too... But the freebies mentioned thus far are fine... (I agree with Fingers re' Avast trumpeting when it's done something or other - popups in my case on Mac systems).

Johnw June 22, 2015 at 16:50:49

I use the one that comes with Windows. For XP, I use this. Baidu Antivirus http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivi... http://www.freewarefiles.com/Baidu-... http://www.freewarefiles.com/screen... http://antivirus.baidu.com/en/

riider June 22, 2015 at 17:18:02

http://www.bitdefender.com/solution...

XpUser June 23, 2015 at 03:43:54

Beware! Click on the link below to read and learn why... Free Antivirus Isn’t Really Free Anymore i_Xp/Vista/W7User message edited by XpUser

trvlr June 23, 2015 at 05:41:01

"Excellent" article - covers many of the points frequently raised here; not the least using Manual installation rather than defaulted "automatic" installation . Very useful link; one to retain... Many thanks XpUser.