Featured Product
ESET - NOD32 Antivirus 4
Providing the world's most effective and proactive antivirus and antispyware protection. Identifies known and unknown threats. Fast and Secure.
Kapersky Internet Security 2010
Antivirus with Personal Firewall and Anti-Spam
Antivirus Software
Kapersky Antivirus 2010
Panda Antivirus Pro 2010
ParetoLogic Antivirus Plus
PCTools Antivirus
Why Antivirus is Important
Just about anyone who's been online for any length of time has some understanding of what computer viruses are and how dangerous they can be. Today, viruses are more sophisticated and complex than ever, written by very savvy individuals who understand how antivirus software works and how to get around certain levels of protection.
No one antivirus program alone can fully guarantee protection, as there are always new threats emerging to exploit new security holes in the Windows OS, but not having any antivirus protection running is simply asking for it.
Antivirus software offers protection against viruses but not all programs integrate spyware protection, which in many ways can be just as bad. Programs like ESET - NOD32 Antivirus and Kapersky Internet Security do offer spyware protection with their antivirus programs. Some programs are even more comprehensive by implementing a Firewall and Anti-Spam filters, all very important features to be completely safe.
Newest Virus Threats
Malware is produced daily and propagates quickly, the newest virus threats can be seen by visiting the mcafee threat center, where the latest threats are listed by name as well as the most current windows vulnerabilities.
When new viruses make their way to PCs around the world, PC users can typically find removal tools that specifically target a particular virus or malware. Visit the avast virus cleaner site for a list of available cleaners, these are all free.
Paid Tools vs Free Ones
Free antivirus software is available as well, and many of them are well equiped to defend most any PC from the most common threats, however there are limitations and caveats to using free tools, like:
- There are No Guarantees
- No Technical Support Available
- Fewer Software Updates
- Limited number of Features
With that said, here's a short list of free antivirus programs that can offer some basic protection. Again, please remember that these tools will only provide basic protection with limited features available.