We are often asked which is the best free anti virus software, or which anti virus program do we use recommend the most. Inevitably, it all comes down to personal preference, and internet browsing habits. What ever software program you choose, the main thing is to at least have “something” protecting your computer from viruses at all times.

Here is our top 9 list of free anti virus software programs that we use and recommend most often:

1. Microsoft Security Essentials– Fantastic free product with on access protection.

   

   Microsoft Security Essentials

2. Avast– Great program, voice prompts with various alerts, has on access protection in free version.

   

   Avast Free AntiVirus

3. Avira Anti-Vir– A powerful program, click “Free” at top of page, ignore pop-ups request purchasing full version once a day.

   

   Avira Free Antivirus

4. MalwareBytes– Powerful, easy to use and highly efficient, does not have “on access protection” in free version.

   

   Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

5. Super AntiSpyware– Simple user interface highly effective, has some on access features in free version.

   

   Super AntiSpyware

6. PC Tools– Clean interface, some on access protection features, Free Antivirus is at bottom left of page.

   

   PCTools AntiVirus Free

7. Emsisoft Anti-Malware– Simple interface, some on access protection in free version.

   

   Emsisoft_Anti-Malware

8. AVG– A popular program with a few on access capabilities.

   

   AVG_Anti-Virus

9. Dr.Web CureIt!– No on access protection, a powerful clean up utility.

   

   Dr.Web Anti-Virus

Removing Expired Norton’s or McAfee

One of the inconveniences about an expired anti virus program is the occasional blockage of new anti virus programs. There was a time when Norton Internet Security or Anti Virus would completely block all access to the internet unless and or until you renewed or removed the expire version. Although the days and times have changed a great deal, it is still good to have a removal tools to completely eradicate all previous expired versions of Norton and McAfee from your computer. Here are the direct links to the removal tools we use to accomplish this task:

Remove Expired Norton’s

Remove Expired McAfee

If you have not already tried cleaning your computer Click Here, try CCleaner(also free) and then come back to this page if you are still experiencing the same symptoms that initially led you to believe you may have a virus or may be in need of anti-virus software.

Whichever program you try, keep in mind that there are a features in the paid versions that the free versions do not have such as on access protection. On access protection notifies you when a threat is detected, for example on a website, or when you use a USB drive that may contain a virus. We hope you find this information is helpful, as we use a combination of these free anti virus software programs on our personal computers as well.

Free Online Virus Scanners

When it comes to free online virus scanners there are many that do more harm than good and others that do more good than harm. As we begin the new year, we decided to start it out with a clean slate. And what better way to accomplish this than providing you with online virus scanning utilities that will help you clean your computer.

Free Online Virus Scanners Listed

For the sake of simplicity we listed the scanners with a brief description of what they do. If you still have difficulty understanding what the online virus scanner does, you may want to consult with someone a little more fluent with computers before attempting usage.

Symantec Online Scanner (the Company that makes Norton’s) –Scans and Removes viruses.

CA Online Scanner – Scans for and Removes viruses. May require java script.

TrendMicro – Scans for and Removes viruses.

F-Secure –Scans for and Removes viruses. Occasionally may require a different Internet Browser.

Windows Security — Scans for and Removes viruses. Very effective at removing trojans.

BitDefener Online File Scan– Scans for and Removes viruses. Very effective and highly recommended.

Nod32 Online Scanner — Scans for and Removes viruses. Very effective and highly recommended.

System Requirements

The primary requirement for these scanners is that you have an internet connection. Preferably high speed. You may be prompted to install Adobe Flash or Java to initiate and complete your scans.

Free Rescue Disk Sources

Microsoft Windows Defender Offline

AVG Rescue Disk

Here is a video of AVG in action…

Avira Rescue System

Kaspersky Rescue Disk

Bitdefender Rescue CD

On Access Protection

I must emphasize the point that these scanners do not provide “on access” virus protection or a few other features that the paid versions offer. They merely act as an after the fact clean up utility. If you want “on access” virus protection, a paid version of anti virus software ( for example Norton’s or Nod32) may be a better option for you than relying solely on a free online virus scanner.

Disclaimer

Please note that if a file (be it a picture, document, or media type) is infected with a virus variant, there is a possibility that removing the virus may corrupt, delete, and or make that file unreadable. In other words you may never get your file back if the virus is attached to it. Now that you are aware of the risks involved, share and take full advantage of the free online virus scanners and free anti virus software listed here.