Pardon me for my ignorance as I'm quite new here and I'm that tech-savvy.

Is it possible to get a free antivirus that is reliable and will protect me from malicious virus/Trojan/Malware etc?

AVG free version

I've tried that before few years ago and unfortunately it was one of the worst antivirus I've ever encountered. I was always left unprotected, only to be annoyed by the firewall blocking harmless softwares unnecessarily.

https://www.avast.com/en-us/index

To me, this is the hidden gem. Yes it is China brand anti virus. The one that is notorious for being installed with adware. But that is the chinese version. This one is the international version.

http://www.360totalsecurity.com/en/

Been using 6 months now and is really reliable. You can choose to use its default 360 scan engine or Bitdefender or Avira engines that can be downloaded after installation.

If you're using Windows 8/8.1, the Windows Defender is there for you.
If you're using Windows XP/Vista/7, use the Microsoft Security Essential.

Microsoft Security Essential & Windows Defender is free anti-virus provided by Microsoft.
The difference between these 2 is that Windows Defender has native anti-virus pre-installed into Windows 8/8.1
While Microsoft Security Essential is an optional installation.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows...ntials-download.

I've been using Microsoft Security Essential & Windows Defender for years.
All my PC & laptops both at home & the office has never been attacked by virus/malware/trojan until today.

This post has been edited by sHawTY: May 27 2015, 08:41 AM

new 360 is cool. but option for exception and filter are too little.


mse need to work with uac. or else not secure enough

Not many will use that exception feature. Only people that runs a lot of legacy, custom or *ahem* software would look at 360 seem inadequate. For some users, it is actually too strong much like Avira was 5 years ago due to false positive. I was an Avast user for 2 years. But since found 360, no turning back already.

360 was found cheated (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/05/01/cheater_test_labs_out_av_vendor_for_using_rivals_engine/), so was tencent (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/05/06/antivirus_testers_strip_tencent_of_rankings_after_tweaks_put_users_at_risk/).

still i run 360 with bitdefender and avira engines (for manual scans) hehe

I have AVG legit Pro version for desktop use and APK. First come first serve basis.
PM.

This post has been edited by Hamsom: May 27 2015, 03:22 PM

Bitdefender Free works great.

So both 360 and bitfender free has no expiration for their free trials right?
I should give them a try.
A big thanks to everyone who has provided their valuable insights.

they are not free trials. 360 and bitdefender antivirus free edition are free for home use.

MSE
Windows Defender
AVAST





AVG(bad virus definition..avoid this..huhu)

people still use trust mse?

Still ok as long don't simply install/surf inappropriate webs.

Trust..,but not 100% trust...

You can search on google for free antivirus.
I agree with @Mr.7, don't simply install software on your computer.

Choose extension for your browser such as avira, dr.web or others for surf internet purpose.

BitDefender Free AV is the best for my clients

Will it better than AVG, Avast or Avira? Anyway, I use Avast now.