When you are looking for free antivirus software, you should be aware that some of the programs you’ll find are viruses or spyware in disguise. Other programs will scan your computer for viruses and claim you have them and must purchase their software to get rid of them. Most of the time, there are no viruses and it is a scam to get you to buy the software. Before downloading free antivirus software, search CNET Reviews or Download.Com for information about the programs. Two great programs that are compatible with XP are:
Number One: AntiVir Personal Edition Version 8
This is touted across the internet as the best free antivirus software on the internet. It scans exceptionally well and will run even while you are working with other applications. Download.Com gives this free program a 5 star rating.
AntiVir Personal Edition 8 has many advantages. It allows for scanning when your computer is started in safe mode and for individual scanning of files in your hard drive by right click or drag and drop. It offers a choice between basic or comprehensive reporting on discovered viruses. This free antivirus software works the same as paid software in that it updates frequently and automatically, can be scheduled to run on specific dates and offers fast or full scanning.
The drawbacks of this software are slow downloading of virus definitions and the poor ability to detect adware and spyware, thought it does detect much of it and offers a removal tool in its paid version.
Number Two: Avast! Antivirus v4.8
With a good CNET rating and great Download.Com rating, this software offers protection against viruses, spyware and adware. While its rates of spyware detection are not all that great (finds 1/3 of spyware), it does include removal of spyware in addition to virus removal.
There aren?t any feature-restrictive trial periods involved with Avast! Antivirus v4.8. It is widely considered to be fair free protection against viruses. Unlike AntiVir, Avast offers fast and smooth downloading of updated definitions and files.
The biggest drawback to Avast is that you must register the product after 60 days and continue to re-register annually in order to keep using it. But the registration is free and paid antivirus software has similar policies with charges applied so that isn?t much to complain about.
You simply can’t have an internet connection without installing antivirus software. It will only be a matter of time before you are infected. If your are unable or unwilling to pay for virus protection, AntiVir Personal Edition V8 and Avast Antivirus v4.8 are intelligent alternatives you can download and use for free. Defend your computer against viruses by using one of these free programs. Visit the official site of each of these antivirus programs to download each. There are warnings about false sites that sell the free versions or infect your computer with a bad download. Don’t let it happen to you!
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