Free anti-virus/firewall software via Microsoft security download site

mingymoo

Just in case anyone is looking to purchase any security software, go to the Microsoft security download website for free trials.

I'm currently using Panda (90 day free trial) which is their 2006 Platinum suite. I'm not sure of the versions for the other software.

Antivirus software & firewall protection
Get special offers from the following software companies for antivirus and firewall packages.

• Computer Associates
12-month free trial
Antivirus

• F-Secure
6-month free trial

• McAfee
90-day free trial
Antivirus
Firewall

• Panda Software
90-day free trial

• Symantec (Norton)
90-day free trial

• Trend Micro
90-day free trial

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/downloads/default.mspx

barginunter

Don't forget everyone that AVG and Zone Alarm are free and can be downloaded from https://www.computeractive.co.uk/downloads .

ultrak3wl

I find "Avast" free antivirus is pretty good

https://www.avast.com

The_Old_Bag

Could I pick your brains on this issue ?

I bought McAfee Internet security suite 2004 ver 6.0

Like a lot of MSE people whose posts I have read in the past few months, I presumed that when I spent a small fortune on this ( well it was for me ) that I was 'sorted', and need never worry about Spam, Spyware, viruses etc again.

NOW I realise that it is way out of date, and I need to either pay McAfee another small fortune to get the updates, or buy a whole new package - or get some downloads for free.

Advice please from you wonderful experts out there. Do I have the attitude that you "Get what you pay for " ie pay out for McAfee, or Norton etc
Or is the free versions just as good.

Also if I do go with the free downloads, which ones do I want, and do I mix and match, or what ?

Many thanks, and please try and keep it simple, words with no more than three syllables please !!!!!

Quincy_3

I use AVG Free thats my Antivirus.

I use a firewall called Sygate just leave the Microsoft one alone that is on your PC.

I also use AdAware for removal of Adware and scumware.

I also use Spybot search and destroy for more nasties removal like keyloggers and adware and scumware also

Just dont have two Antivirus installed on your PC at the same time or issues can arise, Start, Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel.

lukeca

http://www.kaspersky.com/trials?chapter=186685140

very good AV

Rex_Mundi

Kaspersky is indeed a very good antivirus (£24 to buy after the trial period ends), but for the average user, either AVG or Avast as mentioned above are good free products.

krakan

mingymoo wrote:

I'm currently using Panda (90 day free trial) which is their 2006 Platinum suite. I'm not sure of the versions for the other software.

Just you try getting rid of it (completely) afterwards..

Good find though - excellent for directing people too when they ask about AV, too..

Megalomaniac

AVG does me - great antivirus software, and NOT resource hungry like so many others are.

urban_fox

At the minute, all my protecton are free downloads i.e. AVG, Zone alarm, Adware, Spybot & Spyware blaster. They all appear to be doing a good job only there is such a system drag on my pc that it winds me up everytime I go on the internet. I read somewhere that it could well be the Zone alarm that is doing it and that it can be a problem getting rid of it completely from the system. Do you think it's Zone alarm that is slowing the computer and if so what is a good alternative that doesn't slow the system down?

Lord_Gardener

I recommend that you go and have a look at http://www.pcworld.com/
(It's not the UK PC World but a USA technology Advice site!!!). Scroll down to Spyware Help Center and select. Lots of info on most antivirus, firewalls, anti spam, etc. software available including free versions! Comparative tests and weaknesses are shown for each product. For info - Antivir, Avast and AVG are all in top 10 performers for antivirus and Zone Alarm pro is rated well for firewall.

Hope this helps answer some of those questions!

LG