(no subject)

[neadods]

I'm looking for recommendations for free computer security programs a la Spybot.

Comments

[j00j.livejournal.com]

For antivirus? AVG has a free version (it tends to be kinda buried on their website). Clamwin had a pretty good reputation last I checked as well.

Other anti-malware options with free versions: Malware Bytes.

Note: Don't use more than one antivirus program simultaneously-- they can fight and screw things up. One antivirus program and one anti-malware program (Spybot or malware bytes) is good.

[wendymr.livejournal.com]

Microsoft Security Essentials - free, good, doesn't eat up resources the way Norton does, and very easy to use.

For spyware, I prefer Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to Spybot.

[elasg.livejournal.com]

I use Avast (also free) and it has been working very well.

[easy-living.livejournal.com]

Seconding the recommendation for Avast. I used to use AVG but switched to Avast because it seemed to have a smaller footprint and be less of a resource hog. Avast has caught several potential nasties before they got to eat my computer.

Download it here (http://www.avast.com/index), be sure to choose the free antivirus - the additional features of the paid versions are overkill for most people. If you want the "data shredder" feature (military-grade data erasure) look for CCleaner (http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner), multiple-overwrites are an option under its "Drive Wiper" tool and can be applied to "free space only", i.e. the space from which you just deleted whatever data you want to "shred".

[starmalachite.livejournal.com]

S. & I also highly recommend Avast.

[glamazonwarrior.livejournal.com]

Seconding Microsoft Security Essentials.

I used to use AVG. This is better.

[madhatterpan.livejournal.com]

I use Avast and SUPERAntiSpyware.

...and I have Malwarebytes the sporadic stubborn bugger.

[maureen-the-mad.livejournal.com]

We had a Cyber Awareness Month presentation at work recently - the IT guys recommended AVG (http://www.avg.com/us-en/free-antivirus-download), Avast (http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus-2014/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?part=dl-85737&subj=dl&tag=button), and Bitdefender (http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html). I also like MalwareBytes - I run a malware scan at least once a month.