Why Buy When It’s FREE! Best Free Anti-Virus Software for PC and Mac

We’ve researched and put together a list of the top free anti-virus software. Most current antiviruses have at least reasonably good detection rates of all forms of malware. Malware includes viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, adware, dialers, keyloggers and rootkit threats that perform malicious activities on a computer. These are the best antivirus programs that are completely free and work similarly to expensive programs from companies like Norton and McAfee. Let’s make 2011 the start of clean, virus-free, and safe computers!

We like this for it’s easy-to-use interface, very light on resources, and it’s outstanding detection rate of malware. There is a configuration you have to complete after installation which might be difficult if you're a computer novice. Does not include web or e-mail scanning capabilities, but if you open an infected email, AntiVir will still do its work.

Works on Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Server 2008. Avira also makes a version of AntiVir Personal for UNIX.

Microsoft Security Essentials definitely makes it to the top of this list because it updates automatically, removes threats, light on resources, good at removal of existing malware; plus it has no nag screens or annoying ads, and is incredibly easy to use.  Great for average users because of the minimal user interaction required.  No registration is needed, other than a quick validating of Windows and a genuine copy of Windows is required to install.Very easy to see if your computer is secure from threats green icon next to your clock means good; red icon means something is wrong.

Supports Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP

Avast! has the most features, with full real-time capabilities, including web, e-mail, IM, P2P and network shields, boot-time scanning, and a behavioural blocker. Avast is also light on resources and can detect previously unknown viruses and other malware. Registration of Avast! is required to use it more than 30 days but registration is free and simple. You also have to re-register annually, for free, of course.

Supports Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 2000

 

It’s simple interface and completely automated features make Panda Cloud Antivirus an excellent choice for average users. The only free cloud-based scanner, it does its job from "the cloud", thus freeing up your computer to work like it should while still protecting it from malware.

Supports Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP

AVG Free Edition is the smallest antivirus scanner and is the best choice for an older PC with limited system resources. It is a complete antivirus and antispyware tool, includes an email scanner, link scanner, scheduled scanning options, automatic updates, and more.

AVG Anti-Virus Free works on Windows XP/2000/NT/ME/98

This is the only free anti-virus for Mac users. The newest version ClamXav 2.1 for Mac includes these features: new, simpler interface, launch speed is considerably faster, save your favourite scan locations for easy access, customise the toolbar - or hide it entirely, infected files are listed more clearly, send selected files to quarantine or trash with one click, and much more.

The Comodo Antivirus has it’s Defense+ technology that, by default, assumes unknown files are threats instead of safe. Does not attempt to install unrelated software.  Note that its has no business use, personal only.  We also like that it does not attempt to install unrelated software

Works on Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP

PC Tools iAntivirus guards against Mac-only malware, including viruses, worms, trojans, spyware and adware. It does not cover Windows-based malware, which helps keep performance costs and system impact low but may not be a  good antivirus solution in a mixed Mac/Windows environment.

PC Tools iAntivirus is free for home (and home office) use and currently works with Intel-based Macs running OS X 10.5 only.

To use Immunet Protect FREE, you must be connected to the Internet at all times.  We like this because you never have to update it, has completely free telephone based support, and can be run alongside some of the other best free antivirus tools like AVG Anti-Virus Free, Microsoft Security Essentials, thus increasing your overall protection.

Works on Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.

digital-defender Antivirus has a relatively small installation size, daily virus definition updates, and full antivirus and antispyware features.

Supports Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition detects both Mac and Windows malware.? It also offers business-grade protection free for home use