Some of us land our very first PC or laptop/notebook/netbook and without thinking twice jump on the internet or start sharing files over an unsecure network with our families and friends without thinking about security.
When I’m talking about Security, for personal computers, I’m talking about an active and reliable antivirus-antispyware-firewall security.
According to Wikipedia, a computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer. A true virus can spread from one computer to another (in some form of executable code). A Spyware is a type of malware that can be installed on computers, and which collects small pieces of information about users without their knowledge and finally Malware, short for malicious software, (sometimes referred to as pestware) is a software designed to secretly access a computer system without the owner’s informed consent.
Having an adequate antivirus is sure protection against these bugs which as we read above, are out to ruin our day but then not everyone can afford one thus the existence of Free antivirus softwares. These free versions are usually released by the big companies in a bid to entice the consumers to finally buy the whole package.
I’ve been a fan of free antivirus softwares for quite a long time and with the nature of work I do offline and online, I don’t see myself needing a paid antivirus. I’m very okay with the basic protection the free versions offer and with my 4 years experience with free antivirus-spywares, here are my top 3 free antivirus.
Coming in @ No 1 is Microsoft Security Essentials 
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Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. Ever since I discovered it, it has replaced Windows Defender on my system since it comes with Malware detection too.
This antivirus loads pretty fast, doesn’t slow down your system and has a great detection rate in my opinion. The only set back, I’ve noticed with it is that it takes a little bit longer to scan my computer unlike Avira Antivir Personal.
Microsoft Security Essentials is only available to Genuine Microsoft users so if you’re using a pirated version of Microsoft Windows, this antivirus will not work for you at all.
AVIRA ANTIVIR PERSONAL
Avira Antivir Personal protects your computer against dangerous viruses, worms, Trojans and costly dialers.
The only reason I switched to Microsoft Security Essentials was because it is a Microsoft product and I believe they will be on top of their game to protect their customers from web attacks and loss of data to virus, spyware and malware.
It loads fast @ system startup and scans a lot faster than MSE.
The free version lacks the following functions, which are present in the paid version: AntiPhishing, AntiVirProActiv, WebGuard, RescueSystem, AntiDrive-by and MailGuard.
Each free version lasts I think 1 year after which you’d have to renew your free license again. It’s one free antivirus that’s TOTALLY worth giving a try especially for systems that run on low RAM or are kinda slow .
AVG ANTI-VIRUS FREE EDITION 2011
When it comes to powerful free antivirus softwares, AVG Rules! I’ve been a fan since my very first laptop but I tuned out when new versions of the software required more RAM to run, installation and update files got chunkier and full computer scans got somewhat slower.
AVG Free provides you with basic antivirus and antispyware protection for Windows and is available to download for free. Firewall protection is not included just as it’s missing from Microsoft Security Essentials (we got Windows Firewall) and Avira Antivir Personal.
With the incorporated AVG LinkScanner’s® real-time protection, you can surf the world wide web with peace of mind while AVG Social Networking Protection keeps you protected around the social networks like Facebook and Twitter which seem to be getting spammed on a daily basis.
AVG Free also offers you the chance to stay up-to-date with the latest threat information from the AVG Community Protection Network and AVG Protective Cloud Technology.
Finally if you own an Android driven mobile device, AVG now offers you protection on the go especially for those that share a lot via Bluetooth and wireless networks. It can even help you locate your stolen Android via GPS and for free too. COOL 
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To get AVG Antivirus Free For Android Devices, click here.
So there you have it. My top three free antivirus softwares. Though shall not be caught without PC protection. Get an antivirus NOW!
Which free antivirus do you use and can’t do without? Feel free to share with yours truly by commenting below .
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