Which Is the Best Free Anti-Virus Software? Other Security Software?

A Guy said:

Golden linked to their OSI, but PSI is what I use. Am sticking to the older version though as the new Beta is far too automated, with less info. A Guy

So that's going to be the "new" version? No option to disable the automation while providing less info? I've not tried the beta, but it sounds as though it's a step backward. I'd much rather have the option to run in auto or manual. In manual you at least have the option to delay an update where you know that issues have surfaced because of it. I'll bet the corporate software they offer allows the user more control over the automation.

I agree with greg on not relying on reviews provided by those ad supported AV review sites. Some of the recommendations I've seen them make over the years could be considered irresponsible (at least as far as the consumer is concerned).

I've got a few links to some review sites that appear as though there are no questionable affiliations, but I can only find one at the moment:

AV-Comparatives - Independent Tests of Anti-Virus Software - About Us

karlsnooks said:

You will find that "independents" aren't all that independent.

Could very well be true, which is why I stated it as:

sibbil said:

that appear as though

kegobeer said:

Visit the System Security board - this has been asked and answered quite a few times.

Hi kegobeer, and thanks, I sure will. I didn't realize that was there. Sorry for clogging up this board with an off- and rehashed topic. I see this thread has been moved to the Security Forum. At least it's in the right forum, now.

zigzag3143 said:

Best in what way?

I prefer an application that gets the job done with the least amount of start-up delay, required user input, and notifications.

gregrocker said:

The most recommended freeware AV here now is Microsoft Security Essentials with the Win7 firewall, Malwarebytes on demand scanner.

I was using Avast on my last personal computer. I tried it on Windows 7, but got annoyed when it wanted to sandbox every application I was downloading from Sourceforge. I was impressed it had a sandbox feature, which I had never seen before; but not that it didn't recognize fairly well known applications.
I switched over to Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE.) One might imagine it's likely to integrate the best with the operating system (OS), since it's made by the same company.
I already had the MS firewall option activated; and I had Malwarebyes installed too. I knew about Malwarebytes. I think most people consider it the best Worm and Trojan defender these days.

gregrocker said:

...keep everything up-to-date and avoid downloading and running suspicious files. The sandboxing in Google's Chrome browser helps a lot, too.

I've set all notifications for updates to on.
I didn' t know Chrome had a Sandbox. I'll check that out.
I have trouble avoiding suspicious files altogether as I get some things from torrents. Is there a way to scan them for malware?

karlsnooks said:

If you read technical articles, then the names Fred Langa and Paul Thurott may ring a bell.
they also use Windows Defender Offline (WDO) as an "offline" scanner.
Here is a link to an article from a Security blog which I recommend reading.
Understanding Microsoft Anti-Malware Software 2012 ~ Security Garden

Thanks, karl. I'll do that reading; and get that Windows Defender Offline. I see from googling it, that it's something new; and it sounds like a good thing.

Golden said:

...ensure that your Java and FlashPlayer are up-to-date. These...represent the most common route for malware infections.
Use this to check for other common vulnerabilities:
https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...inspector.html

Hi Golden. I'll set Flash and Java to update automatically. I didn't know they were problematic. Do they do updates specifically to close the door on vulnerabilities? I'll read that link too.

Golden said:

Many users now avoid AdobeReader altogether, and use the many free and quite good alternatives (I use NitroPDF).

Hi Golden,

If Adobe Reader is eliminated, can Flash Player be done away with?