currently unprotected

[Skylais]

suggestions to which antivirus that is free to use is best?

I have tried
MSE
AVAST
and a few others bout a year or 2 back

-i like both, more preferebly avast. It seems to be less annoying, lighter, and blocks webpages really effectively

 

[richc46]

For me MSE is the best. Made only for Windows by the makers of Windows. I tried Avast for a while and it does not seem as efficient at removing virus.

 

[Golden]

Hi,

Both are recommended here, so I think you will be happy with either.

Regards,
Golden

 

[DavidE]

Most of my systems have MSE, but I do have one with Avast.
I also use MBAM Pro (AM - Anti Malware) on all of them.
No complaints or problems with this setup for me.

I would not use an "unprotected system"... i install an AV (and AM) as a top priority.
Either AV is free and preferable to nothing.
The longer you use an unprotected system, the more likely you are to have virus/malware problems.

You can always change to a different AV later if you don't like something about what you install now.

 

[pessimistic]

I've used MSE before, and if you're running a low end machine, all I can say is that it SUCKS! I mean, it does a great job at protecting your system, but no better than Avast does. That's why for the longest time I chose Avast, because it's a lot less resource heavy, and doesn't have all the crazy popups every single time you click something (an exaggeration, sort of). That being said, I also find AVG free to do a slightly better job than both of these, and have never noticed any performance decrease when going from Avast to AVG. I'd suggest either Avast or AVG for you.

 

[Dwarf]

I use Avast! (free) and MalwareBytes Pro (paid) on all of my Windows installations without any problems. I am quite happy with their performance and once set up to automatically update/scan, they can be left to their own devices. Of course, manual updates/scans can still be performed.

I have mine set up to do a quick scan with both Avast! and MalwareBytes Pro daily Monday to Saturday, with full scans of each being done on Sundays. In addition, I have enabled the Flash scan feature of Malwarebytes Pro, and that scans after each update.

 

[dwarfer66]

I use AVG (paid) never had a problem.

 

[indianacarnie]

I used Avast for years (free) with no problems and was very happy with it. I switched to MSE 2 days ago and so far at least am happy with it. I switched for no other reason than to try it out. I think any of the major AV programs will do the job if you use a little common sense. Which is "the best" is subjective and really depends on your own needs and machine.