recommend free antivirus programs

[Kellyftw95]

i can't afford norton this year so i need a free replacement, any ideas?

 

[ss202sl]

http/www.tomsguide.com/us/best-antivirus,review-2588-5.html

 

[JackNaylorPE]

I don't recommend the free stuff, but maybe you can garner some observations here (numbers in parenthesis are Protection / Performance / Usability):

Avast Free (6.0 / 3.5 / 6.0)
https/www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-10/october-2016/avast-free-antivirus-2016-164013/

Panda Free (6.0 / 3.5 / 5.0)
https/www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-10/october-2016/panda-security-free-antivirus-17.0-164086/

Windows Defender (3.0 / 4.5 / 5.5)
https/www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/hom
https/www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-10/october-2016/microsoft-windows-defender-4.10-164047/

Bit Defender whom we dropped last year just contacted me offering $17.00 for a 5 seat license.

Kaspersky / BitDefender are the consistent leading contenders the if you have more than one seat, BD can be a bit onerous.

My sons chip in with their friends to cut the cost Kaspersky Internet Security is running about $12.50 a seat for a 5 seat license ... $9.80 per seat for a 10 seat license.

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Comodo: https/www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/antivirus.php?track=8235&s_track=7639

 

[tiredteck]

I use Avast on everything and have for years.
Check the links above and pick the one that look like it will work for you.


tt/2

 

[J_E_D_70]

I haven't used anything except the free built in Defender for the past 5+ years on three PCs without issue.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

That's one way for looking at it ... another is that Defender blocked almost 9 outta 10 "0-day malware attacks, inclusive of web and e-mail threats (Real-World Testing)" ... now 90% and 145 blocked attacks sounds pretty good until ya think about the fact that 18 of the163 threats got thru. So it's all relative to what you are putting at risk . My kids biggest worry is pics of the GF, their Steam library and a few other odds and ends, mostly school and work related that they have backed up to my server. They can easily restore 98% of their stuff by downloading, restoring from their phone or itunes library.

I have 32 years of business records, building plans, specifications , legal documents, tax documents and all the family personal valuables.

My outlook is, it's gonna cost me about $10 for 3 boxes to keep my systems safe for the next year. My 3 kids will chip in another $10 to cover their boxes, not so much cause they need it, but for $10, it's not like it's a big deal at less than a penny a day.

 

[popatim]

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