Recommended Free Virus/Malware Protection Software?

[Pure Michigan]

I have read on different threads regarding good free protections software and wanted to get everyone's opinions. I don't plan on downloading naughty things or going to naughty sites so I'm not worries about picking up anything much. I have heard different combos work like:

Avast and MalwareBytes, or Microsoft Security Essentials? Let me know what you think is best for a new pc build!

 

[turkey3_scratch]

I use Malwarebytes. Good and stays out of my way but is there when I need it.

 

[rockie_]

Microsoft Security Essentials + Internet Explorer 11

i ve used this combo for over 2 years and i am virus free . Also avoid programs that install browser add-ons .

Malware , sometimes helps .
Avast is better than MS SE but is adware

 

[turkey3_scratch]

@rockie_: The only problem is that you are limited to IE, which is probably not always good.

 

[rockie_]

@rockie_: The only problem is that you are limited to IE, which is probably not always good.

i used Chrome and when i loaded 20 tabs my laptop got stuck cus Chrome is very RAM hungry . i removed it compleatly ! IE 11 protects 95% againts malware but Chrome 80%.

 

[Pure Michigan]

Microsoft Security Essentials + Internet Explorer 11

i ve used this combo for over 2 years and i am virus free . Also avoid programs that install browser add-ons .

Malware , sometimes helps .
Avast is better than MS SE but is adware

Just curious but when you say that "avast is better than MS SE but is adware", does that mean it just downloads random advertisements etc? I'm not looking at doing anything crazy on this computer so just trying to get some solid, free software to give good basic protection without slowing down my PC. Thanks guys!

 

[adamwinn]

For everyday protection, MSE or Avast are both pretty good. And then when you occassionally have a file that's more suspect, you can run it through an online scanner like www.metascan-online.com or www.threatexpert.com to get a second opinion. They are free and check with tons of AV programs so you don't have to install them. Not something to use every day, but for sure whenever you download freeware or get something suspicious.