In a world of obsessive spammers and underage hackers, one must defend himself/herself with valor. In order to do this, you need to find an army (free antivirus software) you can trust to do the job. I’ve taken my time to find everything you need to make sure the worst doesn’t happen on your computer.

What Free Antivirus Software Should Provide

• Security – the obvious answer, but it is very important to make sure the antivirus software you use has been tested. Check out cnet.com for reviews from users and experts.
• Speed – once you get an antivirus software you will realize it can slow down your computer as it checks all your files. Find time by making sure you get software that runs fast and doesn’t slow down your computer.
• Simplicity – you shouldn’t have to be a mega computer geek to be able to protect your computer. Get some antivirus software that you can trust to do the job right.

Top Choices

1. Windows Security Essentials – I never thought I would choose a Microsoft product as my first choice, but Windows Essentials provides the necessary amount of security you need in a very simple package. Best of all the software doesn’t bog down your computer as much as the closest competitors, and it provides the most basic interface for all levels of computer users – download Windows Security Essentials here.
2. AVG Free – This is the leading free antivirus download on the technology website CNet and provides a lot of important security features. CNet writer Seth Rosenblatt notes in his AVG review that the interface isn’t always the most intuitive, but that overall it works well. He also points out that it may be optimal for “savvy Windows users” so decide for yourself it that’s you. Unique features include a link scanner and identity protection – download AVG Free here.  (Also consider Avast Antivirus and Avira Free Antivirus)
3. Norton/McAfee Antivirus – The two big guns in the security front have recently been tarnished by sluggish software that tries a little too hard to do a simple job. My internet provider provides McAfee for free so check with yours for a good deal. Technically these are a little more secure, but I don’t think it’s worth succumbing to their marketing just to suffer countless hours of setting up options and turning off pop-up warnings.

Keep In Mind

• Make sure you only have one antivirus program.  They’re greedy and may attack each other.
• Make sure to also have a firewall installed alongside your antivirus. Again, Microsoft has one for free or you can go to download.cnet.com to find one.
• Consider an email option like GMail that keeps your mail online so it’s unable to infect your computer.
• Check out The Best Internet Browser for You to surf the web better.

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