Which free Anti-virus to get?

[Marute]

Hi all. My laptop came with a 30 days trial of Norton Antivirus and after that ran out I installed a free full AVG 30 day trial version but that'll run out at some point too. I'd prefer getting the free versions as money don't really grow on the trees, so I'm wondering if you guys could recommend me anything?

I've been looking at the following:

AVG Anti-Virus Free http://www.avg.com/eu-en/free-antivirus-download

Avast Free Antivirus http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download

Microsoft Security Essentials http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials/product-information

So, what do you guys think? Thanks in advance, your opinions and advice are much appreciated.

[Lpfan4ever]

Personally I've used and loved Avast. My favourite free antivirus (But only when I remember to shut those annoying sounds off, that's the only negative to me)

[SugarJ]

I put MSE and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware on every system I build. I've also found it's equally as important to keep Java updated, as the last 4 virus issues I've dealt with for family and friends have been old Java exploits.

[Marute]

I'll remember to check on Java once in a while, thanks.

The software I listed all protect against "virus and spyware", their homepages say. Is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware then necessary? What will it do that the software I listed won't?

When it says "virus and spyware", will that also cover worms, trojans, adware and the rest of ugly stuff we know?

[enaberif]

Mse hands down as its light on resources compared to the others you listed

[Perineum]

Malwarebytes is more about fixing things when they go wrong, it's a good idea to have installed on any machine in case it does get something.... easier to run it when it's already installed....

[YukonTrooper]

Comodo Internet Security. It includes an AV and a firewall.

[Mars]

Originally Posted by enaberif

Mse hands down as its light on resources compared to the others you listed

This.

Originally Posted by SugarJ

I put MSE and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware on every system I build. I've also found it's equally as important to keep Java updated, as the last 4 virus issues I've dealt with for family and friends have been old Java exploits.

When Java updated a few months ago, I did the regular uninstall old version routine, but didn't bother install the new version, and I haven't actually run into anything in the past couple months that I've needed Java for.

[Nodscene]

MSE is currently the best free antivirus when all things are considered. That gets my vote and get's installed on all computers I build.

[SKYMTL]

MSE. All the way.