Free Antivirus?

[B.J.]

The prepaid-for antivirus on my Windows 7 machine just ran out, so I was wondering if anyone knew what the current field of free antivirus software looks like today? I've used AVG and Avast in the past, but I know that the top performers in the field can change pretty often, so I'd appreciate some up-to-date advice.

 

[AntonyF]

Avast is my recommendation.

 

[Tom]

Microsoft has Security Essentials that is free.

 

[Tiberius]

I use avast on my laptop and my phone.

 

[Amaris]

I highly recommend Microsoft Security Essentials. It's lightweight, effective, and integrates into your Windows OS without any fuss.

 

[CorporalClegg]

MSE is fine for Windows 7/8. But I would use Avast for Vista or Xp--there's been known problems with MSE upadater on the older OS.

Avast is ever-so-slightly more secure, but you're also going to get more false positives with it.