best free protection for viruses, spyware

[Han Bao Quan]

Why so, Han Bao Quan?
It's got a higher detection rate than both Eset's NOD32 or Kaspersky's AV.
Or do you mean FP's?
Cheers.

I take pro-active over higher detection rates, plus it has more false detections.
I used Avira for like 3 years before using kaspersky and now ESET.
The thing is, Avira is quite good at stopping virus from getting into your computer. However, I purposely let a virus in to test Avira, and it couldn't do much once my computer was infected.
Hence the switch.

[crash]

I voted for NOD32, Kaspersky, Norton 2009, and Avira. Either one of those choices is good.

[swelp]

I get Norton for free, and always liked it more than any other. But when I tried out AVG, I liked the resource load and the detection rate was great. Between AVG, Threatfire and Adaware, I haven't had a single security incident on this computer.

[dissembled59]

So...Avira it is. How does it fare against rootkits/spyware?

What are the 'best' free anti-spyware/anti-rootkits/anti-trojan?
The sticked list is around 2 years old. Can it still be trusted?

Thanks!

[qhn]

For since how long that I can remember:

. XP: Comodo, Avast, SpywareBlaster. Stopped using AdAware after they got fancy. Stopped using AVG and Zone Alarm when they decided to take their eye of the ball on what they were good at.

. Vista: Avast, SpywareBlaster, Windows Firewall and Defenders. Dropped Comodo after they decided to expand their repertoire to play with virus scanner.

. W7: Avast, SpywareBlaster, Windows firewall & defenders.

And a touch of awareness when surfing works wonder together with the mentioned tools.

I have experienced a few attacks during the year, but they all got stopped dead track.

cheers ...

[Tranquility]

I voted "Other."

I think a well configured limited user account, Windows Firewall, and Software Restriction Policies stops malware dead. It can't infect if it can't execute.

Of course, you'll need Pro, Business, or Ultimate to use SRP.

http://hype-free.blogspot.com/2008/0...iguration.html
http://mechbgon.com/srp/
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/w.../cc507878.aspx

[thetank256]

I have only used AVG. What are some of the advantages to something like Avira AntiVir?