Why is it that when you buy an anti-virus software, download it, and after a few months you have to buy it again?
Is there any anti-virus software that doesn’t do that?
What about the ones that came with your computer? They said you need to buy it but you don’t know where to find the promotional code because it came with the computer.
If you want a free anti-virus I recommend in order of popularity, but please choose the right one for you (install only one):
1. AVG Free
a. A simple interface (easier to use than Avast! and Avira)
b. Can detect about 82.82% of viruses
Cons: low virus detection
2. Avast!
a. Real-time protection
b. It has an option to delete a virus once found
c. Can detect about 87.46% of viruses.
Cons: Too many icons and confusing user interface
3. Avira AntiVir
a. It can detect malware better than Avast and AVG
b. It’s cute umbrella icon
c. Can detect about 94.26% of viruses
Cons: A very sluggish update
I advise against Norton anti-virus, it’s bloated software that takes control of your computer. The best anti-virus available is Kaspersky or NOD32 (recent tests at av-comparatives.org).
Subscriptions to receive updates must be purchased (usually a yearly license). Most computers only come with a trial of software (which is usually 90 days).
With the commercial programs you normally need to pay an annual subscription in order to continue receiving the latest updates. You can continue using the program without the updates but you’ll only be protected against the viuses, etc, that were around when the subscription ran out, not against the latest ‘viruses’.
Think of it like buying a car and asking why you have to buy new tyres when they need replacing. Someone has to spend time and money making them.
However, you can get free AV programs, including free updates. However, you need to be aware what the program does and doesn’t protect you against as, invariably, it won’t protect you against so much as the commercial version.
The main freebies are: AntiVir, Avast, AVG. Check them out below:
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-compare-home-professional.html
http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition
http://www.free-av.com/en/products/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html
you do not need to buy any anti virus software, just go to AVG which is a free and recommended and well known anti virus software i think it won awards last year for best free online protection, i have used it for months now and works fine, i recommend downloading Ad aware 2008 with it. or something similar like spy-bot, just to get rid of all those adware tracking cooks that AVG doesn’t pick up…… good luck