are there any antivirus/internet security packs out there that you can buy as a one off, or do they all only last for one or two years?
2006-09-18 03:56:47 · 13 answers · asked by Michael W 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
No, there are lots of free options,
Free Anti-virus:
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
http://www.free-av.com/
http://www.trendmicro.com/hc_intro/default.asp
http://www.superantispyware.com/
Other Anti-virus help:
http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/
http://www.cert.org/other_sources/viruses.html
Free Online Virus Checks:
http://onlinescan.avast.com/
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-virus-cleaner.html
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/ols.shtml
http://www.kaspersky.com/scanforvirus.html
http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp
Have fun but be safe!
2006-09-18 03:59:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is not the software itself that requires the subscription service. The virus signatures used by the scanning engines must be updated for each new virus. So many manufactures make their big money by selling the signature updates. Many companies will privide the signatures and software for free as long as they are not used for commercial use. The only totally free service I know about is clamwin open source software available at. http://www.clamwin.com/ which depends on user submissions to update the virus database. The commercial products that re free for non commercial users, use the same virus database as their paid for big brothers and are probably more relaiable.
AVG has a good personal use Anti-Virus product available at: http://free.grisoft.com
Avast Antivirus, also for non-commercial use is available at: http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
Avira AntiVir Personal Edition is also available for download at http://www.free-av.com ,it has an annoying popup after every update but seems to work well.
The above products include active background scanning modules!
Bitdefender has an excellent scanner and removal tool but does not have any active background protection in the free version that is available at: http://www.bitdefender.com/site/Main/view/Download-Free-Products.html
2006-09-18 04:13:46 · answer #2 · answered by Interested Dude 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe any AV package will work after the initial subscription runs out. You don't have to renew and it will keep working, but the AV companies work 24/7 developing new fixes as new jerks keep pumping out new viruses. That's what the subscription is for...to keep your defense current. As for an app that offers a free download and free patches for new viruses, I think you're taking your chances. I have had my share of infections and now I have a worry-free set-up: AD-Aware SE Plus (antispy), NOD32 (AV) and PC Tools Registry Mechanic. These apps cost me about $75 total to start, but it's worth it.
I did some research as Norton's has not been very good to me - lot's of crashes, difficult to install, etc. I picked a company called NOD32 and downloaded the application. I picked it only because lots of forums recommended it.
2006-09-18 04:06:21 · answer #3 · answered by sunseekerrv 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AVG is free and works great. If I recall, technically, it IS a subscription, but my son has been using it for 2 or 3 years. He has had no problems since I installed it for him.
Now I use Trend (PC-Cillin) security suite, a more conventional pay software title. Generally, it is an annual subscription.
2006-09-18 04:01:59 · answer #4 · answered by glenbarrington 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go with Avast. Its free for home use. Avoid AVG like the plague. It simply doesn't work. I can't tell you how many times I get to a PC with AVG, and then run a scan with avast or another product and the PC is loaded with viruses. This is with AVG completely updated and running properly!
2006-09-18 04:09:33 · answer #5 · answered by thunder2sys 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freeware anti-virus software is available, but don't count on it being as reliable as the major league products. Do a search using the keywords: freeware antivirus
2006-09-18 04:02:10 · answer #6 · answered by phowe2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use the free software AVG (antivirus), Ad Awareand Spybot (antispyware). I've used them for years and never had any computer infections.
2006-09-18 04:01:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
To tell you frankly how will a software company earn if their products are for free... If I am a developer I'll just make a trial version in order for you to evaluate if my product is worth buying then I give you to full potential of my software...
2006-09-18 04:00:54 · answer #8 · answered by JarmenKell 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can go to Staples, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, ect and buy anti-virus software as a package that offers free updates.
Here's a link to what Wal-Mart offers:
http://www.walmart.com/search/browse-ng.do?ic=20_0&ref=125875.126122+500854.4293870198
2006-09-18 04:07:10 · answer #9 · answered by thatgirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No there are a few out there that are free.Just go to google and put in free anti-virus.AVG is a good one.
2006-09-18 04:00:47 · answer #10 · answered by thatdamngood04 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋