what is the best free virus protection?

Answer 1

I will rate AVG as appropriate for personal use, even though the 'best' tag will probably go to AOL Active Virus Shield or Avast.
AVG (Download this: avg75free_432a904.exe): http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5#avg-anti-virus-free

Answer 2

I think the "BEST FREE VIRUS PROTECTION" is to run a LINUX/UNIX-based operating system...especially if you are currently using a Microsoft product (Microsoft Windows).

The quick answer to why Linux is more secure than Windows: "Linux is not as susceptible to viruses in the same ways that a Dos/Windows or Mac platform is. In LINUX/UNIX, security controls are a fundamental part of the operating system. For example, users are not allowed to write promiscuously to any location in memory that they choose to, something that Dos/Windows and the Mac allow." From this article with more information about Linux and Viruses:
http://www.seifried.org/security/index.php/Linux_and_Viruses


LINUX IS FREE! And it's becoming more and more popular and user-friendly. But like anything new, there is still a learning curve. However, there is a lot of documentation how to install it and great support from other users. Check out the newest distribution of LINUX:
http://www.ubuntu.com/

[note: you don't have to install it to try it out on your computer... it can run straight from a CD]


And if you're planning to get a new computer soon and don't want to install Linux (which takes some computer know-how)... get a MAC!!! It's BEAUTIFUL, user-friendly, ready to go out of the box, and the operating system is based on Linux/Unix...thus it is 1000x more secure than Windows.
http://apple.com


The bottom line: Anti-virus software on a Windows machine is just treating symptoms [computer virus susceptibility and infection] and not addressing the disease [a bug-ridden operating system based on bad security principles].

Answer 3

Protect your PC from both known and unknown virus attacks, spyware, Trojan horses and malware with AOL's free anti-virus software, Active Virus Shield. This comprehensive anti-virus software installs quickly, works fast, always stays on and updates automatically every hour. Plus, it takes traditional virus scanning methods and combines them with advanced technology to help detect and protect against malicious programs that can infect your PC and important files before they are infected
http://www.activevirusshield.com , where you can download the product and register with an e-mail address and download the free antivirus software. An activation code will be send to the email address you provide. This activation code will fully enable your free version of AOL Active Virus Shield.

Answer 4

Here is a list of free popular virus protections http://www.basicspywaretips.com/freevirusremovaltool.html

Answer 5

http://mypchelp.blogspot.com/2006/10/essential-free-internet-security.html

Answer 6

I really like AVG, they give you updates daily, and it doesn't interfere with your other programs like some of the others.