What antivirus do you reccomend for...

What is the best Anti virus that is free, and whats the best one you pay for.

I would also like to know if the pay is a monthly thing or a one time payment. I am confused about that. Right now I am using a Free AVG version but my parents need one for their new computer.

Vista (will upgrade to windows 7 probably since they get a free upgrade) if that helps.

Thanks.

i use Windows Security Essentials, which is currently in the beta stage. even once it's gone retail, it will still be free. it's both antivirus and antimalware, and uses very little system resources.

other alternatives include Avast Antivirus, which was what i used before.

Free would be AVG or Avast.

Paid for would be the new Norton Internet Security 2010. Honestly the program installs in under a minute and uses less system resources than most other AV/Security programs. Most peoples impression of Norton is based on the bloated 2008 and earlier releases. Just run the trail of NIS 2010 and you will like it.

LINK

Avira (free)

been using Avira (*and the others mentions in prev posts) for...well, years. paying for an AV prog is silly. please don't waste your/parent's money.

for 'normal users' all that paying for an AV prog will do, is allow you to use options, that you will probably never use.

*norton was quite literally a pain in the ass. I will probably never use it again, no matter what people say*

I used Norton and McAfee in the past and hated both, the only paid version I've used and been content with is CA, I've heard good stuff about Kapersky, but seriously for the home user just get one of the "3 A's" Avast, Avira, or AVG - I've been using Avast on every PC I've owned or worked on over the past 3(almost) years and I've been extremely pleased with it.

I've used Norton before and hated it. Too many pop ups and very bloated.

I currently use ESET NOD32.

I still use avast for free. If you don't mind paying... Norton 9/the latest norton has really good reviews and isn't bloated like before. You can get it for free once in a while with a rebate and upgrade. Check deals sites like fatwallet etc.

I have kaspersky and if you are willing to deal with: allow now, allow always, make trusted prompts for almost everything then go ahead. It's similar to the vista user control panel. Sometimes on the prompts things are grayed out so every time you run the program kaspersky butts in and asks if you want the program to execute. It can be highly annoying. You can make changes in the settings, but it still will prompt for some stuff no matter what.

Norton and McAfee have left such a bad taste in my mouth from previous horrible experiences that I will not use either.

I use AVG Free. Avast I have also tried and it works too.

I like Kaspersky a lot. Cost me £50 for 3 years on 3 PCs for the full Security Suite. It is rock-solid and lightweight, it even has a "game" mode, a very neat virtual keyboard, IE-in-a-sandbox, and a few other tiny goodies. I highly recommend it. (UK customers of Barclays bank: I think you can have it free for one PC via the online banking website)

AVG and Avast are good free choices.

I use ESET NOD32.

I have used other antiviruses (McAffee, Norton) and I find they tend to use to much resources, to many "Are you sure" popups, or they delete various files because they are apparently viruses.

Free: avast
Pay: NOD32 has a lot of good things I've heard, but I'd probably go/stick with avast.

Ok I see a lot of Avast for free. That is what I already installed on their computer however it said it will be ending soon or something? I don't quite understand it, that's kinda why I asked lol.

Yeah, listen to him. Avast is okay for a free antivirus, but NOD32 is a lot better IMO. And not as annoying as Avast...

But right now I'm temporarily using AVG Internet Security, multi-purpose protection tool.

free, avg or avast, but if you use avg, when sinatlling make sure you put daily scans OFF.
paid:
nod32 wins hands down

Avast gives you a 30 (or is it 60?) day period in which you must register it on their website... it's free to register and after that you will have full service for a year +... then you just have to re-register.... it's simple and effective.

Avast, Avira and AVG are the best free antiviruses around IMO. I personally use Avira for almost a year and runs on low system resources. No viruses as of yet, highly satisfied with it.

- Ganni

If you are using a 32bit OS, there are a lot of choices that would be good. If you have a 64bit OS (yes NOD32 works, but only for 32bit viruses). My wife and I have had Avast has let more than a few viruses through. Currently I use Avira, nice clean programming (what else would you expect from UNIX programmers?) and I have not had a single virus slip through. Best part: NO FALSE POSITITIVES.

I've been using Avast for quite a while. Seems great except for the very loud sudden update message.

Nod32 works on both 32 and 64bit OS's and detects viruses and malware fine on both. It's supported 64bit for over 4 years now.