Previously we shared Top 10 Antivirus of year 2010 which included both free as well as licensed antivirus programs. But this time we are sharing Top 10 FREE antivirus programs for those who don't want to buy the licensed versions and still want best protection against viruses, malwares and spywares. The ranking of these antivirus is based on the poll below. Please do vote and help others in selecting the best free antivirus for their computer.
AVG Antivirus Free Edition
AVG Antivirus Free Edition currently holds first position in CNET's top downloads for Windows. It protects your computer from maximum virus, malwares and spywares by providing you with the basic antivirus and antispyware protection. The free edition of AVG Antivirus is compatible with Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 2000.
Download AVG Antivirus Free Edition | Download from CNET
Avast Free Antivirus
Avast Free Antivirus holds the 2nd position in CNET's top downloads for Windows. It provides you with the steadfast protection against most of the viruses like malwares and spywares. No doubt its great user-interface has earned it some extra reputation among the other free antivirus softwares. The adjustable mail and file system shields join the pre-existing behavior, network, instant messaging, peer-to-peer, and Web shields. The free edition of Avast lacks features like antispam measures, a testing sandbox, a Script shield and a firewall but still Avast free edition is probably the strongest free antivirus currently available.
Download Avast Free Antivirus | Download from CNET
Avira AntiVir Personal
Avira AntiVir Personal Free Edition currently holds 3rd position in CNET's top downloads for Windows. In 2008 Avira status boomed because of its remarkably strong detection rates. In 2009 Avira maintained its poition in the competition but 2010 version of Avira is not upto the expectations. Still 2010 version of Avira provides you with the wide selection of scan customization, letting you to fully scan both internal and external hard drives with a preloaded scan for rootkits.
Download Avira AntiVir Personal Free Editio | Download from CNET
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a free malware removal tool which is known for its lightening scan speed. Its Quick-Scan feature allows you to scan your full PC in approx 8 minutes even with other high-resource programs running. Its heuristics engine is very much capable of determining the difference between false positives and dangerous apps. Although the interface is simple, yet it looks pleasant to eyes. Malwarebytes is also capable of scanning network drives. The real-time protection of Malwarebytes comes with the paid version.
Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware | Download from CNET
Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft Security Essentials was released by Microsoft in late 2009 and it is well-known for its high detection rates specifically detection of rootkits. Its a lightweight antivirus which can run on older machines without consuming too much resources. Its completely FREE antivirus with no professional version. It is compatible with Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.
Download Microsoft Security Essentials | Download from CNET
Panda Cloud Antivirus Free Edition
Panda Cloud Antivirus Free Edition is a free cloud antivirus which stores its virus definitions online. A could antivirus just works like other antivirus softwares providing you with the basic functionalities like custom and quick-scan. Panda Cloud Antivirus consumes less than 10MB RAM when its in idle state and about 60MB RAM during the scan process. Its compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Download anda Cloud Antivirus Free Edition | Download from CNET
Comodo Firewall + Antivirus
Comodo which was previously known for providing its free firewall protection is now bundled with a free antivirus program. However there are also some cons of this bundling as the installer don't allows you to opt out of either of these components. Moreover the installer also asks you to install Comodo SafeSearch and Ask.com toolbars. However the overall resource management is better than before. Comodo Internet Security's wide range of free services are generally good, but the firewall is clearly the strongest of the bunch. Its compatible with Windows Vista and Windows XP.
Download Comodo Firewall + Antivirus | Download from CNET
Clamwin
ClamWin is an open-source antivirus, Windows version of the ClamAV which is the main Linux antivirus in the market. Main features of Clamwin include scanning scheduler, automatic virus database updates, atandalone virus scanner, integration to MS Windows Explorer and add-in to MS Outlook. It don't provides any real-time protection and its not easy to use but still having ClamWin around doesn't cost anything.
Download Clamwin | Download from CNET
Advanced SystemCare Free
Advanced SystemCare is not an antivirus at all but a free utility to clean and maintain your computer for better performance. Its more like Piriform CCleaner which allows you to delete temporary files, remove spywares, clean Windows registry. Overall, Advanced SystemCare is a good way to maintain your system's speed and clear out junk files, but you'll need to remember to run it regularly because scheduling of scans is only available in the paid Pro version.
Download Advanced SystemCare
Common Sense Antivirus Free Edition
Its not an antivirus that exists physically but no doubt its the most powerful antivirus you have got in your mind. If you surf web carefully and avoid visit to p0rn websites which usually asks you to install free toolbars or desktop clients then i may say you don't need any antivirus. Moreover while plugging in your hard-disk or USB stick, never choose Autorun as this is the most common way of malwares and spywares to get into file-system of your Windows.
Update1: Top 10 Antivirus Softwares 2011
