Top 5 Free Antivirus Software

You get what you don’t pay for in life. So if you want to skim on security software, you’ll lose out on customer support, which can save you when badware gets stubborn.

But most of your “tech support” involves waiting on hold and listening to poorly scripted conversation?

Here are the top five free antivirus / antispyware programs. Please note that all these programs are free for home use only.

Spyware Doctor Starter Edition

Spyware Doctor Starter Edition is the trimmed down, free edition of Spyware Doctor. Even though its scanner and database of threats are light, Spyware Doctor Starter Edition is quality enough that Google includes it in their Google pack, a group of software selected by Google for Internet use.

Download Spyware Doctor Starter Edition here

Avast Antivirus Home Edition

Avast Antivirus Home Edition is popular free antivirus software, for good reasons: it works pretty well, and it’s light on your computer. Just watch out for Avast Antivirus Home Edition’s awkward interface.

Download Avast Antivirus Home Edition here

AVG Antivirus

AVG Antivirus is one of the most popular free antivirus apps — it’s got a great interface and a commercial-worthy selection of features. But a lot of viruses — such as sophisticated rogues like Antivirus System PRO — can run right by AVG Antivirus.

Download AVG Free here

Spybot Search and Destroy

Spybot Search and Destroy is very basic, which makes it very light on your system’s resources. Spybot Search and Destroy is best for an old computer that needs simple protection.

Download Spybot Search and Destroy here

Windows Defender

Windows Defender comes free with legit version of Windows. A product of Microsoft, Windows Defender works well with Windows XP, and is great if you’re just using your computer to surf the web and check emails.

Download Windows Defender here