Microsoft isn't the first vendor to offer free anti-virus software to consumers and small businesses. Several vendors have free, generally available versions of their malware protection suites. Their strategy: Get customers interested and open opportunity to partners. Here are few free AV packages worth considering.
- Panda Software www.pandasecurity.com Panda Active Scan 2.0 provides in-the-cloud scanning, detection and removal of malware, security status checking and vulnerability checks.
- ALWIL Software www.avast.com ALWIL’s Avast antivirus package includes a full array of features, including protection against rootkits and spyware, P2P inspections, real-time malware scanning and Web filtering.
- BitDefender www.bitdefender.com Designed for Windows home and professional versions, the free version of BitDefender Free Edition provides scanning and removal of most known viruses, scheduled system scanning, quarantining of suspect files and activity reporting.
- Avira www.avira.com Avira AntiVir free version provides rudimentary protection against viruses and worms and other Internet-born threats. However, the premium version offers more comprehensive security and features.
- Clamwin www.clamwin.com Clamwin is an open-source antivirus application developed and supported by a community of users and developers. The application is designed for all versions of Windows up to Vista.
- Microsoft www.microsoft.com Microsoft Security Essentials – still in beta and successor to Windows Defender – is getting good early reviews. The free client-based product provides basic antivirus and malware protection. The general release is expected this fall.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
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