There are several off-the-shelf security products in market for which you need to pay an annual sub to keep your Windows 7 safe. However, in case you have burned a hole in your pocket after buying Windows 7 look for the free antivirus. When picking a free antivirus for Windows 7 security, check for the compatibility. We assorted a list of top free Windows 7 antiviruses to make your job easy. All of these also works on Windows XP and Windows Vista.
1. Avira AntiVIr Personal
Avira’s free antivirus offers comprehensive security solution for PCs. The antivirus offers a number of free tools that include antivir removal tool, antirootkit tool, and boot sector repair tool. It features an UnErase tool that enables recovery of data deleted from the hard drive. The NTFS4DOS allows access to NTFS drives for MS-DOS and other DOS based operating system under a new drive letter for application. Avira’s rescue system helps to repair the damaged system and rescue data.
Pros
- Better detection rates for malware
- Faster scan speed
Cons
- You might have tolerate the nag screen that put’s up a pop-up wIndow after the updates.
- Avira works for both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7.
2. Avast! 4.8
Avast is a free anti virus with powerful healing features. It’s not resource hungry and doesn’t hog the processor or memory. The scan times are less, which is rare for free anti-viruses. Avast is compatible for both 32 and 64-bit Windows.
Pros
- In case you are comfortable with the beta you can run the Avast! 5.0 BETA. It’s antivirus is using an unfinished
Cons
- It’s bug prone and still in the process of development
3. AVG 9.0
AVG 9 comes with several improvements than its former version. One of the major upgrades is that the antivirus scans for malware 50 times faster than the earlier version. It includes an exclusive feature called performance scanning designed to scan your HDD for files that are trust worthy and don’t need to be scanned when you are doing a virus scan, until the next scheduled performance scan.
Pros
- Doesn’t hog much memory and is faster with scans
Cons
- Scanning and malware removal needs to be bettered
- Lacks the web shield, advanced rootkiit
4. Kaspersky Anti-Virus
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 8.0.0.1015 is a beta release for Windows 7. It combines the best of reactive antivirus and spyware detection methods with the latest proactive technologies to offer effective protection against malicious programs. It is easy to install and set up. It offers a range of versatile settings for fine-tuning the program. The technical preview seems a complex solution for systems running Windows 7. The prototype includes not only an antivirus component but an effective and fully functional firewall and anti-spam filter. It includes a heuristic analyzer for detecting and blocking unknown malicious programs.
Pros
- Versatile setting for hardcore users
Cons
- The interface involves complexities and Beta version needs is still under development
5. Panda Cloud Antivirus
Panda Antivirus Beta3 supports Windows 7 (32 and 64bit). This Beta3 Preview only has additional platform support. The Beta 3 has undergone considerable changes. The new beta comes with an intuitive design and Collective Intelligence Real-time Activity Monitor. It comes with improved performance based on cache optimization. The antivirus carries out BackgroundScan by deactivating many unnecessary operations. With better management of Recycle Bin, it allows easy restoration of disinfected objects. The beta now includes a quick scan option.
Pros
-Intuitive interface
-Cache optimization for much less CPU utilization
Cons
- Slows down PC after installation
6. Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft replaced its Live Once Care security software with Microsoft Security Essentials that is totally free. It provides real-time protection for your home PC against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It is simple to install and easy to use. It performs scans in the background without interrupting your work. It offers comprehensive malware protection. MSE actively swap out memory and doesn’t use it further to reduce the use of system resources.
Pros
- Ease-of-use and small memory footprint.
Cons
- Low detection rate
7. Comodo Firewall + Antivirus
Comodo offers free firewall and antivirus software for full protection of individual computers and networks. It provides real-time protection against virus infection with on accessing scanning. The Host Intrusion Prevention System blocks malicious spyware and malware from being installed or executed in the system. It checks all the add-in peripherals such as CDs, DVDs, USB Sticks and even your cell phone for viruses. It secures the system against worm programs that duplicate themselves by sending mass mailing to the contact lists. It continually scans the memory resident applications and processes as well as the incoming and outgoing email and attachments.
Comodo offers different downloads for 32 and 64-bit systems.
Pros
- Powerful firewall
Cons
- The only knock on this program appears to be the lack of spam regulation.
- Suffers from some bugs and irregularities.
Pingback: Beware! This email is NOT from Twitter! | Shadowland