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Don’t be fooled by ads for free antivirus software. There are several of these programs that offer free online virus scans. The trick is this: They “scan” your computer and tell you that you have viruses that must be removed before it is too late. Then they require you to buy the software to remove them. Often, the viruses don’t exist in your computer at all. Some viruses and spyware come piggy-backed in a download for “antivirus software”. Be careful. Check online review sites for every program you consider downloading. Regardless of the scams out there, there are excellent free antivirus software programs that work with XP. Here are the best free virus protection downloads available:

Number One: AntiVir Personal Edition Version 8

This free program has a rating of 5 stars at Download.Com. It is well-reviewed all over the internet as the best antivirus software available for free because of its scanning capabilities and ease of use while running other applications on the computer.

AntiVir Personal Edition 8 has many advantages. It allows for scanning when your computer is started in safe mode and for individual scanning of files in your hard drive by right click or drag and drop. It offers a choice between basic or comprehensive reporting on discovered viruses. This free antivirus software works the same as paid software in that it updates frequently and automatically, can be scheduled to run on specific dates and offers fast or full scanning.

The drawbacks of this software are slow downloading of virus definitions and the poor ability to detect adware and spyware, thought it does detect much of it and offers a removal tool in its paid version.

Number Two: Avast! Antivirus v4.8

Avast is rated highly by both Download.Com and CNET. It has fantastic detection and protection from viruses. As far as spyware is concerned, it only detects about 33 percent of problems although it does remove what it finds for free.

Avast! Is not feature-restrictive and is not a “free trial” program. It is growing in popularity as a decent antivirus program. It downloads detections and definitions without faltering and installs them quickly.

The worst things said about Avast concern the need to register if you wish to use it beyond 60 days and keep registering every year after that. When you realize that paid programs are virtually the same only you have to pay for your subscription, this negative doesn’t seem too inconvenient.

Antivirus programs are a necessity for every computer that is connected to the internet. If you find the high cost of popular antivirus programs too much for your budget, AntiVir Personal Edition Classic 8 and Avast! Antivirus v4.8 are satisfactory alternatives. Cost should not be a factor when it comes to protecting your files from harm. To be sure you are getting the real versions; visit their home sites to download them. There are fraud sites online that will try to either sell them to you, or download spyware and viruses in place of the real free versions of these programs.

Tags: Online Security

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