Without an antivirus now - it’s neither here nor there. For many users, this is a basic program that should be installed immediately after Windows installations(in principle, this judgment is correct (on the one hand)).
On the other hand, the number of software defenders already numbers in the hundreds, and choosing the right one is not always easy or quick. In this short article I want to highlight the best (according to my version) free versions for a home computer or laptop.
Avast! Free Antivirus
One of the best free antiviruses, it is not surprising that it is used by more than 230 million users around the world. After installing it, you receive not only full protection against viruses, but also protection against spyware, various adware, and Trojans.
Avast screens! monitor PC operations in real time: traffic, email, file downloads, and in general, almost all user actions, thanks to which it is possible to eliminate 99% of threats! In general, I recommend getting acquainted with this option and testing the work.
Kaspersky Free Anti-Virus
The famous Russian antivirus, which is not praised unless you are lazy :). Although free version greatly truncated (there is no parental controls, Internet traffic tracking, etc.), in general, it provides a very good level of protection against most threats found on the network. By the way, all are supported popular versions Windows: 7, 8, 10.
In addition, we must not forget one small nuance: all these vaunted foreign protection programs, as a rule, are far from Runet and our “popular” viruses and adware modules get to them much later, and therefore updates (so that it can protect against these problems) will come out later. From this point of view, +1 for the Russian manufacturer.
360 Total Security
A very, very good antivirus with good databases and regular updates. In addition, it is distributed free of charge and contains modules for optimizing and speeding up your PC. I would like to note on my own that it is still “heavy” (despite its optimization modules) and your computer will definitely not work any faster after installing it.
Despite everything, the capabilities of 360 Total Security are quite extensive (and it can outperform even some paid ones; installation and elimination of critical vulnerabilities in Windows, fast and complete system scan, recovery, cleaning of tons of junk files, optimization of services, real-time protection, etc. d.
Avira Free Antivirus
A famous German program with a fairly good degree of protection (by the way, it is believed that a German product is of high quality and works like a “clock.” I don’t know if this judgment applies to software, but it actually works like a clock!).
What is most captivating is not the tall ones system requirements. Even on relatively weak machines, Avira Free Antivirus works quite well. One of the disadvantages of the free version is a small amount of advertising. Otherwise - only positive ratings!
Panda Free Antivirus
A very lightweight antivirus (lightweight - because it consumes little system resources), which performs all actions in the cloud. It works in real time and protects you when you play, when surfing the Internet, when downloading new files.
Another advantage of this option is the fact that you don’t need to configure it in any way - that is, once you install it and forget it, Panda will continue to work and protect your computer automatically!
By the way, the database is quite large, thanks to which it removes most threats quite well.
Microsoft Security Essentials
In general, if you are the owner of a new Windows versions(8, 10) - then Microsoft Security Essentials is already built into your defender. If not, then you can download and install it separately (link given above).
The antivirus is quite good, does not load the CPU with “left” tasks (i.e. does not slow down the PC), does not take up much disk space, and protects in real time. Overall, a very good product.
AVG AntiVirus Free
A good and reliable antivirus finds and removes viruses not only those that it has in the database, but even those that are not in it.
In addition, the program has modules for detecting spyware and other malware (for example, the ubiquitous advertising tabs built into browsers). Among the shortcomings I would highlight one: from time to time (during operation) it loads the CPU with checks (rechecks), which is annoying.
Comodo AntiVirus
The free version of this antivirus is designed for basic protection from viruses and others malware. Among the advantages that can be highlighted: an easy and simple interface, high speed work, low system requirements.
Main features:
- heuristic analysis (detects even unknown new viruses that are not in the database);
- proactive protection in real time;
- daily and automatic updates bases;
- Isolation of suspicious files in quarantine.
Zillya! Antivirus Free
A relatively young program from Ukrainian developers shows quite mature results. I would especially like to note the well-thought-out interface, which does not overload the beginner with unnecessary questions and settings. For example, if everything is fine with your PC, you will see only 1 button indicating that there are no problems (this is a significant plus, considering that many other antiviruses are literally overwhelmed with various windows and pop-up messages).
You can also note a fairly good database (more than 5 million viruses!), which is updated daily (which is another plus for the reliability of your system).
This article provides the TOP 10 best free antivirus programs of 2020, as well as links where you can download demon paid antivirus nickname from the official website of the developer.
The concept of free antivirus has nothing to do with piracy or hacking of paid products. There are a lot of programs distributed free of charge.
Computer viruses can present very unpleasant surprises even if you use your computer technology for entertainment only. But the real scale of the problem can only be felt by those who make money on the Internet. If a virus destroys your work or attackers gain access to your electronic money (, Webmoney), it won’t be fun.
In order not to bite your elbows later, it is better to take care of the safety of your equipment right now.
The best free antiviruses
When choosing an antivirus program, you must be guided, first of all, by their updateability. Moreover, it is not the program itself that must be regularly updated, but the virus database. The options below have it all.
Real-time antiviruses (continuous protection)
Avira Free Antivirus– a full-fledged antivirus for use on a home computer. The free version has no term of use and is updated regularly.
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Avast Free Antivirus– like the previous option, it works in continuous mode, constantly protecting the computer from malware.
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SuperAntiSpyWare– has both paid and free modifications. Suitable for protecting your home computer.
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360 Total Security– a full-fledged free anti-virus program with support in Russian. Will keep your PC safe continuously.
Download >>
Panda Free Antivirus– a panda is not only a kind bear, it is also an excellent protector against spyware and viruses.
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is an antivirus product that has won many awards for high-quality computer protection.
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Microsoft Security Essentials– this antivirus from the digital giant Microsoft works in real time and can replace many paid programs. Rootkits, Trojans and spyware resting.
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Comodo Free Antivirus– a full-fledged anti-virus program that works effectively in the free version.
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Nano Antivirus- a free antivirus released by domestic specialists from Bryansk. Acts in real time, preventing malware from penetrating your computer.
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Zillya Antivirus – basic version The antivirus program will protect your home computer from viruses continuously.
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Virus scanners (one-time check)
To fully protect your computer from malware, it is recommended to periodically scan it for viruses. different antiviruses. We discussed antiviruses that operate continuously above. Here is a list of antiviruses that you can run occasionally for a one-time scan.
Dr.Web Curelt! – free utility from a well-known developer that scans and identifies computer viruses. For each scan you need to download new version. The utility is updated regularly and is constantly updated with new databases.
Download >>
Kaspersky Security Scan– a free scanner that searches for viruses and system vulnerabilities. It will check your computer and tell you what other programs might have missed.
Download >>
If your computer stops working due to a virus
It happens that a virus has infected your computer so seriously that you are unable to even run an antivirus program or scanner. What to do if a virus has blocked your computer?
The main thing is not to panic. You will need to find a working computer. Download a special anti-virus utility onto it and use it to create boot disk or flash drive.
After that, start the infected non-working computer using this disk or flash drive. The bootable antivirus utility will launch before the virus and help clean the system.
Kaspersky Rescue Disk– distribution kit for the recovery disk and instructions for setting it up and using it.
Download >>
Dr.Web Curelt! Live CD– a utility for restoring computer operation using a CD/DVD disk or USB drive.
Download >>
Is it worth buying a paid antivirus?
Everyone decides for themselves whether to buy a paid antivirus or use a free one. Naturally, paid versions provide more features and functionality. For inexperienced users this can be critical. As a rule, the issue price is only 1000 rubles per year.
But, if you follow the rules of behavior on the Internet (don’t visit suspicious sites, don’t download pirated programs, don’t click on pop-up banners), and also check devices connected to your computer (flash drives) for viruses, then constant use of one of them will be enough for you. listed anti-virus programs and periodic scanning with an additional utility.
Friends, I greet you! In this article, I will tell you where you can download good antivirus for free. I use a free antivirus myself, and it protects my computer very well. Read on and find out how to download and install it for yourself. If you need more information, you can get it in the course " computer tricks".
There are many antiviruses, mostly they do a good job of protecting your computer from viruses, but their disadvantage is that you have to pay for them. Why pay for something you can get for free and of the same quality?
And so, we need to protect ourselves from viruses. They can be harmless and will temporarily block your access to any files on your computer. But there are also dangerous ones that can steal passwords from bank cards, payment systems from mail, if they are stored on your computer.
So, to fight viruses, you need special program, which will protect your computer. It is impossible to determine which is the best antivirus, there are debates on this topic everywhere, it is impossible to find an exact answer, each has its own pros and cons.
We won’t look at all existing antiviruses; let’s move straight to installing ours. Before you download a good antivirus for free, you need to remove the one that is currently installed on your computer.
To remove any program, I personally use Ccleaner, I have already written how this is done in the article “”. So come in and do the same.
As soon as the old one is removed, we proceed to downloading the new antivirus. Go to this site and download the free version of avast antivirus. You will be offered to take a paid one, but they are not much different and there is no point in spending money. Don't even think about it, download for free.
After the archive with the antivirus has been downloaded, you need to find it where it is located on your computer. As a rule, what you download is in the downloads. Double-click on the archive itself.
Now to install, you just need to click “next”. Look carefully at what they will offer you during the installation; if they offer you a paid version again, then uncheck it.
As soon as the antivirus is installed, the avast icon will appear on your computer. Double-click the left mouse button on the icons and your AVAST window will open. Congratulations, you have downloaded and installed an antivirus for free.
Now you can clean your computer. Click on “scan” and select “ smart scan" This way you check the entire computer completely. You can click on “virus scan”. Here the check will pass faster and only viruses will be searched.
If avast has detected viruses, then you will be given options on what to do with this infection:
- Send to quarantine
- Treat
- Delete
Here I want to talk about such a tool as a sandbox. You can safely run files in this sandbox that you suspect of being infected with viruses. This way your computer will be safe.
Now let's move on to the settings. To get into them, click on the gear in the upper right. Here we have updates, you can update the virus definition and update the program.
The Virus Detection Blog is a database of all available viruses. New ones are constantly appearing, so it is useful to update this database.
You can also update the avast program, they update every week. But all your updates and programs and virus databases happen automatically, so don’t bother.
The antivirus works automatically in offline mode. And if you want to follow a malicious link, then it begins to warn you that it is dangerous. Therefore, in principle, there is no need to do anything manually. And if you want to know and be able to do everything on your computer, then be sure to take training." with a computer in 1 day".
So, where to download antivirus for free? It should be noted that trial versions of many antivirus programs can be downloaded for free. However, if you have downloaded such well-known antiviruses as “Kaspersky Antivirus” or “Dr. Web", then after the trial period you must either buy a key to this antivirus or stop using this antivirus program. Of course, if you wish, you can download keys for antiviruses from the Internet, but this is often fraught with consequences, since instead of keys, you can download viruses. I suggest downloading a good free antivirus for your home PC.
I bring to your attention Avast - a free antivirus that is quite suitable for protecting your home computer from viruses. At the time of writing these lines, the seventh version of Avast antivirus is available. I offer two sources for downloading:
Let's consider the second option in more detail. By clicking on the link above, we will be taken to the Avast antivirus download page.
Avast antivirus download page
As can be seen from the figure, there is both a free version of Avast antivirus and paid ones. Since we plan to use the free version, let's click on the "Download" button in the first column.
At the next stage, click on the “No, thanks, I prefer free protection” button.
Click on the button “No, thanks, I prefer free protection”
That's not all. In the next window, just click on the “Download Now” button.
After clicking the “Download Now” button, the antivirus download will begin
On this moment, the size of the program distribution is 85 MB. Naturally, with the release of new versions of the antivirus, the size usually increases.
This version of Avast is designed to work with such operating systems like Windows XP, Vista and 7. Avast antivirus practically does not slow down your computer.
Avast antivirus remains operational for 30 days, after which you just need to register your program and receive a key for 14 months. After 14 months you can request new key and so on.
Here's what some users actually write about using the free version of Avast:
“Hello avast staff! By looking online and reading good feedback about your antivirus program, I decided to try AVAST. My wife and I really like the simplicity of AVAST. It's nice to have AVAST's voice tell you when an update is in progress, without having to press buttons on confirmation windows to clear the screen. I noticed that the program does not affect the performance of the computer: other programs run without slowdowns or tedious interruptions. KEEP WORKING IN THE SAME SPIRIT. Thank you very much for the free software for home computers."
“Recommending avast! I have earned a good reputation among clients: satisfied avast! they are in no hurry to buy a replacement. Sometimes clients call or visit me a week or two after installing avast! and they say, “Because of all these so-called vendors, I thought the program would slow down the computer a lot, but it runs so smoothly that I hardly notice it.” Code avast! written and compiled better than other programs, which at first glance should consume less computer resources."
Some users believe that Avast is an unreliable antivirus, that it does not detect viruses that Kaspersky detects. Previously, i.e. about 5 years ago, these statements were more significant than now, since Avast developers are constantly improving their antivirus. Naturally, Kaspersky should be more reliable than the free version of Avast, because you have to pay money for it :)
In conclusion, one simple truth: No antivirus can provide 100% protection for your computer, because... viruses appear before the “medicine” is on them.
