How to Select a Free Antivirus Program

There are a number of free antivirus programs available on the Internet. Though the protection they offer is not always as good as commercial antivirus programs and the features are not as comprehensive, they can provide adequate basic virus protection.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Read reviews of free antivirus programs. Not all antivirus programs are effective or easy to use.

2. Search for free antivirus programs. including some that are free versions of commercial products. These free versions are functional and can protect your computer from viruses, but will not be as effective or have as many features as the commercial versions of the same product.

3. Ensure the antivirus program you have found is legitimate. You may see ads for some free antivirus programs that appear to be scanning for viruses, and even may find them, but they will ignore some viruses or spyware on purpose. They may even install spyware themselves. If you read the license agreement before installing the software, it will probably state that it will do this. However, since almost no one reads the license agreement, these programs slip by them. Read the agreements carefully.

4. Look at the feature set of different free programs and select the one that has the most features you will use. Consider choosing a free antivirus program that has a commercial version as well. If you later want to upgrade, you won't have to learn a new program.

5. Download the free antivirus program you've chosen from the software's website or a reputable mirror site.

6. Install the software. This should be as easy as installing a commercial package. The same guidelines apply: connect to the Internet while installing, install updates immediately if the installer didn't do it for you and schedule regular automatic updates and scans.

Tips & Warnings

• Occasionally, when you download a program, you will be asked to give some personal information such as your email address. If that's the case, you might want to provide a "spambait" email address, one that you've set up specifically for signing up on websites. Companies may offer free antivirus programs, but in return they sell your email address to email marketers.