Once more thanks to the good people of Gizmos:
Comodo Antivirus
5 Star Rating:5
Gizmo's Freeware award as the best product in its class!
Product type:Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Pros:
This has full real-time protection capability, including real-time antivirus, behavioral blocking features, cloud-based protection, and an automatic sandboxing function which protects users from nearly all malware.
Cons:
The automatic sandboxing function, although not very intrusive, may be too talkative for some users. Also, by default non-intrusive advertising is enabled (although it can easily be turned off).
Developers website:http://antivirus.comodo.com/download-free-antivirus.php
Download page:http://antivirus.comodo.com/download-free-antivirus.php
Version:Version 7.x
64 Bit compatibility:32 and 64 bit versions available
License type:Unrestricted freeware
Portable version available:There is no portable version of this product available.
System requirements:Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.x
Additional information:
Take care to avoid the installation of unwanted software during installation. To do this use the customized installer button, which is on the lower left-corner of the screen during installation. Additional software, including a browser, an ad-blocking addon, and an option paid service which would allow Comodo technicians to help you with computer problems, are all included by default.
Avast! Free Antivirus
5 Star Rating:5
Product type:Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Pros:
This has full real-time capabilities, behavioral blocking features, script malware protection, automatic sandboxing of suspiciuos programs, and a low rate of false positives.
Cons:
Default settings require certain user interaction. Bundled with Chrome browser by default (see notes).
Developers website:http://www.avast.com/en-au/free-antivirus-download
Download page:http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/Avast-Home-Edition.shtml
Version:Version 9.x
64 Bit compatibility:32 bit but 64 bit compatible
License type:Feature limited freeware
Portable version available:There is no portable version of this product available.
System requirements:Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.x, Mac OS
Additional information:
Take care to avoid the default inclusion of Chrome browser during the install process by using the custom install option. The attempt to install Chrome will also be repeated at the program update if the automatic option is chosen.
Quick Start Guide: http://www.avast.com/download-documentation
Forum: http://forum.avast.com/
Panda Cloud Antivirus
5 Star Rating:4
Product type:Combines a web service with a stand-alone program
Pros:
High detection rate of malware, web protection, some behavioural blocker features
Cons:
Detection rates of real-world malware is slightly lower
Developers website:http://www.cloudantivirus.com
Download page:http://filehippo.com/download_cloud_antivirus
Version:Version 2.x
64 Bit compatibility:32 and 64 bit versions available
License type:Free for private use only
Portable version available:There is no portable version of this product available.
System requirements:Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.x
AVG Anti-Virus Free
5 Star Rating:4
Product type:Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Pros:
Behavioural blocker
Cons:
Slightly lower signature detection rates
Developers website:http://free.avg.com/au-en/homepage
Download page:http://filehippo.com/download_avg_antivirus_32/
Version:Version 2013.x
64 Bit compatibility:32 and 64 bit versions available
License type:Free for private use only
Portable version available:There is no portable version of this product available.
System requirements:Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.x
Additional information:
Forum for support
Avira AntiVir Personal Edition
5 Star Rating:3
Product type:Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Pros:
Outstanding detection of malware
Cons:
Not the most user friendly
Developers website:http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus
Download page:http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/AntiVir-Personal-Edition.shtml
Version:Version 14.x
64 Bit compatibility:32 bit but 64 bit compatible
License type:Free for private use only
Portable version available:There is no portable version of this product available.
System requirements:Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.x
Additional information:
Forum: http://forum.avira.com/wbb/index.php?langid=1
Online help: http://www.avira.com/en/support/kbsearch.php
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
5 Star Rating:3
Product type:Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Pros:
High detection rates, very user friendly
Cons:
Lack of customization
Developers website:http://www.bitdefender.com.au/solutions/free.html
Download page:http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html
Version:Version 1.x
64 Bit compatibility:32 bit but 64 bit compatible
License type:Free for private or educational use only
Portable version available:There is no portable version of this product available.
System requirements:Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.
More infor available: http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-anti-virus-software.htm