Is there a basic free virus scanner and cleaner for PC?

Question

I don't want email scanner, link scanner, resident shield or any of that gunk, I just want something that will check the RAM and all of the hard drive and get rid of any lingering viruses. Maybe something that I can boot from CD would be good. Needs to be a very low resource program as I have a slow system.

Answer 1

We have AVG on all of computers. We are all also on Windows XP and it is really good for us. Click on this link and you can download it onto your computer: http://free.avg.com/. We used to have some other ones but this is the best for us plus it's free.

Answer 2

Avast is  a good and simple virus scanner. it doesnt require a lot of resources.

Answer 3

try "advance windowscare v2 personal"........its free, just bang it in search engine

Answer 4

This is what i use and its good.

http://www.superantispyware.com/

Answer 5

AVG VER 8.0

Answer 6

There is no best anti virus, anti malware product as it all depends on your individual circumstances and needs. The following (it is very long sorry) advice is from an independent organisation - I have put the URL under sources if you want to read more.

    *  Grisoft's AVG 8.0.

      AVG has a long history, and has been through loads of modifications to provide a better service on its way to the current version, AVG 8.0. The company makes its money by selling virus protection to small businesses, and offers free home-user versions as a means of promoting its professional service. It's protection is reasonably thorough, though it doesn't offer any real tech support. It's quite unintrusive, doesn't use too many resources, and it will regularly auto-update.

    * Alwil Softaware's Avast! 4.

      Alwil software's Avast! 4 is free for non-commercial users and offers regular updates, as well as proper technical support via e-mail or phone. Protection-wise it's very similar to AVG, covering all the same bases and not hogging system resources, but it has a funkier interface (for those who like a pinch of fashion with their computer security). The only downside is that you have to re-register it after each year of use.

    * AntiVir.

      AntiVir by Alvira actually offers better standard virus detection than both of the above, but lacks in other areas. It won't scan your emails before you open them, uses more resources (less of a problem if you've a more powerful PC), and maintains a perhaps-too-visible presence on your desktop. You'll also have to occasionally re-register it to keep it going.

Whichever of these you choose, there's one important warning...

Hackers develop new bugs constantly. All these free anti-virus services offer regular updates, if you don't download them, you're not protected.

Yet it's not just about how up to date your software is. If you're not using it, what's the point. Try to fit in a full 'on-demand' scan (that is, one where the virus scanner flicks through all the files on your hard drive) once a week. This should make sure nothing slips through the net.

Free online virus scanners for further protection

Whilst they shouldn't replace proper software, online scanners provide a secondary scan and can sometimes be more up to date. So if you're worried your software isn't working well enough, or want a second opinion, these are worth a regular play with.

    * Trendmicro's Housecall 6.6.

      Updated daily, Housecall 6.6 will rummage through your whole machine, identifying infections as it goes. As a bonus, it'll also look for other vulnerabilities in your machine, and in many cases fix those it finds. Feedback's generally excellent for the service, though be aware it might pique the interest of your firewall since it runs using ActiveX or Java (you choose which).

    * Panda Security's Activescan 2.0.

      In a bid to sell you its paid-for security programmes, Panda Security also offers a free online scan, which will be better for some as it can be customised to only scan certain sections of your hard drive.

A note for those with new PCs

Often companies throw in free anti-virus programs hoping you'll subscribe to them out of convenience once the free trial ends. By all means take advantage of the free offer, but then ditch and switch to a free version when it expires. Make sure you uninstall the trial too; it may interfere with the new virus scanner, and even if not it'll certainly slow down your PC.

Note for Norton users only: It can be a bit of a pain to get rid of all Norton AntiVirus's components from your machine. If you're having trouble doing so, try Symantec's own Norton Removal Tool, which is designed to solve this very problem.

Free Firewall software

Anti-virus isn't the only protection your computer needs. If you don't have a Firewall, you're leaving all your files and sensitive information vulnerable. Therefore its important to get one. To help explain this, let me use a simple analogy.

If anti-virus software's the border patrol checking to see what's allowed in, a firewall's the border fence stopping all the bad stuff coming in in the first place.

Got a router?

Thankfully most of us use a router to connect to the web nowadays rather than just a modem. I say thankfully because routers have built-in firewalls which deal with incoming connections before they hit your PC, and outgoing connections before they hit the web after leaving your machine. Ensure yours is turned on and set to a high enough level of security. Consult the manual or search online for the make and model number if you don't know how to check.

Whilst you're there, check your router password has been changed from its default; you'd be surprised at how many connections are hacked simply because the password hasn't been changed. Spend a little time and get your settings right here, as router firewalls afford a higher level of protection than software ones.

Windows Firewall.

Windows XP and Vista have a firewall built-in, which should be sufficient for most people (especially those who've already got router firewalls), though do make sure it's switched on and your copy of Windows is up to date. The firewall can be set on low, medium & high levels of protection.

If you have the Windows firewall set on a high level of protection, it's likely you'll need to spend some time tweaking its settings in Control Panel to stop it becoming a nuisance. By default, it'll stop you downloading files over MSN messenger, and it'll block a whole load of programs which download from the web.

Alternative Free Firewall Software.

If you want better protection, are having problems with Microsoft's firewall, or just want more flexibility, consider these free firewalls too:

    * Sunbelt Personal Firewall.

      Formerly known as Kerio firewall, Sunbelt Personal is actually a commercial product, but after its 30-day trial you only lose its pop-up blocker (and chances are you've got one already, see below). Even though it'll nag you to register intermittently, it's widely credited as being one of the least irritating firewall products.

    * Comodo Personal Firewall.

      It's totally free to use but you will need to register and activate the licence by e-mail within 30 days of installation. Whilst Comodo usually outperforms the Sunbelt firewall in tests, it's a fair bit more intrusive than the latter. Tech support is available via email, but not by phone.

    * ZoneAlarm Free Firewall.

      One of the most popular free firewalls on the web, ZoneAlarm's comes with mixed user feedback. That said, it's easy to install and use, and has a long history to back it up.

      Update note 14 July 08. ZoneAlarm conflicts with Windows update.

      A recent windows security update is causing problems with Internet access for many ZoneAlarm users. If that's you, there's a simple fix, by downloading this update patch. Alternatively (ie if you can't connect at all), you can simply uninstall the offending update.

      To do so, go to Control Panel and click Add/Remove programs. In the window, make sure the box that says 'show updates' is checked. Now find the update entitled KB951748 (it's probably near the bottom of the update list). This is the one causing you grief, so click it, and then choose to remove it. Now your web connection should work as before. More info can be found on the ZoneAlarm site.

Adware and Spyware

There are two more commerical types of software that you can find on your computer. Often legitimate developers will design programmes which incorporate useful functions, but unbeknownst to you either provide them with information about you or try to sell you things. They fall into two main categories:

    * Adware. Software that tries to sell you things.

      Adware is software which sneaks onto your machine and opens up pop-up windows which sell you things, often but not exclusively gambling sites. It's easy to think of these as being related to the site you were visiting, yet often it's because a programme's snuck itself on your computer. If you've closed your browser and yet pop-up windows still appear on your desktop, chances are you've been infected.

    * Spyware. It tracks what you do.

      Spyware is a more dangerous, less noticeable type of software which covertly grabs information from your PC and sends it back to its leader in out in the cyber-ether. Owing undoubtedly to their potential for criminal moneymaking, malicious spyware programs have become much more advanced in recent years, to the extent that some of the top spyware removers of yesterday can no longer cope. Luckily, there are some new pretenders to the mantle.

Some spyware can be legitimate...

There are a couple of legit spyware programs too; Google's desktop (if you allow it to) can send info on what you've been searching back to Google, and Alexa's toolbar can do the same. In both cases the aim is to monitor your computer to help develop their own product and data about people's searching habits.

Whether you allow this depends on your view on how you want the information to be used. Its mostly harmless but does mean someone, somewhere has access to your searching habits.

Basic anti-adware/spyware measures:

To put your mind at rest you'll need to download some extra software, but in the meantime there are a couple of basic things to do:

    * Use a pop-up blocker.

      If you presume you're being troubled by adware, use a pop-up blocker to alleviate the symptoms while you find a solution. Do be aware though, that not all pop-ups are bad; some sites open new windows in this way - if you want to see them, hold down CTRL while clicking the link.

    * Be careful when downloading.

      The usual way for ad/spyware programs to get on your machine is by attaching themselves to other things you download. Thus, check the veracity of download sources before getting files.

    * Delete programmes you don't use.

      Use the add/delete function on your Control Panel to get rid of any programs you don't need anymore; they may be corrupted.

Free Ad/Spyware software removal

Spyware removers work by comparing what's on your machine to a list of known offenders. As ever, the top anti-ad/spyware programs are commercial, but that doesn't necessarily mean you need to buy them. Try these first:

    * Spyware Doctor Starter edition.

      The commercial version of Spyware Doctor is one of the best-perfoming anti-ad/spyware programs, and while this basic version isn't quite as good, it should still do the trick if you've followed the other precautions. It's available free only as a part of Google Pack, which also includes some other useful programs (see Free Office Software for more info). You can pick and choose which ones you want to install.

    * A-squared Free edition.

      Boasting awards aplenty, EMSI Software's A-squared free edition lacks the background scanning facilities of its commercial big brother, Anti-Malware, yet still packs in almost all its most useful functions. It's user-friendly with daily auto-updates, and has received excellent user feedback. Thanks to bazzlad for posting it in the forum discussion.

    * Microsoft Windows Defender.

      Microsoft's foray into spyware removal is free-to-download if you've got a legit copy of Windows XP. As well as automatic updates, it promises a simple interface and general user-friendliness. Reviews have pointed to Defender being quite processor-hungry though, and thus pretty sluggish on older machines, something to bear in mind if you have one.

    * Spybot - Search & Destroy.

      Spybot's been going for a while, and while it has a pretty long list of features, it's always received mixed feedback. Like Defender, it's fairly processor-hungry, so if your machine's already quite slow it'll be an unwelcome addition. Some people swear by it, though in my opinion Spyware Doctor's better.

    * 2008 Ad Aware free edition.

      Ad Aware's great at detecting and removing malware, and this 2008 version works even faster than previous ones. On the downside though, most of its features are locked in the free version, meaning that if you make it your primary tool, you won't be fully protected.

Answer 7

AVG

Answer 8

Go with AVG free as other have said it's free and a good program.

Answer 9

Here is a good one you can use online you do not have to download anything...well just an active X controler...

just click on the link below to take you to it...

http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html

...

Answer 10

the best ive found on the market thats free is called avast. it blows others out the water like avg as this one has got a live scanner and is always scanning!!!

if you are a downloader (dont matter which) it scans the download as it coming to you and if it spots a threat, a loud noise is heard followed by what it is. its great and its FREE!

ive attached the link for you.

Answer 11

CNET.com gives a decent list of free anti-virus programmes as well as security programmes.

http://www.download.com/sort/3150-2239_4...

I'm not sure if it is possible to fully run an anti-virus on a CD, though. However, there is an anti-virus you can run off a USB Flash Drive.

http://portableapps.com/apps/utilities/c...

Hope this helps!

Answer 12

AVG free

http://www.grisoft.com/free

Answer 13

AVG is a big file size, and not as great as it used to be.

For something smaller and basic with very low resources try PCTools antivirus which is free, download is 21.7Mb:

http://www.pctools.com/free-antivirus/

ClamWin is one of the very few truly portable AV's that can be run from  a flash drive, download is 21.4 Mb:

http://www.clamwin.com/content/view/18/4...

Answer 14

I know one but unfortunately it's not free.

Kaspersky internet security 2009.]

cyber patrol

The free virus scanner and cleaner is avast!

AVG also works well but I prefer avast!

Hope I helped.

Inika.