This tip was inspired by the following question submitted to us by Carma: “My computer won’t allow AVG to download and I tried to download Avast (free) and it goes to CNET downloads and that has bundlers in it when you download from them. I have SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes – is that enough to protect me from viruses, etc.? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Senior lady – Carma”
SuperAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes are not antivirus programs, so you’ll still need a good antivirus program.
AVG is not our choice for free antivirus protection, but we’re giving you the direct download links here because AVG does have a free version. We feel AVG is not a good choice because it is quite resource intensive and annoying in its attempts to upsell free users to its paid version. Also, AVG has a history of threatening to stop offering its free version and changing to a paid version, something it has threatened many times, but cancelled at the last minute. We don’t think this is an honest business practice and we don’t agree with selling using fear as a motivation.
As stated, we both use Microsoft Security Essentials on all our computers. We understand that some of you may want other choices, therefore we’re publishing this article along with direct downloads to each free antivirus. There is no reason that any of you who wish to download and install a good free antivirus should have to endure the hoop-jumping some sites put you through, or the bundling of sites like CNet.
DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINKS FOR MICROSOFT SECURITY ESSENTIALS, AVAST FREE ANTIVIRUS, AVG FREE, and PANDA CLOUD AntiVirus
Microsoft Security Essentials (We use MSE on all our computers)
Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows XP
Avast Free AntiVirus both 32 and 64bit
AVG Free AntiVirus —
Panda Cloud AntiVirus for 32bit and 64bit Windows
Please note. Panda’s AV is free, but we have not tested it. If you’re not happy with MSE, AVAST, or AVG you might want to try it. Many reviews of Panda Cloud Antivirus rate it highly, others don’t. We use MSE on all our computers and are happy with it. We have no plans to test Panda Cloud AntiVirus at this time. If you decide to try it, please send us your opinion.
Hello: I am Carma’s younger brother. I mentioned to Carma about C-Nets bundling to warn her about it! This was after I was informed of the bundling by CloudEight thank you!
I had MSE installed on my computer during a ‘Direct Care’ session, and I am VERY pleased with it! My computer boots faster with Norton gone, and I feel much safer with MSE as well. Thanks Cloudeight; we can always count on you!
yes you can download just avg free with anyother downloads been using avg around 10years now no problems
ill still give a avg 10 out of 10
I have been using MSE for quite some time now and I am very pleased with it. Not only is it free, but I feel that it does an outstanding job! Thanks, Cloudeight!
For me MSE is the way to go. Been using it for quite some time now. No need to go anywhere else … at least for me.
Why are all the “direct” download links pointing to FileHippo? Shouldn’t they point to the manufacturer’s website, where the latest versions can be found? I never use file repositories like that for the same reason I don’t use Microsoft Update to update my drivers. Unless it’s from the official channel, why would you?
No. The so-called “manufacturers”want to sell you the paid version therefore they obfuscate the free version download links and make you hunt for them. Some re-direct to Cnet where you can deal with their bundlers if you are so inclined. I’m sorry you have a problem with File Hippo, I’ve found it to be a great download site where the download links are always clearly visible. But if you like play Whack-a-mole, you are more then welcome to go to the manufacturer’s web sites… be my guest…
http://www.avast.com
http://www.avg.com
When and if a person gets suckered into downloading from one of those bundling download sites, they should definitely learn to take time and read all the offerings on the site in the future. You NEED TO READ until you understand what you are reading. Those sites have the bundling ones highlighted to catch your attention, and if you’re too lazy and operate on a knee-jerk action, you will make a mistake and probably deserve what you get.
This is crap-po-lar They can’t keep up with the own mess. Its about time they put their noses into running this country the right way
Sorry wrong post. This was suppose to go on the government post.
Are there any free antivirus programs left for windows 98?
Anyone using Windows 98 is vulnerable since Micorosft stopped supporting Windows 98 years ago. Since you have not had Windows security updates or patches in years, whether or not there’s an antivirus available for Windows 98 is moot — your computer is vulnerable and an antivirus program isn’t going to protect you. You should stop using Windows 98 and upgrade to a newer version of Windows. If you cannot afford a new version of Windows, you can get various releases of the Linux operating system, free of charge. Linux isn’t Windows, but it has become much more Windows-like over the last few years and is certainly much more secure than Windows 98 is.
Thanks for this!
I’m using Unthreat Antivirus for now.. it’s free too, have you heard of it?