Free Antivirus

The best, even in the realm of freeware. The free version can also be referred to the home version as it cannot be used commercially. avast! is the only antivirus software that gives you the option to perform a “Boot Scan” in order to scan your computer viruses when they’re at their most vulnerable; before they even start. avast! protects you from viruses and spyware with real-time and on-demand methods. avast! provides you with always-running “shields”. The shields monitor your computer’s activity looking for known bad processes. avast!’s shields protect you while you:

• Browse the internet.
• Chat on instant messengers.
• Download files over P2P networks.
• Detects viruses downloaded by your e-mail client (like Microsoft Outlook).
• Use files and programs on your computer 
• Use files and programs on your network.

avast! will even notice unknown, potentially malicious operations and let you and the avast! Virus Lab know about them to keep you on the cutting edge of protection. Speaking of cutting edge, avast! 5.0 is designed to give you the best results from your new Corei3, Corei5, or Corei7 processor. Furthermore, for the performance seekers, you can put avast! into “Silent/Gaming Mode” which reduces the required amount of resources avast! uses to give you more power for what you’re focusing on.

Download avast! Free Antivirus here!

View the CNET review of avast! 5.0

Pro Antivirus

The professional version builds up from the free version by providing you with a few extra features. The most notable might be the “Script Blocker” shield which protects Internet Explorer users from hidden scripts of code that could hijack your browser, steal your personal information, or further infect your computer. The professional version also lets you run programs in a “sandbox” that way, if the program creates a security problem, the issue is contained within the sandbox, protecting the rest of your computer. And for the most advanced users, you have the ability to use a command line interface, recognized as the most powerful interface on a computer.

Internet Security

Building up from the professional version, the Internet Security software is a complete solution for any user. On top of what the professional version offers, you are also provided with a firewall to keep unwanted traffic from coming into your computer; securing the holes in your operating system’s network interfaces. You are never truly protected without a firewall. And for your convenience, Internet Security also filters out spam email from showing up in your e-mail client’s inbox.