In case you did not know, there were something like 40,000 new computer security threats created last year, targeted overwhelmingly at Windows users.

But as long as there have been viruses there have been companies who make their money by protecting computers from them.

This is very big business; $4bn (£2.97bn) was spent on virus protection last year. Given those figures people still leave their computers open to attack, in fact some 50% of PCs do not have protection.

Here’s a look at some FREE anti-virus software you can download, to protect your PC:

1. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

There are reports of it bringing up excessive false positives, that is, telling you a file is a virus when it is not, and the interface is not what you would call pretty, but it is free.

2. BitDefender Free Edition

The free version of BitDefender’s software can identify and remove most viruses without problems, but it does lack any form of real-time protection. This means that it can remove malware from your system after you’ve been infected, but it won’t stop it getting on to your computer in the first place. Go to http://www.bitdefender.com to download and find out more.

3. avast! Home Edition

Avast Home Edition guards your PC and the network with multiple shields that scan executables and files. You can select parameters for scanning, and even choose wildcards to exclude specific file types. You can adjust the sensitivity level for the program’s detectors when it comes to scanning downloaded files, instant messages, e-mails, and a host of P2Ps. Its efficient interface opens up window after window to tweak its settings to your liking, for novice to advanced level protection. Go to http://www.avast.com to download and find out more.

4. Avira AntiVir

Avira has versions for current Windows systems, as well as older ones like Windows 98. There is also a version for Linux as well. It comes with a free UnErase program, with which you can try to rescue files which have been deleted.

Free protection is better than none at all, but do give some thought to the benefits you will get from upgrading to a pay version. This includes faster protection from new threats because, in most cases, the virus definitions in free software will not be updated as often as pay versions. Upgrades can start from around £20. There are some good ones out there to consider, from Kaspersky, Eset, Norton, McAfee. A lot of these also come with bundled firewalls, anti spyware in security suites to totally protect your PC.

We will take a closer look at paid protection and security suites in a later post so keep checking back.

via: Rob Feeman @ BBC Click

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