Issues of providing anti-virus protection have always been (and are) a stumbling block for all users of computers running Windows operating systems. Today, antiviruses and other protection programs can be found quite a lot. But let's look at which free antivirus for Windows 7 is the best for optimal system protection. We note right away that it will not work to consider absolutely all software packages, therefore we will limit ourselves to a few of the most famous and popular applications.
Free antivirus software for Windows 7: rating
Antivirus software today is created by so many developers. Naturally, it differs between itself and functionality, and the level of security, and the load on system resources. We will not consider the most powerful software products from such giants as ESET or Kaspersky Lab, despite the fact that Kaspersky has free products, and ESET programs can be constantly re-activated using freely distributed keys. Kaspersky applications are too heavy a load on the system, and ESET security tools cannot be called completely free. Therefore, we will consider the most lightweight free programs, focusing solely on the Windows 7 operating system.
If you make a conditional list of applications that users most often download from the Internet and install on their computers, it might look something like this (like the TOP-5 free versions):
- AVG AntiVirus;
- Avast !;
- Microsoft Security Essentials
- Avira
- Panda Cloud.
Next, consider each software package individually and find out which free antivirus for Windows 7 is the best.
AVG AntiVirus
Before us is a pretty good antivirus that provides protection at all levels. Its main advantage is the availability of LinkScanner and IdentityProtection modules.
The first tool is designed to quickly pre-scan potentially insecure Internet links to prevent them from being clicked on and blocked immediately. The second tool prevents identity theft and monitors all sorts of messages that can contain rootkits.
Another interesting feature of the program is the presence of the PC Analyzer module, which is a kind of lightweight system optimizer focused on deleting old files and broken shortcuts, monitoring the registry, defragmenting the hard disk, etc. It is somewhat unclear why the optimization tool was included in this antivirus, but the fact remains.
Avast!
This free antivirus for Windows 7 in Russian is almost the most downloaded. It is believed that this software product is not similar to any of all similar to it.
In fact, it can even be called a kind of universal combine that can not only protect the entire system and user data, but can also load additional tools for other actions. In addition, the load on resources is minimal, and usability is at its best.
Microsoft Security Essentials
This free antivirus for Windows 7, as already understood, was developed by the creators of the operating system itself. Well, someone, and the developers know exactly about all the possible vulnerabilities of their operating system. It is not surprising that the protective tool produces quite high indicators for providing comprehensive protection for computers.
The main "chip" of this package can be called its mode of operation. The fact is that it shows maximum activity during periods of inactivity of the computer, thereby, without interfering with the user at the most crucial moment working with programs and documents. And it is this antivirus that has received many premiums and prestigious Checkmark certificates.
Avira
Here is another lightweight free antivirus for Windows 7. In addition to the main functions assigned to it, it can be noted that this software product is best able to cope with the neutralization of so-called polymorphic viruses.
As one of the real-time protection tools, a special VirusGuard resident module is used, which monitors the penetration of potential threats into the system and the possible activation of malicious codes in already installed programs, without stopping its activity even for a second.
Panda cloud
Finally, consider a free antivirus for Windows 7 cloud type. The essence of the functioning of this software product is based on the use of the so-called “sandbox”, in which suspicious objects are sent for analysis even before they penetrate the computer system.
It is noteworthy that the functions of detecting, analyzing and neutralizing threats are clearly distributed: only detection is performed on the computer, and all other actions are performed in the “cloud” (Collective Intelligence technology). Only the main module is located on the computer, and all other tools operate on the antivirus server. This, by the way, allows you to refuse to install constant updates, since the update of the anti-virus databases and the software itself is done on the remote server.
The best free antivirus for Windows 7
So, what kind of antivirus can be called the best? In all respects, Avast and Panda are leaders. Avast could be called the best software in its field, but, unfortunately, it noticed a false positive and blocking of even official software. Thus, it is better to use Panda as the most effective, simple and lightweight protective tool. But it goes without saying that users may have their own thoughts on this subject, therefore they have a choice, since ratings with distribution by popularity or functionality can be called purely conditional.