Situation: my laptop's security software has expired a few weeks ago, and I'm out of work broke. So at least for minor browsing/online use in Windows7 Firefox, what are my best freeware options these days?

I had Trend Micro Titanium on it for the past year, kept clean. But its expired and I want SOMETHING to replace it before I jump online with that computer again.

Last time I looked for free security was so long ago some of those companies might be out of business!

Microsoft Security Essentials.

Malwarebytes.

Spybot S&D.

ESET Scanner (not active anti virus, just a scanner).

All are free, effective, not bloated, and don't slow down your system. I use all of these. A combination of these three should be sufficient for most viruses. I used Avira Free until recently, however I started getting a lot of false alarms on many games exes (LOMAC, Strike Fighters, HW2, GRAW ect.) so I made the switch to MSE.

What Flogger said. See if you can snag a copy of the new MS Security Essentials Beta. I have it.

Microsoft Security Essentials huh? Can I download that from a different computer, and install it via a USB drive? Or can I only download it from my affected unprotected Win7 laptop, perhaps because of a needed ID key number or something?

I ask because my other computer is a Linux unit that works very well, but may not let me grab MSE...?

When I was at the MSE download page, there was in installer file that I got. I used it on a couple of computers fine.

MSE requires a Intact and Legit Windows install.

What is different in this new version? I hope it stays fast and doesn't become a resource hog.

Ok, perfect. It's a good full original OEM install of Win7, so the serial # should be good. I was just wondering if I could download it/install from a file on a USB drive, that way I don't open my computer up to hackers/malware for the hour it'll take me to search, navigate, download then install and configure MSE!

I think you just download part of it and from there it downloads the rest.

I like Microsoft Security Essentials because its no hassle. It does not appear to interfere with anything I do (other AntiVirus are more a nuisance than a virus, for me). It updates automatically. Its designed by MS to work transparently with MS Windows -- less problems.

Some say its not quite as secure as some other security software. Probably true; however, none stop all the bad-stuff.

Here's the download page.


MSE Download

Merely another vote for MSE.

P.S. I also use Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool -- which updates and operates transparently. It goes after evil-stuff. MSE and MSRT are designed to be used in tandem. Again, once installed, they're virtually invisible and update automatically if one checks that feature box.

MS MSRT Download