The most frustrating thing that computer users face is virus. Apart from virus, other potential threats are spyware adware, Trojans, key loggers and so on. There viruses corrupt your PC, steal valuable information and also sometimes money. Anti virus software is a must-have on your computer. It is used to repair, delete and quarantine file viruses. For this you need to install the best anti virus software. Every day new viruses, and malware are released and the anti virus software that you are using should be capable of fighting against the virus. There are many in the market and often you are confused which one to use. If you want to try an antivirus program then you can download one on the net which comes as a 30 or a 60 day trial version. Once you like it and get used to it, you can buy the full version. However, I recommend buying one rather than using trial versions as, safeguarding your system is the first priority. All of us invest a lot of money on system’s maintenance and when compared to that maintenance cost, it is almost a negligible amount that you need to spend on an anti virus. Here are the top 5 free anti virus programs:

Rising anti virus- free version

This is a free version. It scans your computer as soon as it is installed. It is good to check for malware on your system by scanning it often. It has a feature called rising cloud security where users contribute information to have a rapid response to new threats. Also a password can be assigned to this antivirus so that the settings cannot be changed by anyone else using your system. It has a smart update and you can set how often you want it.

Here is the link: http://www.freerav.com/

MWAV- Free anti virus and antispyware.

This anti virus is available in various languages including French, Italian, German, Polish and many others. It is of very fast virus definition when compared to other commercial products. It is highly configurable as to what is to be scanned, for example-specific drives, specific programs etc. Many people are using it and protecting their systems.

Here is the link: http://download.cnet.com/Free-Antivirus-and-AntiSpyware-MWAV/3000-2239_4-10625644.html

Avira Anti Vir Personal-free version

This free version has a registration form which is optional and you can skip it if you wish. The configuration wizard gives you lots of options. This program is very fast and does a thorough job in finding and repairing infected files. The control panel is well designed and contains many features. Using it is a pleasure and removing virus with it is a relief for your system.

Here is the link: http://www.free-av.com/en/download/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html

AVG anti virus -free version

It offers a security tool bar that monitors dangerous web sites. The first run wizard helps you through the process of setting up the program. The control panel is excellent where you can see and handle all aspects of the program. This is one of the most sought after and maximum downloaded softwares on the net. It is one of the best anti virus engines available in the market. Many people are using this to protect their PCs against harmful viruses. It is a promising protection to your valuable information.

Here is the link: http://www.avg.com/

PC Tools-free version

The interface is solid and professional and yet user friendly. The intelli-guard protection monitors e-mail, files and memory. Most of the time the virus sneaks in through online files or through downloads. Lot of viruses and phishing attacks spread through this way. There are other ways that a virus sneaks in; through some removable storage devices like, pen drives and so on. So intelli-guard protection saves your system. It comes with a number of configurable options. Schedule scans everyday or a particular week day or your wish.

Here is the link: http://www.pctools.com/free-antivirus/

Download now

Some viruses multiply themselves and if removed manually they again come back when rebooted. If you mess around in removing them you may end up deleting your most important system files. This may lead to operating system getting corrupted or ruining some other programs on the system. If you have decided to download an anti virus program on the net, then get started. The best anti virus software should be able to spot viruses by using file definitions database to match files in the system. Once they match and are identified they can be quarantined, repaired or deleted. Once the whole system is scanned the anti virus program should be able to keep any future threats at bay.

When the system is left unprotected and the virus is left on your system it can lead to many dangerous effects. Firstly important files get damaged, system speed and performance slows down, your sensitive information can be collected by hackers and it may lead to identity theft, and unauthorized access to your system is also possible. So it is inevitable to have an antivirus installed on your system.