You can still use Avast. Just put those programs that you use in the Exclusions list in settings. The only problem I have with this is when you update the Avast program it clears all the exclusions out. You have to redo the exclusion list every time.

Seconding malwarebytes. You may not need it running all the time, but great for running as and when.

I have been using Comodo Internet Security through several years now, it is the best free antivirus and firewall combo to date - and together with Malwarebytes you can't go wrong (IMHO).

Be sure to customize the Comodo installation and deselect geekbuddy and the suggested browser homepage change.

https://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/free-internet-security.php

Proactive security tests for various 32 and 64bit security products:
http://www.matousec.com/projects/proactive-security-challenge/results.php
http://www.matousec.com/projects/proactive-security-challenge-64/results.php

hmm malwarebytes and avira seem to be the most popular suggestions here, will look into the others as well. Thanks for the suggestions.

a lot seem to suggest using both at the same time? Not a single programme solution?

Malwarebytes is just an extra layer to anti virus software, if you just want to use one it's better to use Avira out of those two. If you don't mind payware I would highly recommend Eset, I keep coming back to that after trying alternatives.

So Avira will probably get uninstalled since it's ad notification freezes up and can't be removed without going into task manager...seems like an issue that's existed since 2014 and the common fix doesn't work for me. If they are so desperate to want me to upgrade then I don't want it. Going to uninstall and try another one tomorrow

I like Malwarebytes and AVG.

i like eset. its very configurable and havent had a problem with it thru the years, going on 9 now

MSE + regular updates (+ don't pirate).

I like Kaspersky most. There are many malware tools available in the market, and most of them can be used to deal with malware. However, not every tool can detect and remove all types of malware threats. Hence, sometimes you need to install different tools on your PC. Below I will list several tools that I find useful in dealing with malware.



- Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - https://www.malwarebytes.com/antimalware/ - One of the best removal tools out there right now.


- TDSSKiller - http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208283363 - Rootkit removal tool from Kaspersky. Pretty snazzy if you ask me.

- Avira AntiVir Personal - Avira Free Antivirus 15.0.19.164 - Really good free anti-virus application. Has somewhat annoying ad that pops up reminding you of all the fantastic other stuff you get it you would just buy it already. I've found this confuses and scares less savvy users that think it may be one of those fake-AV trojans.

-SpyHunter - http://www.trymytools.com/download-tool/ - A powerful anti-malware program that can deal with different types of malware including Trojans, worms, viruses, browser hijackers, adware and PUPs.


- Microsoft Security Essentials - Windows | Official Site For Microsoft Windows 10 OS, Laptops, PCs, Tablets & More - Microsoft's free Anti-Virus/Anti-Malware program. Has gotten great reviews and I've been using it on systems instead of Avira. Doesn't catch everything but neither does Symantec, McAfee, Sophos, ESET, Avira, Avast, Panda, Trend, etc . . .

From personal experience:

- Norton as antivirus (I just love Norton)
- Malwarebytes as anti-malware (I used it before it was cool; at the moment even thought it itself to be malware, but it did the job)
- TuneUp Utilities as a helping hand

- Don't go to fishy looking websites and don't download stuff that usually you should not be downloading - best protection of all. But can't be protected from virus-filled usb drives, so yeah...

Kaspersky was strong back in the day, not sure how good it is now, as all the free antivirus softwares have come a long way.

Avira Antivirus Free running here. On my old, rusty, Vista-based (I know, I know, I'll update soon...) system, it's the one that impacts performances the least. Very fast, somewhat shitty in the latest releases (Avira Launcher, what the fuck is this useless shit...) but it gives you a very high-rate protection against malware&shit.


P.S.Windows Defender is funnily crappy, Norton is a malware.

Despite the Win10 built-in defence system works quite well, in my opinion the special software is still necessary.
By the way, are there any up-to-date review or comparison of such tools?

https://www.av-comparatives.org/

Thank you, it is useful!

I`ve also found an interesting review and comparison of different tools, including some of those mentioned above
https://thinkmobiles.com/blog/best-free-antimalware/[/url]
For example, they`ve awarded 10th place to Avast due to the annoying ads and pop-ups.