Presented here are the top four most popular free virus software packages as well as two non-traditional places that you can go to get free virus software, namely Google and AOL. At the end of this list you will find the last entry for Freebytes Guide to Free Anti-Virus Software.

Top Four Most Popular Free Virus Software Packages:

1. Clamwin - Open Source Security For Your PC

ClamWin is a Free Antivirus program for Microsoft Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/2003 and Vista.

This free antivirus software comes with an easy installer and open source code. You can download it absolutely free of charge. Here is a list of its features:

- High detection rate for viruses and spyware

- Scanning Scheduler

- Automatic downloads of regularly updated virus database

- Standalone virus scanner and right-click menu integration to Microsoft Windows Explorer

- Addin to Microsoft Outlook to remove virus infected attachments automatically

Clamwin Free Antivirus does not include an on-access, real-time scanner. You need to manually scan a file in order to detect spyware or a virus.

Click here to download, or to find out more:

http://www.clamwin.com/

2. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 7.5

Virus protection for home and non-commercial use for Windows and Linux i386.

This free virus software offers protection against viruses, worms and Trojans with their free basic protection.

- Easy to use, low system resources

- Automatic update functionality

- Real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run

- AVG's Virus Vault for the safe handling of infected files

AVG free is available only for single use for home and non commercial use. You can download and find out more about it here on their website:

http://free.grisoft.com/

3. avast! antivirus Home Edition version 4.8 is available free of charge for non-commerical home use.

The system requirements are Windows 95/98/ME, NT4.0,2000/XP,XP 64 bit edition, and Vista, all with a Windows Internet Explorer Interface 4 or higher. This product cannot be installed on a server operating system (Windows NT 2000/2003 Server families).

This anti virus software has quite a list of features which follow:

- Anti-spyware built in

- Anti root-kit built in

- Strong self protection

- Antivirus kernel

- Simple User Interface

- Resident protection

- P2P and IM Shields

- Network Shield

- Web Shield

- Automatic updates

- Virus Chest

- System integration

- Integrated Virus Cleaner

- Support for 64-bit Windows

- Internationalization

You can find an excellent discussion of what each of these bullet points mean on their website. Each bullet point is thoroughly explained and more information is given at times as in the case of the Simple User Interface bullet point. The functionality of the Simple User Interface is discussed, and then it is pointed out that you can also use skins on the interface and you are directed to a place where you can pick out skins. Each bullet point is treated in this manner.

You can find the download link on their website:

http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

This software comes in a whole raft of languages.

4. Avira AntiVir Personal

This software can be installed on Windows 2000/XP/Vista 32 Bit and 64 Bit and also on Linux/FreeBSD/OpenBSD/Solaris

This anti virus software offers basic virus protection for your computer. It protects your computer against viruses, worms, Trojans and costly dialers. This software is only available for single computer use for home and non commercial use.

Here is a list of the Avira AntiVir Personal features:

- Protection against viruses, worms and Trojans

- Protection against expensive dialers

- Detects and deletes rootkits

- They have recently raised the scan speed

- They have recently redesigned the visual appearance

Here is their website address:

http://www.free-av.com

This software comes in English and German languages.

Next there are two other non-traditional places that I will mention that you can get free virus software, as follow:

Google and AOL Free Virus Software:

1. Google Pack. You can simply type in "google pack" into the google search bar, and the Google Pack listing will be at the top of the list. Click on the link, and you will go to Google Pack. There you can download whatever you choose from their software pack, including Norton Security Scan.

Norton Security Scan will detect and climate viruses and internet worms. They offer free detection updates and scheduled scanning.

2. AOL Safety and Security Center. You can go to http://www.aol.com and sign up for a free AOL account. Once you have a free account, go up to Help, and look up search for the "Safety and Security Center". You can get the AOL Firewall, AOL Spyware Protection, and AOL Virus Protection there for free. Also while there, review the FAQs page as it contains links to information on how to use the software.

Freebyte's Guide to Free Anti-Virus Software:

The guide from Freebyte is very robust and contains a huge list of free virus scan software packages as well as non-free packages. It also contains free computer vulnerability tests, virus removal tools, email protection, anti-rootkit software, anti-Trojan tools and information, virus spyware and Trojan-scanner test software, and a whole lot more. You really should check out the Freebyte guide for the full picture. Here is the link:

http://www.freebyte.com/antivirus/

Here's hoping that you remain malware free. There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to with the resources listed above. Happy computing to you!

Included here is some hardcore software for you to download if you need traffic. If you have a website, blog or any other web properties, you need this software. You will find the free software at:

http://www.emu-bird.com/JulieRecommends/FreeTraffic.html

Enjoy!