This will help: All are free or have free versions:

Antivirus: Use one
Both of the following programs are free and known to be good:
Avira Free
Avast Home

Antispyware and Security:
Use reliable and trusted anti-spyware/malware programs
Each of the links below will help you set up the program and each has a download link:Use two or more:

• Spywareblaster
• Spybot Search & Destroy
• AdAware

Use all:

• IE/Spyad
• MVPS Hosts files
• Google Toolbar Get the free google toolbar to help stop pop up windows.

Firewalls: Use one:

• Comodo
• Zone Alarm

Avira Free is free:

On the left:
http://www.free-av.com/en/trialpay_download/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html

The download for the Premium version ($$) is free, but the program itself is not. (on the right)

Learn how to read the information. Getting a program has 2 parts: Download and Install. Most programs-free or paid-offer a free download. But some may then require you pay to use the program and will issue you a license number to activate the product. Some people break the law and steal the paid programs by getting the activation number illegally. It's called piracy.

Considering the information I gave you and the time I took to do it, wouldn't it have been nicer to say Thank You instead of telling me I'm wrong?

Many security programs have both a free version and a fuller, paid version.

I am not going to continue this. I gave you information for free versions.

You got your help free too- what do you pay for?

Next time-if there is one- read the material more carefully. Then consider what you are going to reply more carefully.

As for the missing' Thanks.' don't bother. I've put you on my 'Do Not Bother To Help' list.

Please explain.

Ir figures. You're getting free internet service by stealing it from someone else!

And by using an unsecured connection, you expose your system to malware! An antivirus program isn't going to protect you whether it's free or you pay for it.

Ahh, but a firewall will. ;-)

I personally like Microsoft Security Essentials. It does something that many other virus scanners often fail to do: actually remove the virus once you're infected. I have no idea if MS is utilizing some hidden, proprietary APIs or something, but whatever they are doing... it works. The program is also remarkably simple to use and scores very high on benchmarks and reviews throughout the Internet.

Again though, my *opinion* is just anecdotal. Different people like different things and it is difficult to say one scanner is better than another because there are multiple factors and no effective way to base that decision on real, meaningful, empirical data.