With malware (malicious software) increasing at an alarming rate, the need for computer protection becomes more and more critical. For those that cannot afford to pay the high prices for the leading brand names in virus protection, there are several free anti virus software packages available. AVG, Sophis Antivirus and BitDefender are some of the most well known alternatives but there are several more than can be found. A simple Google search of free anti virus software will return a multitude of website hits.

But it most also be noted that many of these “free anti virus software packages” are in fact not free to own. They instead offer a limited or “lite” version of a product for free while later the user needs to purchase a full version for a more complete protection. This type of free anti virus software is also known as Propriety software

Other options are freeware applications, which include those that are truly free as well as Nagware or Registerware. Nagware is the type of software that constantly reminds the user to register the product, while Registerware is an application that requires registration of personal details for activation.

The problem of obtaining free anti virus software is that most of the applications are either limited in design or designed to be limiting to the user. And there is also the more worrying issue of downloading a fake free anti virus software. Relying on search results alone will make it appear that there are several options for free anti virus software. But some of these applications are in fact viruses themselves. So while a user sits back thinking their computer and all their personal data is safe, they could actually be flooded with various forms of malware capable of stealing passwords, controlling key computer functions or turning the computer into a “zombie” (a computer under control of another computer and used to distribute further malware).

Research and care must be taken when searching for a good quality anti virus program that will cost the user little or nothing. There is a large variety of quality available and using an ineffective anti virus software can be just as harmful as having none due to the false sense of security. Most of the available software has usually been tested independently by others and the results can be found online easily. One example can be found on Wikipedia where the topic of antivirus software also displays a table form of product comparison. While one report alone should not be relied upon, if similar results are found elsewhere, well informed and constructive decisions can be made about what product is best for each user’s circumstance.

So in the end, there are various forms of limited and full free anti virus software, each offering different benefits and liabilities for the user. But as long as care and time is taken to select the correct program, a user can have a well protected computer from the ever increasing number of dangerous viruses and malware appearing on the internet.