Introduction On this page you will find truly free anti-virus software, free firewalls, free email protection software, free virus prevention software, tests of anti-virus programs, links to specialized anti-virus sites, information about virus prevention, useful evaluation versions of anti-virus software, etc.
| Free Virus Scanners | |
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| Virus scanners operate by searching your harddisk(s) for files which might be infected by a virus. This method is never 100% secure, since only known viruses (or known virus patterns) are detected. If an infection has been detected in a certain file, the virus scanner might be able to clean the file, but very often this is not the case. In that case, you can try another scanner to clean the file, you can try to replace the file or - as a last resort - delete it. However, if many important operating system files are affected, it might be the best solution to reformat the harddisk and install the operating system from scratch. There are even viruses can not be cleaned by mere hard-disk reformatting. E.g. so-called boot-viruses infect the boot-sector of disks, and will very often not be removed by simply reformatting the harddisk. A number of virus scanners listed on this page is able to repair a boot-sector. |
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| Avast! | Anti-virus program for Windows. The home edition is freeware for noncommercial users. |
| AVG Free edition | Free edition of the AVG anti-virus program for Windows and Linux. Tested and recommended by Freebyte.com. |
| Avira Antivir | Free anti-virus software for Windows, Linux, Free BSD and Solaris. Detects and removes more than 50,000 viruses. Free support. |
| BitDefender | Freeware virus scanner for Windows. |
| Clam AV | Freeware, GPL, Linux. Clam AntiVirus is a GPL anti-virus toolkit for UNIX. The main purpose of this software is the integration with mail servers (attachment scanning). The package provides a flexible and scalable multi-threaded daemon, a command line scanner, and a tool for automatic updating via Internet. |
| ClamWin | Freeware, open-source anti-virus program for Windows. |
| Comodo Anti-Virus | Free anti-virus program for Windows. |
| FProt | Free anti-virus program for Linux, FreeBSD and Solaris (personal use only). Evaluation versions for all usage types on Windows and corporate usage on Linux, BSD and Solaris. |
| HandyBits | Free for personal use. Virus ’scanner integrator’. After performing an auto-search for installed virus scanners, it will scan your files using all found installed virus scanners. This can be useful, since some antiviral programs are good for one type of viruses, other programs for other viruses. |
| PC Tools AntiVirus | Free anti-virus program for Windows. |
| ThreatExpert | Can detect viruses and other malware on your PC. Provides a “post-mortem” diagnostic to detect a range of high-profile threats that may be active in different regions of a computer’s memory. |
| ThreatFire | Protects against viruses, worms, trojans and other spyware, designed to be a complement to your current anti-virus software. ThreatFire does not need to know anything about a virus before it can protect you against it. This is because the program looks at the behaviour of an infected program (instead of the contents of the infected file). The basic version is free. Note from the editors: after testing the software we found that it generates a lot of false alarms on legitimate software. Nevertheless we think that this program can be useful provided you know how to interpret these alarms. |
| Free Online Virus & Trojan Scanners | |
| Most of the virus and trojan scanners in this section do not need to be downloaded or installed, they run from inside your Webbrowser. | |
| GFI online Trojan Scanner |
Freeware online Trojan scanner. This program runs in your browser (Internet Explorer only, Windows), no explicit installation is required. |
| Kaspersky | Free online virus scanner and a free scanner to check out a single file. |
| McAfee’s Virusscan Online |
Online virus scanner by McAffee |
| Panda Active Scan | Ffree tool for detecting and eliminating viruses from your computer. Installs as an ActiveX control in your Web browser (Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher). |
| PC Pitstop | A large number of online computer and Internet related tests for Windows, including a virus scan and spyware test. |
| Symantec Security Check | A number of online tests (run in your Web browser), including a virus scan. Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher required. |
| TrendMicro HouseCall | Free virus scanner which runs directly in your Web browser (Windows only). |
| VirusTotal | Freeware online malware scanner. You can upload a single suspicious file which will be scanned by around 30 well-known virus scanners. |
| Non-free Virus Scanners | |
| The programs below you can try out for free for a certain time. During this trial period they can be very helpful. You need to spend a little bit of money should you decide to use them beyond that period. | |
| Command AntiVirus | 30-day trial versions for Windows. |
| eSafe | Anti-virus software for Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP. |
| InVircible | Detects viruses, Worms, Trojans, Hacking tools, backdoors, etc. utilizing generic methods: without needing a virus-pattern database. An example of a generic virus-detection method is: detecting code installing itself to be activated at system startup or ’shell open’. InVircible uses many different generic methods simultaneously. |
| Solo | Detection and removal of viruses. The system integrity checker protects against Internet Worms, Backdoor programs, malicious VB and Java scripts. 30-day anti-virus trial versions. |
| McAfee | 30-day anti-virus evaluation versions. |
| NOD32 | Anti-virus evaluation versions for Windows. |
| Protector PLUS | 30-day anti-virus evaluation versions. Versions for Windows (all flavours), DOS and Netware. |
| QuickHeal | 30-day anti-virus evaluation versions. |
| Kaspersky | 30-day trial versions available for Windows. Protects against: trojans, backdoors, logic bombs, macro viruses, etc. |
| Norman | Anti-virus and firewall trial versions for Windows and Linux. |
| Norton Anti Virus | Anti-virus trial versions. |
| Panda Software | Anti-virus trial versions. |
| Sophos | Anti-virus trial versions and protection software for Windows, Smartphones, Unix, Exchange, Lotus Domino |
| Free Firewalls | |
| AppArmor | Security suite for Linux, freeware, open-source. AppArmor is also very useful for preventing scripts and programs running on Webservers from being hacked and exploited. |
| AS3 Personal Firewall | Free firewall for Windows (32bit). |
| Ashampoo | Offers a free firewall for Windows. |
| Comodo | Free firewall + anti-virus for Windows. |
| Core Force | Open-source firewall, packet-sniffer and security framework for Windows. |
| Firestarter | Freeware open-source firewall for Linux with graphical user-interface. |
| FortKnox Personal Firewall | Free firewall for Windows. |
| GhostWall | Free firewall for Windows (both 32bit and 64bit). |
| Home PC Firewall Guide | Independent reviews of Internet security and privacy-related products. |
| MoBlock | Freeware for Linux. A linux console application that blocks connections from/to hosts listed in a file. |
| Netdefender | Freeware open-source firewall for Windows. |
| Omniquad Personal Firewall Freeware |
Free firewall for Windows. Although the site looks like it has been abandoned you can still download the firewall. |
| Outpost Firewall Free | Free firewall for Windows. |
| PC Tools Firewall Plus | A free personal firewall for Windows. |
| PeerGardian OS X | Freeware open-source firewall for MAC OS X. |
| PeerGuardian for Windows | Small yet powerful firewall. Freeware, open-source for Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, and 2003, in 32-bit and 64-bit. |
| R-Firewall | Freeware firewall for Windows, with many features. |
| SoftPerfect | Free personal firewall for Windows. |
| Sunbelt Personal Firewall | Free firewall for Windows. The version offered for download is the full 30-day trial version as well as the feature-limited free version. |
| Vista Firewall Control | A freeware application which makes the configuration of the built-in firewall of Windows Vista and Windows 7 easier. |
| Zone Alarm Free Firewall |
Free basic PC desktop firewall for Windows. |
| Non-free firewalls | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Jetico Personal Firewall | Firewall for Windows XP, Vista and 200X (32-bit and 64-bit). One-time registration fee: $ 39.95 / EU 39.95. Since the registration fee is not a subscription, this firewall is actually quite reasonably priced compared to the other non-free firewalls listed here. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ESET Smart Security | Firewall for Windows. The subscription fee is around $ 60 per year. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kerio WinRoute Firewall | Multi-user firewall suite for companies starting at around $ 200. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lavasoft | Firewall for Windows, subscription fee $29.95 per year. There does not seem to be an evaluation version available though. It would be nice to be able to try it out before deciding to subscribe to it or not. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Online Armor | Firewall for Windows. Subscription fee: $39.95 per year. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Computer Vulnerability Tests | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| These services test whether your computer is open for attacks from other computers connected to the Internet through a process called ‘port scan’. You can protect your computer against these attacks through a firewall. |
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| Shields Up! | Shields Up! tests your computer for vulnerabilities from outside attacks through the Internet. You do not need to install anything. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Virus Prevention | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AnalogX | AnalogX Script Defender protects against script viruses (those viruses using e.g. Visual Basic Script, Java Script). Gives a warning when scripts are executed. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bootminder | If you still use floppies, then this handy freeware utility might prove invaluable. Bootminder prevents your computer from being infected by boot-viruses. Bootminder warns you when your A: drive contains a floppy just before Windows shutdown. This way, you won’t start up your computer the next time with a potentially infected floppy still in it. Result: no boot-virus infection. Freeware for Windows. Created by Freebyte.com. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Panda USB and AutoRun Vaccine |
The Panda USB and Autorun Vaccine is a free utility which prevents software from starting up automatically (and often without the user knowing) from USB sticks and CD-Roms. Note: many Windows releases have a huge security problem in the sense that autorun (for CD’s, USB sticks, etc.) cannot be easily disabled totally. |
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| Free Virus Removal tools | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Each site listed here harbours numerous small and free utilities which are specialized into removing specific virus types from your system. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Free Email Protection | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SpamDel | This very useful freeware program enables you to delete virus emails and spams directly on the mail server before download. This not only saves costs and time, but also reduces the risk of virus infection. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inbox | Inbox deletes and filters spams, viruses and other unwanted emails directly on the mail server before they reach your email program. Freeware for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GFI Email security test |
Due to the unsafe design of some email programs, email viruses now are able to infect computer systems just by email. Once infected, a computer system can spread the virus further by sending malicious emails to other systems without any human interference. Well designed email programs do not display these vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, commercial success is not related to good design… Virus scanners (please see above) can offer good protection against email viruses by scanning each incoming mail, but will never protect against 100% of all attacks, since it is impossible to know and detect each and every possible type of virus. Therefore, even when you have a real-time virus scanner, it is wise to get some information on the vulnerabilities and strengths of your email program. The GFI site tests your email program by sending you number of emails that probe your mail system. |
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| Protecting Microsoft Outlook against Viruses |
Some Outlook and Outlook express versions are very vulnerable to virus attacks through email. Several versions of Outlook and Outlook Express can execute malicious scripts or programs hidden inside emails sent to you without warning. This site provides information on how to protect your computer from Outlook-related viruses. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Anti-Rootkit Software | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A rootkit is a set of utilities which can run hidden on a computer system, often with the intention of providing secret access to (and control over) the computer’s operating system. Usually hackers, viruses, worms and other malicious entities use rootkits to hide their presence on infected systems. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sophos Anti-Rootkit | Free rootkit detection and removal tool for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| chrootkit | Free anti-rootkit program for Linux, MAC, BSD, Solarix and other Unix versions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rootkit Hook Analyzer | Identifies all processes which are ‘hooked’ into the operating system kernel (‘kernel hooks’). Some of these hooks may be legitimate, some might be malicious. Suitable for Windows XP, 2000 and 2003. |
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| RootkitRevealer | A free root kit detection utility for Windows NT 4 and higher which detects all persistent rootkits published at rootkit.com. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rootkit Hunter | A free rootkit scanner for Linux and BSD. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GMER | A free application that detects and removes rootkits. For Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Free anti-Trojan tools + information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trojans are programs, which - like viruses - can be active on your computer without your knowledge. In general Trojans do not replicate though. Trojans are dangerous, since they can transmit secret information, such as passwords, credit card information, company secrets, confidential information, personal letters, etc. Also: trojans can delete files, open backdoors, connect secretly to external sites. |
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| a-squared Free | Freeware trojan scanner. Complementary product to antivirus software which is specialized in protection against harmful software. Antivirus software often features an inadequate protection against Trojans, Dialers and Spyware. This program fills this gap. The non-free personal edition has additional features, such as continous background trojan-scanning and automatic updates. |
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| GFI online Trojan Scanner |
Freeware online Trojan scanner. This program runs in your browser (Internet Explorer only, Windows), no explicit installation is required. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitepaper: how to protect against Trojans |
Trojans - and how to protect your network against them. This white paper outlines what Trojans are and why they pose a danger to corporate networks. As early as 2001, an eWeek article reported that tens of thousands of machines are infected with Trojans. This is still the case today. More… | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Virus- Spyware- and Trojan- scanner tests | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Check out these sites if you want too see which scanning programs offer the best protection or find out whether your scanner is effective. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The PCMan Website | Free virus scanner test. This service tests your Virus Protection online see if your installed virus scanner detects the test string. This test virus was developed by the European Institute for Computer Anti-Virus Research (EICAR). This is just a test it is NOT a real virus but a harmless string of characters. This string is used to verify the effectiveness of your virus scanning software. If your virus scanner is set up and working properly it should intercept the downloading of these files. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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