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Table of Content Zone
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Antivirus Software Overview

Antivirus software uses a scanning process to keep your computer secure from harmful viruses, worms, and attacks. The software detects suspicious websites and files that contain malicious programs before they enter your computer, and blocks malicious tracking software from being downloaded to your system.

Fake Antivirus scams

Sometimes identity thieves attempt to use fake virus warnings (also known as FakeAV, Rogue AntiVirus, Rogues, or ScareWare) to install a virus on your computer. The primary way you can protect yourself from fake antivirus scams is by being aware that they exist, and by not clicking on interacting with pop-up windows that warn you in alarming language that you have a virus.

Free Options for Personal Computers

As a best practice, you should install and regularly update a legitimate antivirus product and keep your operating system, browsers, and browser plug-ins up to date.

A wide range of free and paid antivirus software is available. Paid antivirus software often requires annual renewal fees. The following are our recommendations of free antivirus software for the Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Each is licensed and supported separately by third-party developers.

Info

Note Many computers come with antivirus software pre-installed. Before you install new antivirus software, begin by removing any other antivirus software that may be installed on your computer.

Microsoft Windows

Windows Defender

Info

Note Windows Defender comes built-in on all supported Windows operating systems. All other antivirus software, including trial versions, must be removed in order for Windows Defender to monitor your computer.

macOS

Sophos Home Free Edition

Linux

ClamAV

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