Q: I’m curious about free antivirus software. I know it’s out there, but I want to know what my choices are. I’d rather not spend money for basic protection when I can receive it for free.

A: How many times have you heard that antivirus software is important? 10 times? 50 times? 10,954 times? If you’re like me, then you’ve probably had virus protection reminders beaten into your brain. It’s important stuff, and if you don’t have some sort of protection on your computer, you could be breaking out the Windows install disk much sooner than you thought. It’s a lot easier to just install an application that takes care of things for you, and since there are a couple of free options out there, you really have no excuse not to do so.

The software selections below will offer you the basic protection that you need, at a price you can definitely afford.

AVG Anti-Virus
avast! 4 Home Edition

The two Web sites below will allow you to scan and clean your computer without needing to download software. Of course, this type of a service is only useful after you’ve been infected.

BitDefender
Trend Micro Housecall

Remember, only you can prevent viruses… or is it forest fires?

Have a question or subject that you would like to see covered?
Drop Brandon a line
and maybe he can include it in a future edition of the Gnewbie Gnook! Also, don’t forget
our forums (or, if you’re a Latin freak, fora) where
Gnomies from all around the world congregate to help, be helped, and discuss issues that may or may not have
Anything to do with technology!