After installing Windows 7 on your computer the first thing you should do is install protection software, especially anti-virus and anti-spyware, as base level anti-virus and anti-spyware is not provided as part of the Windows 7 software. Fortunately, a number of solutions are available – many of which are free for home and non-commercial use – these are highlighted in this article.

Windows 7 Anti-Virus Packages

PANDA Antivirus Pro 2010

PANDA have a “try before you buy” option with their Antivirus Pro 2010 solution which includes anti-malware, personal firewall, Wifi monitor, anti-phishing filter, and anti-rootkit technology. Their solution also has the “compatible with Windows 7” logo to offer some peace of mind. It’s also worth mentioning PANDA have a Netbook version of their antivirus and you can also move up to PANDA Internet Security 2010 and the feature packed PANDA Global Protection 2010.

To learn more about the various options available from PANDA visit PANDA New 2010 Antivirus Product Line.

Microsoft Security Essentials

In 2009 Microsoft made Security Essentials available for free download, for genuine Windows users (home and home-based small business), which includes anti-virus, anti-spyware, and regular automatic updates. You can read more about Microsoft Security Essentials in this article: Microsoft Anti-Virus Free Download. It is also verified compatible with Windows 7 by Microsoft.

To learn more about the software and download it for free visit Microsoft Security Essentials.

Avast Antivirus Home Edition

The Home Edition of Avast Antivirus can be downloaded free, for home and non-commercial use,  and includes antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-rootkit protection and regular daily updates. You can also obtain the Professional Edition which includes web surfing protection and speedier updates. Avast is also available in a number of language variations.

To learn more about the software and download the free home edition version visit: avast! Home Edition

Comodo Antivirus

Comodo Antivirus is a free download which supports 32-bit Windows XP (from SP2), Vista and Windows 7. If you like Comodo Antivirus you could upgrade to their Internet Security Pro product which includes firewall, antivirus, LivePCSupport, and Wifi Security.

To learn more and download Comodo Antivirus visit Comodo Antivirus.

F-Secure Anti-Virus 2010

F-Secure Anti-Virus 2010 runs on Windows XP, Vista, and all editions of Windows 7. It offers real-time blocking of virus, anti-spyware support, and utilises DeepGuard in-the-cloud protection for fast response to new breakout threats. If you like F-Secure you can upgrade to the full Internet Security 2010 solution which also adds firewall, browser protection, parental safety, and phishing filtering.

F-Secure Anti-Virus 2010 is available on both 12 month and 24 month subscriptions. To learn more and obtain the product visit F-Secure Anti-Virus 2010.

AVG Free

 

The new AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0 offers a basic anti-virus and anti-spyware solution including the LinkScanner which checks every page you visit  is safe. The package is compatible with Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7.

If you like AVG you can also upgrade to the feature filled AVG Internet Security 9.0 which includes identity protection tools, firewalls, safe downloads, and more. The free edition is for use on one computer for personal use.

To learn more about download AVG free visit AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0.

BitDefender Antivirus 2010

Supporting Windows XP (SP2+), Vista, and Windows 7  BitDefender Antivirus 2010 offers a set of features including anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-phishing, IM encryption, family network protection control, and different operating modes to reduce system load for high processor requirement applications (such as gaming). If you like the product you can also move up to BitDefender Total Security 2010 which adds anti-spam, firewall, tune-up, file shredder, and data backup.

BitDefender Antivirus 2010 is available as a 12 month subscription – to learn more visit BitDefender Antivirus 2010.

PC Tools Spyware Doctor with Antivirus 2010

PC Tools have a range of security products including the free trial of Spyware Doctor with Antivirus 2010 which is compatible with Windows XP (SP2+), Vista (SP1+), and Windows 7. During the trial you get unlimited real-time protection however threats are not removed during on-demand scans.

The application can deal with a huge number of threat
s including trojans, worms, keyloggers, adware as well as spyware and viruses. If you like the trial you can register for a 12 month subscription.

To learn more and download the product visit Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 2010 for Windows.

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If you know of a compatible Windows 7 anti-virus solution, that is not listed here, please let me know and I will add it to this list.