PCMag's List : The Best Free Software of 2011

[Jack]

Every year at this time, PCMag takes a look at what is worth installing on your PC— software that's totally free that does the job as well as, if not better, than the big boys. That's not to say programs from Microsoft, Adobe, and hundreds of other developers aren't worthwhile, but you should always be aware of your options, especially when they're free.

With that in mind, we're here again to gather the best of the freebies. First, we re-examined our picks from last year's story (The Best Free Software of 2010) to ensure they're still worth installing and that they're still freeware. Of course, we also took a look at all of the great free software announced in the last 12 months.




Anti-Malware

1. Ad-Aware Free Internet Security

2. AVG Anti-Virus Free

3. Comodo Antivirus

4. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

5. Microsoft Security Essentials

6. Panda Cloud Antivirus

More details - link

 

[Valentin N]

Adware is nothing I recommend at least not as realtime protection; it fail to protect you from files that are known as malware.

It's good a on-demand scanner though

 

[Jack]

Last time I used Ad-Aware (more than a year ago) it was pretty useles.....i was surprised when I saw that PCMag is rating
Ad-Aware Free Internet Security as the "best" free software... now I have to try it.

 

[jamescv7]

Well as far I know Ad Aware uses sunbelt engine so probably it made some improvements.

 

[Valentin N]

before it got an Av engine it was like Malwarebytes or SAS

 

[jamescv7]

There before AV engine was Avira.

 

[bogdan]

I don't agree with their choices.

 

[Jack]

I've notice that the choices that magazines make in most cases are a bit strange or suspicious .... seen this behavior in mosts magazines sites.

 

[Valentin N]

they surely get paid to spread good word about them even if it's always true.

 

[Jack]

Ad-Aware Free Internet Security , recent review on youtube :




The Sunblet Antivirus Engine brought some good detection into Ad-aware

 

[Dieselman]

MSE is a joke when compared to Avast. But they must get points from Microsoft fir there rating.

 

[Ink]

Aren't most of PC Mags recommendations/reviews rubbish? :lol:

 

[Dieselman]

No most PC Mag's reviews are not rubbish. Most of what they say and do is right on. Keep in mind that PC Mag reviews more then just PC security.

 

[LochNess]

PC Mag is known to 'skew' reviews but still useful information presented...

 

[LoftedAphid86]

Ad-Aware, AVG, Really?
Why isn't Avast there?
It is more complete.
It has better detection ratings.

 

[jamescv7]

Wonder if those review must be trusted or not.

 

[Dieselman]

Of course you can trust them James................Its not like PC Mag is lying to you. Its just the info they are providing is not the best and up to date for tech's like us.

 

[bogdan]

But you should always trust your own judgement more.

 

[Valentin N]

But you should always trust your own judgement more.

Very true