As a Windows user for a long time now(but not in the near future) I can say I have good experience with malware programmes that I can share. Here's my top 3 picks for FREE antimalware programmes:
1st: avast! Antivirus
2nd:Microsoft Security Essentials(MSE)
3rd:Avira Antivirus
The main reason I choose these would be that they're all FREE, trusted and popular choices. My choices are also based on statistics and results from http://www.av-test.org . avast! is my number ONE cause it has great scores for protection, repair and usability from as I've noted the aforementioned site, minimal ads(that is it doesn't get it the way) and so far no fake-positives(except for a couple of files from my Left 4 Dead 2 game). There' was only a slight problem with it, that is the actual FREE-ness of it. You actually have to register to get it lasting significantly long. I meant significantly because it's not permanent but very very very^3563579 long. Take a loong at the screenshot below:
2nd:Microsoft Security Essentials(MSE)
3rd:Avira Antivirus
The main reason I choose these would be that they're all FREE, trusted and popular choices. My choices are also based on statistics and results from http://www.av-test.org . avast! is my number ONE cause it has great scores for protection, repair and usability from as I've noted the aforementioned site, minimal ads(that is it doesn't get it the way) and so far no fake-positives(except for a couple of files from my Left 4 Dead 2 game). There' was only a slight problem with it, that is the actual FREE-ness of it. You actually have to register to get it lasting significantly long. I meant significantly because it's not permanent but very very very^3563579 long. Take a loong at the screenshot below:
As you can see I insert a registration code which IS NOT mine. You want it? Here it is: :D
S5015698R9953A0911-F34LRY3A
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yogm_0tz09U
MSE is second and about as good as avast! in my opinion. Although according to results from Av-Test, it's worst compared to avast!. But it's still a good choice:Absolutely no ads, user-friendly interface and settings and is also very-light on resources.
Avira Antivirus is third due to irritating ads when updating and annoying was of handling detected baddies. Once detected Avira Antivirus initiates a scan of your system with is difficult to cancel. It then pops up a window for you to decide what to do with the infected file(or so it says). I had bad experience with Avira Antivirus detecting false-positives mostly cracks and keygens and the like. It also feels a little heavier then the top 2.
In terms of protection, weelll, I can't really say much cause I know how to prevent these or at least most of these problems. They sure can't protect you from everything but I'm sure that these will prevent you computers from having to go to the shop(that much often).