Protecting your computer from viruses requires constant vigilance. If you don’t have anti-virus and anti-spyware software along with a firewall installed on your computer then your playing Russian Roulette with your system and sooner or later your going to lose.

Do you use your computer to access your bank accounts or pay bills? Did you file your taxes online? An AOL/NCSA Study revealed that 68% of computer users store sensitive personal and financial information on their home computer. Seventy-four percent regularly conducted bank and stock related transactions online. Yet 56% had no virus protection installed on their computers and 44% had no firewall.

As people look for ways to cut back on expenses, there may be a temptation to let security software subscriptions lapse. Sitting in front of your computer in the safety of your own home, it’s easy to be lulled into a false sense of security. Don’t be fooled. Without the latest software against viruses, spy ware and a firewall, your computer is open to the world.

Protecting your computer doesn't have to break your budget. In fact, it’s possible to protect your home computer from Mal-ware without spending a dime. Below are a list of free anti-virus programs and free trials.

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Free Anti-virus Software for Home Users

BitDefender Download button under Product Info in the upper right corner of the page.

AVG by Grisoft

Avast

AntiVir

Free Trial Anti-virus Software

CA Internet Security Suite Plus: 90 Day free trial

F-Secure Internet Security 2009 : 30 Day Free Trial

McAfee Virus Scan: 90 day free trial

Panda Internet Security 2009 : 90 day free trial

Norton 360 or Norton Antivirus 2009: 90 Day Free Trial

Trend Micro Internet Security and Anti-Virus with Anti-Spyware: Free Trial

Windows Live Onecare: 90 day free trial

Kaspersky Internet Security Anti-Virus: 30 Day Free Trial