There are quite a number of companies who are offering free antivirus software, amongst them are some very large reputable companies who offer a free antivirus trial version of their licenced full antivirus package.

There are a couple of things you need to remember when downloading a free antivirus program. The main thing to note is that nothing is for nothing. After all, why would a company spend millions of pounds developing software to then give it away for free? The simple answer is they won't. Not directly.

Often free antivirus software from unknown or obscure companies can be a front for downloading Spyware, key loggers or even malicious programs onto your computer. Steer clear of these companies, stick with well known software houses that have been tried and tested. Check software review website regarding pc tools.

So why would a well known antivirus program supplier give it away? Well they don't, the free version will simply be a cut down version of their full price antivirus software package with some features disabled. To use all the features that it offers, you may have to pay a subscription fee. There is nothing wrong or underhand about this, when you have tried the free version you may well decide that you would like to upgrade to the full version ( you may get a few emails from them prompting you because you will have to give your email address to qualify for the free version ).

Other antivirus software companies may offer a 30 day free trial, which is the full program with all the features but will only stay active for 30 days, after which you will need to pay to continue using the software package. If you like it, then pay for it and get full antivirus protection for 12 months. If you don’t, simply uninstall and try another software developer's program.

New customers and repeat business is what antivirus suppliers need and they know that if you are happy with their product then at the end of the 12 month licence, you will renew it. So an antivirus or spyware trial is their loss leader.

Some antivirus programs may slow your computer down or cause other problems. A free trial or a trail version may be a good way to test the program before you purchase a full version or spend any money. If problems do occur simply uninstall the antivirus program and try another.

Antivirus and spyware programs come in two forms.

Free antivirus download software - No disc is supplied. It is simply supplied as a download

Free antivirus software - A disc will be supplied

As a whole though, free or trial antivirus programs or free spyware protection programs are supplied as a download

Here are some respectable, trusted companies who supply free antivirus trials or free spyware scanner downloads. Links are provided so you can get free spyware or free antivirus softwares

AVG

AVG is considered one of the worlds most downloaded and best free spyware or free antivirus spyware software program, it is available in three versions, Internet security and Antivirus these two are available on a 30 day free trial, and an Antivirus free addition.

Download from here


Avast

Avast antivirus software downloads are another very popular program, there are three versions, Pro Antivirus and Internet security are paid versions but they also do a free version.

Download from here


Norton

Norton Internet security are offering a free 30 day free trial on their award winning 2011 Antivirus program.

Download from here


Lavasoft

Lavasoft offer a Free spyware scanner and repair tool increases computer speed and stability by identifying, cleaning, and correcting errors in the Windows registry.

Download from here


Windows defender

Windows defender detects and removes spyware, its free

Download from here


These a few of the top free antivirus programs and free anti spyware download available and some of the top companies. You should be able to find what you need from these and these free online antivirus software won't break the bank. There are other good, free antivirus removal and pc tools available on the internet