Try Avast! Just make sure to select the Free Home user one

Here is a link that might be useful: Avast website

I use avast on all of my windows machines, and really like it, very simple to use and as an added bonus you can set the screen saver to the avast antivirus and anytime your pc goes to screen saver it starts to scan your pc, stops when you move the mouse and begins from where it left off the next time. plus avast is constantly scanning everything that you open or download. You do have to do a registration once a year but that is quite simple. Here is the pdf on how to install and use it.
User Manuals and Installation Guides
you would want to hit download on the first one for the free version, this is only the pdf instructions file not the actual program.

You will need to remove avira fully prior to installing any other program, here is a list of uninstall tools which you will need, look for avira in the list.
Antivirus Product Removal Tools

AVG9 Best one out there!

My computer guy removed AVG and put Microsoft Security Essentials on my machine 3 months ago. It is a free download and it provides me with virus and spyware defintions automatically with of course, real time protection.
It is very user friendly and easy to update.
My experience with it short lived, but so far I really do like it.
Whatever you decide to go with, be sure to remove all other malware, anti-virus programs completely as ravencajun advised.

Here's what Wikipedia has to say about it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Security_Essentials

Here is a link that might be useful: MS Security Essentials download

Another vote for Microsoft Security Essentials but I have no problems with Avast, Avira or AVG

Another point with MSE - it is fully automatic, it uploads updates and scans without my interference.

I use Avast on my XP machine and MSE on my Win7 laptop. Both are tops IMHO.

I've been with AVG for years. I just renewed through Newegg at $40 for two years. They allow installation on three computers. $20 a year don't seem too pricy. I know AVG is a CZ based company but way back I got a feeling MS was somehow connected to them. Has anyone else heard that? Regards, Gene

You might want to take a look at the security software report I referred to in the below thread. Apparently Avast might not be viewed as highly as some may think.

DA

Here is a link that might be useful: Computer Help

Been using AVG FREE many years and luv it! now have AVG9, best one by far, used by millions...

I like to go by the actual user forums polls which are done on a regular yearly basis with the input of users.
2010 Anti Virus Poll
with these polls you know no one has been paid for anything they are knowledgeable users that actually use the products.

AVG which was once one of the top 3 has now dropped significantly, due to some of the serious problems they have had with updates and some of the new applications now included with the AV, makes it more bloated also.
I used AVG for a long time, not now.

Of course with the free options now available you can try them out one at a time and see which is the one you prefer on your system, of course you do have to go through the removal process for each prior to installing the next.

>>>> "so many advanced user tweaks that anytime I need to change or fix something I have to spend huge amounts of time hunting for answers and fixes. False positives have become a regular occurrence. Please recommend something more user friendly and basic, thanks." Linux, and especially for a new to Linux user, it's LinuxMint
Oh yeah,,,, and the OS itself and all the included software is....oh yeah, Free.............

Remember too, If you go with a Linux solution for an ACTUALLY EFFECTIVE solution, you'll for all practical purposes, never be bothered by "security" issues and "AV" costs and issues ever again

http://www.pathfindersfarm.com

Here is a link that might be useful: A REAL A/V &

I prefer independent evaluation. No slant. No cause. No obligation to the manufacturers. No ax to grind. No monetary gain. Just research and reports. That's one of the reasons I like the site Virus Bulletin which Cat referred me to years ago.

And as I always like to be fair, I did read over lunch that the CR version of Avast tested was 4.8, and I noted the current version is 5.0.455 released yesterday.

DA

Never been a great typist. The current version of Avast should read v5.0.545.

DA

Good Morning! I need to replace or renew Kaspersky on our desktop, and am concerned about conflicts if I fail to completely uninstall Kaspersky, and also with Malwarebytes, Spywareblaster, and CCleaner. Since everything is running fine with the current setup I'm tempted to just renew Kaspersky to avoid any hassles.

Your advice will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Mark

Kaspersky is a fine program and if you are happy with it I would continue with it. If you want to change to get a free AV then you will have to go through a full removal of Kaspersky. There should not be conflicts with the ones you mentioned since they are all on demand programs and do not run unless you actually manually set them to run. You have conflicts when you have various programs doing the same type of tasks and they do them fully automatically as most antivirus programs do.
Corrine has provided a great list of the various AV removal tools here on her blog and Kaspersky is listed should you need it.
Antivirus Product Removal Tools

Thanks, RC- sometimes I just need to do the simplest thing and move on. I'll see what it costs to keep on and then decide.

:-)M