Best Spyware, Malware Recommendation

I've been happy with Malware Bytes ... their free product is ok for a quick fix, but to get the most out of it, you need the licensed version. it is not Free, but if you shop around, a life time subscription is available typically for under $30

My life time subscription has survived four upgrades to the paid product so far.

I use Super Anti Spyware Free Edition as well as Malwarebytes Anti Malware and Avast Free Antivirus. Each of these three works differently but are effective. All three are available for download from CNet.

What version of Windows? If for WIN 7, then Bitdefender 2014 Free is still rated the highest, both in protection and lightest on computer resources by independent security groups. Higher than both AVG and Avast. You need to register an online account to keep it active, and there is not much custom security settings. It's basically, set it and forget.

Panda Cloud AV Free is also rated higher than AVG and Avast for protection, while using about the same computer resources. It also has more custom security settings than Bitdefender. However, if you need to temporarily turn off Panda's real-time protection for some reason, make sure to turn it back on. Panda's tray icon doesn't indicate that it's turned off, but Windows built in status should flag a warning that AV is turned off.

Comodo Internet Security Premium Free is also rated higher for protection than AVG or Avast, includes a powerful firewall, and has a protected sandboxed environment mode on demand. It's also the most flexible for custom security options, but can be daunting if not confusing for non-techies. IMO, it's default settings may not be the best for all users, and customizing settings can affect system performance and usability if not careful. It's system resources are rated similar to AVG/Avast.

A better option may be to install another more intuitive and lighter AV package, along with Comodo's Free Firewall, which includes the Sandbox environment when needed.

I wouldn't recommend Microsoft Security Essentials(MSE), as MS themselves have acknowledged that its just basic protection, and rated at the bottom along with AhnLab Internet Security for detection by AV-Test.org.

I'm with Fishinghat, not saying there aren't other that work just as well. Cnet is a good place to search for freeware and they have safe download sites as well.

One caveat about CNET. Use the direct download link only. Don't click their installer button. It can download adaware/PUP along with the program you intended to install.

Some members have complained about CNET downloads, and posted help topics in removing PUPs when using their installers in the past.

I'm running Bitdefender full time and using Malwarebyes on demand. Been a solid, reliable combination for me.

Uninstalled MS Essentials after they got such a poor review.

looks like the current version of Bitdefender is a 158k-installer
not a true download of the program

Bitdefender Free(BDF) does not offer an offline install package. You can download the full program, but still requires an internet connection to complete installation. Here are the direct program download link: BDF(x86) or BDF(x64).

I use both:

Malwarebytes and Spybot Search and Destroy.

It appears AdBlock Plus helps keep the bad stuff out because some of the malware/spyware is delivered embedded in the third party ads.

I don't find any need for anti virus software. All it does is slow the system down. It's been probably ten years without a problem