[Duke of Hazzard]

I'm cheap so I have Avast Free on all my machines. However, Avast is extremely annoying with its constant updating messages and ads and blacklisted some software I use. What's a better alternative?

[DustFalcon85]

I use MSE or Windows Defender from Windows 8.1. I also use Malwarebytes and CCleaner. All of them are free.

[Rapture Rising]

Norton.

[Person of Color]

-Microsoft Security Essentials
-Unchecky (Keeps out potentially unwanted programs from bundles)
-uBlock Origin for Firefox/Chrome, Adblock Plus with all ads disabled for IE
-Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit

Install all of those. Ultra lightweight and catches everything.

[Striker]

Just to add another to the pile: Web of Trust for Firefox. Tells you when you visit a site with a bad reputation for Malware and scams.

[NightFright]

I switched from Avast to Panda Free AV a few months ago. It does quite well in recent detection tests (if you rely on those) and has a menu option that lets you completely turn off ad popups (they are turned on by default, though). Also quite low on using resources which was another important factor for me.

[LkMax]

Person of Color, on 13 September 2015 - 07:56 AM, said:

-Unchecky (Keeps out potentially unwanted programs from bundles)

I've searched and apparently this program unckecks boxes on installation screens, but be warned that I've seen some son-of-a-bitches put unchecked boxes that install crapware if you actually not check the box (like "click here if you don't want to install our super duper offer").
Best to do is pay close attention to all installations instead of going "next, next, next".

[Jeff]

Adaware free antivirus.

Not as customizable as Avast though. Good detection rates.