Any good free web-based or downloadable spyware/antivirus apps?

[GatorDeb]

Going tomorrow to fix a friend's computer that's bogged down in Spyware. Anything that you recommend when it comes to web-based or downloadable antivirus and spyware software?

[GatorDeb]

Also I did read the thing that says "Spyware/popus read me first" this is in case something newer and spiffier came out since

[Jay G.]

Well, if I know this forum at all, Dr. Mabuse will soon be in here recommending both Avira Antivir Premium and Spyware Doctor, insisting that the $50 combined cost for them is well worth it and better than any free program could possibly ever be.

Of course, since you asked for free programs, you can use the free versions of those programs, with slightly reduced capabilities:
http://www.free-av.com/en/download/1...antivirus.html
http://www.pctools.com/spyware-doctor/google_pack/

I've also recently read about Threatfire, which supplements other AV programs:
http://www.threatfire.com/

There's also standalone virus removal tools that aren't a full AV system.

Here's one from Avira:
http://www.avira.com/en/support/anti...l_details.html

Here's one from Kaspersky;
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivir...val-Tool.shtml

One from Trend Micro (Sysclean):
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/dcs.asp

One from Avast!:
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-virus-cleaner.html

Don't forget HijackThis for double-checking results:
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en...ols/hijackthis

You can also use the web-based virus scanners from Kaspersky and Trend Micro, although neither will remove an infection, just detect it:
http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Once the system is clean, make sure there's a real-time AV and anti-spyware program on there. It doesn't have to be the Avira/Spyware Doctor combo. Both AVG and Avast! have free AV programs that include anti-spyware as well:
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-free-...tispyware.html
http://free.avg.com/download-avg-ant...s-free-edition

[Jay G.]

Originally Posted by GatorDeb

Also I did read the thing that says "Spyware/popus read me first" this is in case something newer and spiffier came out since

That sticky should be updated. However, the majority of info in it is still solid.

[DaveWadding]

Spybot - Search & Destroy.

[Dr Mabuse]

Originally Posted by Jay G.

Well, if I know this forum at all, Dr. Mabuse will soon be in here recommending both Avira Antivir Premium and Spyware Doctor, insisting that the $50 combined cost for them is well worth it and better than any free program could possibly ever be.

[GatorDeb]

Thanks people keep them coming!

[Nifty03]

Don't forget Windows Defender, it may not be the best but it is active (running all the time to stop spyware from getting in) and is free.