I am currently running Computer Associates Security Suite 2007 provided free by my ISP (Roadrunner). I haven't had any problems in the past, but they just released a new virus definition which almost crashed my PCs. They are running so slow now that I can barely open a file.

In 9/08 and 6/09 (don't laugh) Consumer Reports (which I trust) rated security software. My CA came up at the bottom of the list.

They recommended as 2 of the best, Avira AntiVir Personal Edition Classic 7 for virus scanning, and Microsoft Windows Defender anti-badware, both free.

I've also heard a lot about an anti-virus called AVG. Don't know anything about that one.

I want out of this CA system. Their tech support sucks as well.

Any feedback on the best free programs for anti-virus and anti-spyware would be appreciated.

Ideally, I want them both running in the background in real time obviously, but would also like them to be light on resources and not bog down my PC the way CA does. Good definition updates sent out often is important as well. (sounds like I'm asking for the moon here)

Anyway, comments on the programs above? Or others?

Thanks...

I have AVG and it is pretty good. it only detected about two viruses on my computer though. i have been using it for about 3 months now. every other virus i ever had was detected by Avira. I downloaded the basic versions of AVG and Avira for free off the internet and they work great. here are the links:
AVG Free - Download installation files & documentation (http://free.avg.com/us-en/download?prd=afg)
Avira AntiVir Personal - FREE Antivirus (http://www.free-av.com/en/products/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html)