The internet contains a lot of security issues for the unwary. From data theft to malicious software, there’s a lot out there which can damage your PC or laptop. Having a strong antivirus program is essential, but they can be very pricey and even the free alternatives tend to push you into buying. Clam AntiVirus sidesteps that whole issue by being free and open source, it’s yours to do with as you please.

AntiVirus, malware scanning and more

Clam AntiVirus really stands out because it’s a multi-purpose tool. Not only does it provide antivirus protection, but it also defends against trojans, malware and more. The software is designed ‘open source’, meaning that any programmers can continually improve the product, adding their own tweaks and fixes, so that the community as a whole benefits instead of just aiming to make a profit. The program is easy to use and mostly just sits in the background, though advanced settings may confuse casual users. Another downside is that installation is not just a case of clicking a file and waiting. You’ll ned to follow instructions on the Clam AV website.

Powerful but not for beginners

Clam AntiVirus is a great program if you need protection and you’re into computing. Being free and open source makes it very versatile, but you need to know your way around your machine to install and maintain the program.