Best Free Antivirus for Windows 8 Consumer Preview Users

Microsoft ambitious project Windows 8 will be available to end users in its full glory very soon. The consumer preview version of Windows 8 is already out. It has managed to outshine the previous version of Windows, but despite of getting rave reviews and a huge round of applauds from the tech world its fate will be decided by normal users only. The new version of Windows has very less compatible applications available. As a part of first few elite group of downloaders, we have had a great run with Windows 8. But we also encountered some of the issues with app compatibility. One of the downside of Windows 8 is that it only supports MSE (Microsoft Security Essential or Windows Defender) which is an in-house security suite of Microsoft. To put users out of misery we’ve compiled a list of the best free antivirus for Windows 8 users.

Our previous post enlists twitter clients for Windows 8. 

Of course, over the time more service providers will come out to support the newest and greatest OS from software mammoth, Microsoft. We’ve hand picked some of the best antivirus and security suite available to Windows 8 consumer preview users. Security is a vital aspect for any serious online surfer and hence is of utter importance to guard your system against any latest threat. The media which will guard your system against any external threat is called antivirus and suite of such security tools.

Free and Paid Antivirus for Windows 8

Following antivirus products available for Windows 8 users.

Kaspersky

Kaspersky is a well respected name in Internet security community. Kaspersky is always known to provide the quality product with support for the latest build and so is the case this time as well. Kaspersky Internet Security Technical Preview is compatible with Windows 8. The security tool is available for 90 days only and is intended to serve Windows consumer preview users only.

Since Windows 8 full fledged version is yet not available, Kaspersky may behave strangely. It offers a complete solution and packs in firewall, antivirus, spam filter and heaps of other security tools.

AVG

AVG 2013 beta version supports Windows 8 consumer preview. It is still under beta tag. AVG is arguably the best free antivirus product out there. Although, there is no official announcement of support for Windows 8 in AVG 2012, it still works flawlessly on Windows 8 (currently, we’re using the same). It even updates the product with latest patches. In order to use AVG 2013 beta version you need to participate in the beta program.

As with the case with any beta product, you may encounter few bugs or stability issues. However, things are ought to get better once the full and final version is available. Be warned that AVG may force frequent restart of the system. Make sure you follow the thread and use the product wisely.

Norton

Norton Internet Security 2012 for Windows 8 beta is available for general public consumption. Norton doesn’t need any introduction. It has been in this business for many years and is known for its quality security products. It is a complete security suite consist of parental control, web safe, browser protection, antiphishing, Norton pulse, email/ IM monitoring, firewall and many more modules Norton is valid for 60 days.

BullGuard

BullGuard Internet Security suite is available at 70% off for a limited period of time. The latest version, BullGuard 12 aims to support Windows 8 consumer preview users as well. The product is also available for 90-day trial. BullGuard stats show that it has a superior malware detection rate compared to other products like Avira, AVG and Kaspersky. Users can purchase the entire suite for measly $17.99. With the purchase you will be also eligible to get free 5GB of online backup (find out more cloud service providers).

It contains

• Antivirus
• Firewall
• Spam filter
• Game mode
• Online backup
• Safe browsing
• Vulnerability scanner
• PC Tune up and
• Parental Control

It is a great opportunity for anyone who is seeking the best antivirus for his Windows 8 system.

Panda

Panda global protection 2013 beta is available for Windows 8 beta or consumer preview users. Early birds get a flat 50% off on the final 2013 version. If you’re planning to buy Panda cloud security in the future then this is your best chance to get your hands on this invaluable product. The beta version offers rugged security by offering several modules. Users get intrusion detection system, firewall, malware disinfection tool, URL monitoring tool, antivirus and other essential modules.

Active beta tester of Panda global 2013 is also entitled to win $200 Amazon coupon. So what are you waiting for. Enjoy the free early bird goodies in the process to help build better community.

Trend Micro Titanium 2013

Trend Micros Titanium Beta for 2013 is now available for Windows 8  x64 and x86 users. As a part of the beta test program you also enter in the contest to win whopping $1,000. Trend Micro will also offer 10GB of SafeSync online storage when you purchase the product. It is an all in one solution for your any security related needs.  Grab this opportunity to get the product for free and win a contest to earn up to $1,000.

These are some of the best free and paid antivirus for Windows 8 consumer users. Are you already using Windows 8 consumer preview? If yes, then which antivirus or Internet security suite are you using on your system. Do share your experience with them.