Best anti virus for 64-Bit Windows 7 OS

I would say the best AV for Windows 7 x64 for someone who could not afford a Retail AV would be a Freeware AV.

Covering the spectrum of users

Hard to agree on the "best" antivirus. It's all in the eyes of the beholder. Some are good, others are better and some are bad.

Thanks Kalario, very well said.

I make a point of not recommending AV products anymore. People tend to ask what I think is the "best" AV product, and my answer can only be subjective. Not only that, but I do not advocate "free" AV products, which ultimately means that whenever I do recommend something, it's a commercial product, at which point many individuals crawl out of the woodwork to proclaim that XY and YX are "better" because they're "free," and that they must be working because these people haven't had any viruses [found] on their PCs. It's like someone telling me Linux is better than Windows "because it's free."

As for those who think free AV work just as well as commercial ones because they haven't found anything on your system... Here's a rock. Looks like a plain old rock, but it's a lion repellent. Don't believe me? Do you see any lions around?

What smart user actually uses the gaping security hole that is a desktop email client?

One of the best statements regarding email security!

I always go to my email through the browser only. More secure for sure.

In order to give the OP an opinion, you must give some details, especially what doesn't work. I mean it's like anything else you consider acquiring, whether purchased or free. The first thing I want to know is "what doesn't work properly?". That's was the reason for telling about the email deal, to warn the OP. This was not meant to turn the thread into mine, but to enhance it by stating what doesn't work.

Why welcome to the forums!

Since I can only say what I like and use and can't comment on every anti-virus program out there (and I would guess most everyone is in this same boat), then the next best thing is to look at a few unbiased reports on which anti-virus programs are rated highest and work from there.

From the few I've seen, the list usually has paid and free programs listed and some of the free are pretty highly ranked so I personally think it unfair to write off all free anti virus programs and just as unfair to say that all paid programs are perfect.

Well said Draceena..