Your Free Virus Removal

ClamWIN is free, as in speech or in this case as in free virus removal. It is licensed through GNU General Public License. ClamWIN is based on the engine of ClamAV, a UNIX/Linux antivirus program whose primary responsibility was checking e-mail that passes through the mail server for malicious code or attachments. In comparison to the more expensive programs, ClamWIN scored 37th out of 49 places. ClamWIN was created to be an effective virus scanner and it is still an actively developed open source project.  This is one free virus removal program where you can actually see what makes it work.

ClamWIN in some areas is really lacking in comparison to its competition. ClamWIN does not actively watch every process for viral actions, nor does it scan every e-mail, instant message or uploaded program but hey it’s a free antivirus so I can’t really complain.  The program does require you to manually scan each file, the interface is surprisingly intuitive, and considering all of its lacking the basic functions are to scan select folders or scan the whole computer. One of the major advantages of ClamWIN is that because it does not have a lot of “sentry processes” it is very lightweight to run. The program features modern antiviral amenities such as automatic updates and what I thought was a very neat scheduler and remember it’s a free virus removal program! There are extensions to Firefox and Thunderbird, two open source mainstream applications for the inclusion of ClamWIN. I found this particularly helpful, to have ClamWIN fully integrate itself with Thunderbird, rather than having a program just monitor for file changes, ClamWin seeks out viruses in the e-mails before they’re opened. Saving a lot of headache!

Since it is open source, ClamWIN offers plugins. A plugin is a piece of code with adds function to a program. The nature of open source applications is that the user base is free to modify the code and or make additions to the code anyway they see fit without fear of repercussion from a lawsuit, hit men, or what have you. A nice example of a ClamWIN plugin is a plugin for a mail application called “The Bat”. This plugin, like the Thunderbird and Firefox extensions, allows ClamWIN a unique integration into the workings of the program. Another really great feature that ClamWin offers is its user base is generally a very intelligent group. If you wish to speak with the developers directly, you only need to surf to the website (www.clamwin.com) and scroll down to “Contact Us” and fill out the form. I had a response in about three hours. Additionally, there are IRC chat rooms and a forum where you may ask your questions, do use care though, because some fellow users will tell you to “read the manual”, so better check the FAQ first!

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a very extensible, completely free from any strings virus scanner, then look no further than ClamWin. It’s robust, it detects the majority of viruses and spyware and it is community maintained. If you find trouble with it, then seek out the support folk who are very generous in helping you troubleshoot your issue! ClamWin provides a wonderful program at no cost to you, try it!

Have you ever used ClamWin Antivirus?  How do you think it compares to other free virus removal programs?