Question about computer security

You can use Avast! and ZoneAlarm.

pick some random antivirus. avira is fine. just be careful where you (they) go

Depends on how much you trust your new owners.

Basically, Windows Security is really great, if you got the brains to not click on any random FB shit you come across.

Especially their built in firewall is better then most expect it to be.

And as for Virus tools...

These tools are usually used when it is too late anyway...

I suggest you check this article, it should help.

"Microsoft Security Essentials" with "Malwarebytes Anti-Malware" and "Spywareblaster" and "Spybot Search and Destroy" and learn how to use "NO SCRIPT" in browsers and you will never have a virus issue again. All of these are free.

Free avira, avast, mse, malwarebytes are fine and a pretty good idea for computer
illiterate people (those that would be the target of the expensive paid useless versions).

Make sure to set them up a non-administrator and install firefox with adblock.
Teaching them how to handle noscript probably is a hopeless endeavor, but that would be
necessary to be safe of any threats concerning computer security that aren't caused by stupidity.

free ones are pretty good: AVG, AVAST. Even microsoft security essentials is good. Malware bytes alone cant do everything. It works very well for malware detection only. So keep that handy in your system and run every other week to check for malware. But keep a free Anti virus running all the time.

I personally recommend MSE and Avast + Windows firewall.

I found MSE to be very light and it seams to be very efficient as long as you are not the latest noob (meaning you don't click and download anything you see) out there and you update Windows periodically.
Avast! has some nice features for unexperienced users that tend to download anything they see.

As for the firewall I'd say Windows Firewall is OK. and goes well with MSE and Windows Updates.

You can also install Spybot S&D and AdBlock on every browser you use.

avast, avg and avira are placebo securities.

if you wanna be safe, use gdata, kaspersky, eset, bitdefender or just microsoft security essentials.

if you pc is strongly infected you can also use spybot search&destroy and adwcleaner.

It all matters if your friend is a dumbass or not.

If he know's how to stay safe and is smart with PC's, then all what he needs is basic protection - Microsoft Security Essentials; I use it and i've used it for years, as I said before, be smart about it and basic protection is all you need.

But if he's a dumbass, then Kaspersky is your best option (if you want to pay). And Avast! free if your best free option.

If you act like a drunk goat, you'll get infected even with the best antivirus.

BTW imho:
best non-free = eset
best free = avira

Malwarebytes, AVG are good, use free versions all time.

By the way, all of the information that was on your old hard drive is (basically) recoverable. Consider what this will mean if that laptop gets stolen. While it is possible to do a full-security wipe, it requires tools, know-how, and time. Many people choose to simply replace the old drive with a new one before handing over their system.

If they have an ISP like AT&T or Comcast, they can get Symantec Norton or McAfee anti-virus. Avast! is a good choice for free software. I currently use BitDefender 2015 and it does the job just fine. Use whatever is easier for you to obtain and monitor for them in case they DO get an issue and need your help.

However, if people use common sense and browse carefully, they will never have to worry about catching anything malicious.