I am looking for some advice from champdoggers about free antivirus software as the free trial on my laptop has run out.  I had a good one on my pc but when i got rid of it I never thought to take note of it and cannot find it on the net now. I'm also confused about the difference between antivirus software and antispyware software - is it the same thing?

I'm on a money saving effort as of today and would like to save a bit of cash if possible so all advice gratefully received - even if it is just to tell me to stop being so tight and pay for software. 

http://www.grisoft.com/doc/1

Dowload AVG from the above website :) (Downloads/Programmes)

Excellent antivirus ..just remember to keep it up to date :)

As I understand it antivirus and antispyware are different.  Antivirus blocks the viruses that invade your software and damage it.  Antispyware helps to stop hackers getting information from your computer. 

We have found that spyware is more of a problem to us than virus's, because cookies can be installed which provide information about your surfing habits to companies, hijackers and browser help objects can change your settings and home page etc also adverts can be displayed which pop up whenever you are surfing, so the whole thing slows down your computer and diverts you to their web sites. We have a program called Webroot spysweeper and pop up blocker which is very good, came out the best of a survey of 10 antispywares and this helps to get rid of unwanted installations on our PC. I don't know of any free anti virus which is good enough but we use Mccafee which we purchased from an online site in the USA it was half the price of buying one in UK.

Download.com often has free programme downloads or trials, and PC Pro or Computer Buyer websites have searchable reviews on software.
Also, if you do a search for 'free anti virus' you may also find forums where people discuss the merits of the various ones available.
Zonealarm is a good free anti hacker programme and I've heard good things about AVG anti virus.
Spywareblaster and Ad-aware are two programmes that have free versions and are good to have both running if you have no other anti spyware installed.

I've had Kaspersky for two years and have just upgraded to their KIS6 which incorporates AV, Anti Hacker, anti spyware etc and a spam filter. It costs, but I think it's worth it because it works very well & their back up service in the UK is excellent if you have a query or a problem.