The price for these security products is right

The adage that "you get what you pay for" doesn't always apply, particularly when it comes to much-needed, highly demanded security products. The bulk of free security products fall into the antivirus bracket, but vendors are releasing other free downloads and services that include rootkits and Trojan scanners, firewalls and other network security tools.

Reasons for a free price tag could range from raising brand awareness to embarking on a global campaign to prevent the spread of malware in areas without heavy security resources. Plus, these products are often accessible, simple to install, and of course, easy on the wallet.

Open-source security products, obviously free as well, are becoming more technologically diverse and sophisticated, on par with some of the most advanced security solutions on the market. In fact, it's not surprising that many commercial products incorporate open-source technology under the hood. Security products are at the top of the "hot" list for impending open-source innovation.

First up are the free security downloads.

Avast Antivirus

Like many free antivirus software products, Avast provides strong protection against viruses and secures emails and chats. It also touts automatic scans and updates, fast speed and a light footprint, while only notifying (read "bugging") the user with occasional alerts. Avast has maintained that it focuses the majority of its resources into R&D and virus research, differentiating it from competitors-which is also likely why it has managed to so often slip under the radar of public awareness.

However, by 2010, this little known Czech Republic-based company had about 130 million registered users, and more than 100 professionals at its headquarters in Prague, as well as a team of distribution partners in all markets.

Avast offers a portfolio of security software for small and midsize businesses to the enterprise in more than 30 languages.

The growing antivirus company says that it detects between 1.1 billion and 1.4 billion pieces of malware per year, a billion of which come from infected Web sites.

Next: AVG Antivirus Free Edition 2011