If you are looking for the best free antivirus software for your windows or mac PC / laptop then this article will give you the best list of free antivirus software which you can use in 2020.
Introduction:
Best Mac antivirus software of 2020. By Mike Williams 11 June 2020. Free and premium security tools to protect your Apple device. Top 5 best free antivirus for Mac in 2020. Best antivirus for Mac reviews 1. Intego Mac Internet Security X9. Intego's Mac Internet Security X9 is our pick of the bunch. There's a lot to. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac. There's a whole lot to like about Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac. It's hard to argue. Norton 360 Standard for Mac. The best commercial products offer more protection but if you can't afford the best, at least install a free antivirus. What's Not Here Eight commercial macOS antivirus products that earned 3.5. Best Antivirus Reddit Software Has Been In the past, Norton software has been known for causing performance dips but thats far from the case here. For one thing, its idle scanning feature only scans during quiet periods with that scan pausing the moment you use your Mac.
Almost every PC or Laptop in the world has antivirus installed in them. The danger of your PC or laptop getting infected by any malware, virus or ransomware which might leak your important information to some hacker or other 3rd party which might take advantage of that information we understand the use of best free antivirus software as we know how valuable our information and content stored in our PCs and laptops are.
But, what annoys the most is the validity completion of these antivirus programs.
Malware just needs a few seconds to enter into your PCs code and infect them, thus without a delay you can simply consider some of the best free antivirus or spyware removal tools in 2020.
Did you know a successful ransomware attack happens in just 14 seconds and the hackers try every second to breach the security of your system as well.
A research states that an average data breach of companies can cost upto $3.8 million.
Infact, cybercrime is growing significantly year after year thus, creators of antivirus try to bring out the best service in order to protect your PC.
But, these malware creators are savvy enough to come up with new ways to gain access to your PCs.
So, to protect your valuable information you can also look for top free antivirus packages and software. They not only protect your data from ransomware, and other viruses but also helps your business grow in a secure manner.
Instead of worrying about your data, with the help of these upgraded and robust antivirus programs you can rest assured and focus on new strategies for your business growth and development.
Thus, scroll down among these top free antivirus software for both PCs and laptops.
List of 14 Best Free Antivirus For Windows And Mac:
Free on-demand virus scanners and Firewall programs are available for quick and easy installation.
All these software automatically update and run continuously 24×7 to ensure that the files, folders and other important are protected from the malware.
Not all have similar features, some are absolutely different and has their own ways to perform a scan and remove malware and other virus from the PCs and Laptops.
So, let’s check them out so that you can choose the most relevant best free antivirus for your PC.
Avira Free Security:
With one of the brilliant features “Protection Cloud ”, Avira Free Security scans, identifies and stops threats to your PC.
The scanning method is designed in a way that when Avira’s software suite suspects a malicious file on any computer, it quickly generates a fingerprint of that file. Later, the file is scanned thoroughly and a report is generated to the user of the computer.
Avira is also an efficient threats remover that not just detects them but also stops them from affecting your PC. Avira lets you decide on which dialer, joke, or adware to enable and which to disable.
The software also contains several layers of security that force stops the trojans, spyware, and other kinds of malware from breaching in.
This free antivirus software is compatible with Windows 7,8, as well as 10. Avira is also secure and is a great antivirus for macOS as well.
With extensive features like password manager, software and driver updater, automatically repair, delete, and quarantine threats so that your PC always stays tuned up. Avira also helps reduce your PCs boot time and enhance the speed.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free:
A must try Antivirus program which is free from the clutters of buttons and menus. Despite its minimal designs, this software is quite preferred.
In order to run the software and scan all your files to protect them against malware you can simply drag and drop files and folders.
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This antivirus lets you either scan your full system or just a single object. Bitdefender keeps history of all the scans that are running which are saved in the Events area of the settings.
Bitdefender’s professional program and scheduled scans can keep you away from the threats. Its remarkable way to protect against viruses, worms, rootkits, spyware, and other threats give you a sense of satisfaction about your personal data protection.
Bitdefender Antivirus free edition runs seamlessly on Windows 7, 8, and the latest 10. It not just scans files on all kinds of windows but also provides protection against phishing and fraud when you’re browsing through the internet.
Adaware Antivirus Free:
One of the lightest and best free antivirus for pc and Windows laptops offers two ways to run the software. With the regular way you can check the threats on your data. The other way is using the primary antivirus program.
Even if the automated scanning is disabled, you can simply use the manual scan for checking the real-time threats. However, this feature can be used when your primary antivirus program fails to find hidden threats in your PC.
What makes an Adware antivirus program different from others is, it lets you choose a custom performance to use more system resources. You can also decide on the time duration of each scan occurrence.
You can get daily, weekly and even monthly scan reports about the rootkits, tracking cookies, boot sector virus, spyware, and ransomware.
Adaware offers both free and paid versions where the latter has extra features like parental controls, advanced network, web and email protection.
Good Free Antivirus Software For Macbook Air
However, the free version offers to protect your program’s setting through PIN and suppress the notification option, deep scanning of files and folders, scans email database, archive files and, more.
Adware Antivirus for free is compatible with Windows 7.8, and 10 and won’t need any license key to run unless you purchase an Adaware antivirus Pro version.
Avast Free Antivirus:
One of the most preferred and trusted by millions of people, Avast Antivirus comes on the list of top Antivirus software for free for windows and macOS. This robust software has its own antivirus software for android as well.
This easy to use software can be customized as per your needs. However, Avast contains similar features to Avira with some exceptional virus shield to protect and secure the data within the device.
What’s best about this anti-ransomware is that it pops out a small description besides the buttons and the features it offers.
Thus, you do not have to go through any instruction manual or search for any terms elsewhere. Avast gives you full freedom to change the notification sound when a threat occurs, duration of the alert, number and types of files that need scanning, and more.
Apart from scanning whole system and keeping you aware of the threats, Avast has some exceptional tools like web, mail, file and behavior shield, software updater, browser cleaner, rescue disk, Wifi inspector, security & SafePrice browser extensions, password manager, junk file cleaners and game mode.
Wow, that’s a lot of features in just a single yet free antivirus software which is compatible with all kinds of device and OS!
Panda Dome Free Antivirus:
Unlike Avast, Panda Security has minimal designs and less features. But, this free antivirus program for PC installs in your computer in minutes.
You can find all its options in the program settings, as you won’t find them in CPU or memory hog. As Bitdefender, Panda Dome allows both automatic as well as manual scanning of your system. This antivirus seamlessly scans files through compressed folders as well as unwanted programs.
Previously learned as Panda Free Antivirus, this program also holds some exceptional features like – behavioural and analysis scanning options, asking before neutralising any virus, blocking files from running until results, warnings if the data appears harmful when obtained from the cloud.
Panda Dome lets you password protect your entire application, enable USB protection scan, monitor running processes, record every scan or program running to report, and a gaming or multimedia option inability or disability.
The minimal designs and buttons are smartly put as only the necessary appears on the front which enables you to quickly scan through data to check for threats.
Panda Dome is available and compatible with all versions of Windows to use, also Windows XP.
AVG AntiVirus Free:
Another easy to use free antivirus program, AVG is a simple and robust program that effectively scans threats in archives, removes viruses right away, scans USB, and runs boot-time scans. A simple scan button is displayed in the middle of the screen to make it easier for the user to navigate.
Like other other free antivirus software for MacOS & PC, AVG’s antivirus supports Windows 7,8,10, Mac 10.10 Yosemite and above as well as Android too.
AVGs software is highly customizable, which means you can effortlessly set your scanning schedule, make changes in the settings, enable rootlet detection, enable hardcore mode, and Cybercpature that detects even the hidden files.
AVG Antivirus contains some of the brilliant components which you can enable during your installation like – File Shield, Behavior Shield, Web Shield, Email Shield, Safe Price browser extension, file shredder, cleanup, and do not disturb mode.
However, when you choose to scan the file – AVG only checks and includes those that may contain danger content. Those files that use file extensions like EXE are regarded as possible threatening files for your PC or device.
Another component of AVG which could be considered is a file shredder tool. This tool is used to overwrite files which uses data destruction methods like DoD 5220.22 M, Gutmann, or Random Data.
COMODO Antivirus:
Another top and best free antivirus for your PC, COMODO has two different faces for different types of use. Depending upon the level of complexity, you can set your complex level of this software. COMODO also lets you select an auto-run scanning feature for different types of scans like full scan, quick scan, scan only the infected areas or customise your scan.
COMODO has in-built sandbox technology which quickly isolates the affected programs for further infection.
Other components of COMODO antivirus lets you decompress and scan archives, use and supports cloud-based scanning, automatically delete threats, enable heuristics scanning, check the running files with any threats, skip large size files, run scan for full system as well as delete PuPs and more.
COMODO antivirus program has some other interesting virtualisation features. This feature can be considered as a demo of COMODO. This feature lets you run any program on its virtual space separately, launching programs to check how exactly the antivirus works when a virus attacks.
Apart from scanning and providing advance reports of scan like HIPS and VirusScope, COMODO has other components. COMODO’s free antivirus software for PCs supports both Mac and Windows of all versions.
Some of its components that are worth checking are – password protection for program, floating desktop widget, customize HIPS rules, turn on the silent mode, force auto-containment of suspicious files, unique password for Virtual Desktop feature.
FortiClient:
This top free antivirus program has multiple unique features within which makes it an exceptional choice of antivirus for users.
Unlike other Antivirus software for PCs, FortiClient offers a parental control feature, manual checking for vulnerabilities, functions as a VPN client, and above all a free firewall protection shield.
Some other exceptional features when installing this software are – blocked URL and site categories that are susceptible. FortiClient scans illegal sites, bandwidth-consuming sites, content relating to hacking, erotic, games, advertisements shopping, child abuse, plagiarism, and others.
It scans the most important primary entry points for malware which is – network drive, removable drive, email attachments, and web downloads through its Sandbox feature.
FortiClient interface is easy to understand with easy to read content. The software supports all kinds of Operating systems.
Unlike other software, FortiClient is one of the preferred free antivirus for Linus, MacOS, and Windows. The software supports all versions of Windows, and contains web filtering tools and VPN access for Chromebook, Chrome Browser for iOS and Android devices as well.
Immunet Antivirus:
Metallic interface that reminds of old 2D bland designs, Immunet Antivirus doesn’t seem as attractive as other antivirus available for free. Do not judge its performance by its musty design, this antivirus is capable enough to detect any bot, virus, worm, trojan, keylogger, and spyware in no time.
Immunet Antivirus offers real-time protection and scans for your PC where the features can be customized as required.
An optimum choice for those looking for a free antivirus software of windows 10, Immunet has three scanning modes – Flash scan, Custom scan, and Full Scan.
The software enables you to schedule daily, weekly or monthly scan or manually scan directly from the explorer, file or folder.
Run a Flash Scan right after the installation of the software to check the running threats as well as toggle archives and packed files scanning.
Immunet free antivirus has been tested on Windows 7, 8, and 10. It also works on Windows Server 2016/2012/2008 R2.
Kaspersky Security Cloud Free:
If you are looking for a less complex and just limited core antivirus functionality in a software, then Kaspersky Security Cloud free antivirus for PC is a perfect solution.
From malware protection to other protection like email scans, anti-phishing, and many more that a small business needs are available within this software.
Kaspersky has lightning fast virus scanning features with smart self-protection routines that makes it an overall great virus protection software.
It has a highly intelligent firewall protection feature that secures you from the undiscovered threats. Moreover, it delays the automatic scans and reduces the display animation if the CPU runs too high.
Kaspersky’s Self-defense property blocks all attempts to change or delete the software’s processes, registry items, and installation files.
Some of its features which makes it a competitive software – delete malicious tools with rootkit detection, password protect program, schedule quick auto-scan of external drives, and many more.
Kaspersky antivirus supports and can seamlessly run on Windows 7, 8 and, 10. With an AV engine, this smart security system offers a secure VPN option which is compatible with mobile devices and MacOS as well.
ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus:
A mix of both antivirus software and firewall protection shield for your PC. ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus gives you the best of both as it scans threats, Trojans, malware and other ransomware and stops them from breaching in your computer to trouble your valuable content.
This brilliant all-in-one antivirus software can be set to automatically run quick scans or full scans. It not only stops real-time threats but also keeps check over the cloud-based security.
ZoneAlarm firewall protection shield blocks all the fragments, public & trusted servers and enables ARP protection. You can manually set a pop-up notification when a suspicious activity occurs.
The gamer mode is the most interesting feature of this firewall protection program which blocks the inlet of updates, alerts and other notifications during games. Password protection feature enables complex protection of the program.
In order to have a backup of your program you can enable its security backup settings and restore them later.
Norton Antivirus by Symantec:
Those looking for a top free antivirus for MacOS as well as business solutions, Norton antivirus is worth considering. One of the oldest AV software is mature enough to find hideous and hidden threats in your PC which makes it more reliable than any other antivirus in the market.
The brand holder Symantec is very popular and also provides endpoint security in many applications.
This feature rich antivirus is swift and lab-tested for ultimate protection of your PC and data within it. Symantec contains some advanced protection feature which makes it the most preferred choice.
Norton Antivirus by Symantec is an intelligent firewall program that brings in top-notch browsing protection, PC maintenance utilities, and a bundled backup tool with 2GB online storage.
However, as per its features you won’t find its interface as attractive but it sure has a robust anti-ransomware testing feature to stop threats from affecting your valuable files.
Additionally, like other antivirus programs Norton also has a premium version that allows you to have full control.
Moreover, it gives you a two-way firewall that helps you block applications, password management to keep accounts secure and a VPN that runs on a strict no logging policy with unlimited data.
McAfee Antivirus Plus:
One of the top recommendations by millions for MacOS, McAfee Antivirus plus is another reliable software to be considered.
A real-time antivirus suite that gives complete protection to your Mac from threatening malware, ransomware, trojans and other viruses.
McAfee has a brilliant feature – SiteAdvisor that can easily identify phishing sites and defeat their attempts to breach your PC. This feature of McAfee is quite close to be stated as a perfect tool to block phishing especially for Mac users.
Apart from blocking and scanning threats, this antivirus free software comes with a personal firewall. Along with it comes a license policy which can be installed and used in both Mac as well as Windows devices easily.
Sophos Home:
A multi-device protection created that works seamlessly on both MacOS and Windows. What sets it apart from others is its central management console, advanced ransomware protection feature and most importantly is the AI-powered threat detection feature.
With a capable antivirus engine, Sophos home is a free antivirus program designed in a way that even a novice can easily navigate to its features.
Unlike other attractive interfaces, Sophos home has a very simple design with a simple web management console to take control over the software.
This software has been testified thoroughly and comes out to be a successful robust antivirus, anti-ransomware protection.
Comparatively, its premium version gives greater value for those who wish to protect multiple devices at a time. Else this simple and limited options Sopho is worth considering firewall protection software for your PC.
To Conclude:
We know that everytime the creators of malware and viruses are up with some new ways to breach in the PCs and laptops to access your valuable content.
But, their attempts are always blocked by the robust Antivirus which you have installed in your PC or laptop. Which is why antivirus protection has been the need of the hour.
These top free antivirus software for Windows, macOS and android devices have been thoroughly tested to ensure that they never fail to stop these malware, virus and other unwanted practices to reach your PC or laptop and have a full access to your valuable information.
Try out these best free antivirus programs to keep your important information safe from hackers.
© Provided by GamesRadar The best antivirus software 2020Despite being a dusty old-sounding thing, having one of the best antivirus software packages in your device is still as important as it has ever been. It's dull and boring, and there's certainly a temptation to think 'well, I haven't seen a properly bad virus in years' but that's not meant to say you shouldn't have one of the best antivirus packs anyway. I'd rather have one and not need it then need it and not have it. So, whether you have a premium machine like one of the best gaming PCs or one of the best gaming laptops, or just a cheap one for work, having one of the best antivirus will protect you while you work or play.
However, in the year 2020, it is a very saturated market. There are free versions that we remember from years ago still around - though now refined - and also some newer or much-revamped paid-for programs that are more comprehensive than ever. As a result, it can be a confusing market to work your way through. But fear not, we’ve looked at a range of options available, from premium to free, from some of the biggest players in online security, to help you make a safe and informed decision on the best antivirus software for you. Whatever you go for, we just recommend you go for one: it's better to have something installed that can beat all the baddies off than nothing. It's also worth noting that the best antivirus is not just for PC systems but can be added to smaller, mobile devices like the best gaming tablets and the best gaming phones as well. Neat.
It's worth remembering that as the programs become more numerous and refined, so do the nasties trying to get into your machine. Plus, those who create malware and viruses are still constantly coming up with new and exciting ways to break down your door. However, to combat this, security companies constantly adapt and update their programs to whack off the miscreants from a safe distance. Often enhanced by feedback tweaks and user experience-led changes, and the versions available are reliable and will have you well covered against threats, all providing great options when looking for the best antivirus software systems.
Best antivirus software 2020 at a glance
We've highlighted a few paid-for options as well as a few free software packages for your consideration. They are:
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
- Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus
- Norton Antivirus Plus
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free
- Kaspersky Free
- Avast Free Antivirus
The best antivirus - paid-for software
© Provided by GamesRadar1. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Operating system: Windows only | Maximum devices covered: 1 | Stand out features: Ransomware protection and remediation, privacy tools, VPN, Safepay
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus's annual fee may look expensive - particularly when compared to the non-existent fees for free programs - but you get a whole host of benefits and securities for it. And, all it takes is a quick look at any major antivirus rankings to see that Bitdefender's security products are consistently near the top and considered some of the best.
It is accurate in its virus detecting, filters the web to block access to malicious sites, secures your browser that keeps your online banking and shopping transactions safe, and there's a safe and sound password manager that can retain your payment card details securely for web forms. It also wins points for offering an excellent anti-phishing service, which alerts you to malicious sites and blocks dangerous ones when using search engines.
2020's version brings with it some new features: the ability to scan all your linked devices through the Bitdefender Central mobile app and ransomware protection that learns the behavior of dangers to keep you safe. It can be a little resource hungry, requiring a fair bit of 'juice' and also potentially having a fight with some other programs, but overall Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is a great package offering great, subtle performance, excellent detection rates, and some extra features all bundled in that easily justify the price.
If you're looking for more protection from Bitdefender, the Internet Security package builds on AVP and triples the number of devices covered. It also offers parental control, file encryption and a firewall and anti-spam. Further to this, you can get the Total Security edition which includes all of the above and extends its reach to five PCs, Macs, Android and iOS devices.
© Provided by GamesRadarWebroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus
Operating system: Windows and Mac | Maximum devices covered: 1 | Stand out features: Always-on security, identity protection, real-time anti-phishing, firewall monitor
It's difficult to find a truly 'lightweight' antivirus program or one that uses hardly any system resources. However, Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus can make that claim. Installation takes mere seconds, the program takes up only a handful of megabytes on your hard drive, the amount of RAM it needs is minute, and there are no enormous signature updates to tie up your bandwidth.
Though this feather-lite touch doesn't mean it skimps on features. On top of its core protections, you get a firewall and network monitor, anti-ransomware, smart behavior monitoring, accurate real-time anti-phishing, as well as some other interesting extras.
Because the major testing labs rarely evaluate their packages, it's not easy to compare Webroot's efficacy with its immediate competitors, however, when they are reviewed, they generally score well, and our own tests show solid and reliable protection.
It really is one to like, and its lightweight nature makes it a very attractive proposition, and Webroot's 70-day 100% money-back guarantee suggests it's confident in the product, too. If you're tired of complicated and bloated systems, Webroot should definitely be on your shortlist.
© Provided by GamesRadarNorton Antivirus Plus
Operating system: Windows only | Maximum devices covered: 1 | Stand out features: Advanced privacy security, financial security, global civilian intelligence network
Norton is an established name in antivirus software and so many will gravitate toward it and its reputation. This version, Norton AntiVirus Plus, is true to the quality in Norton's reputation: it is a top-quality malware hunter which will protect your PC all on its own, automatically. One of the main reasons we rank it so highly is that it's also one of the very best value paid-for security packages around at the moment.
The package is great for those who like to be hands-on and those who prefer to can set all its features and settings 'just so'. Other features on offer are a handy URL blocker that keeps malicious websites at bay, and if that misses something, an excellent file reputation service heuristically recognizes suspect downloads immediately. Beyond this, if any devious malware can still find its way through, the intelligent behavior monitor uses its up-to-date virus definitions to quarantine threats at the first sign of trouble.
The problems that do rear their head are in the browser extensions. While the bundled-in Norton Identity Safe is a perfectly serviceable password manager when it's running properly, it can just stop for no apparent reason when using Chrome. The flip side to that is that you don't have to use Identity Safe. And elsewhere Norton AntiVirus Plus's main functions and securities deliver: it's easy to use, comes highly rated by the labs, has the configuration options experts need, and is deliberately designed to have the least possible impact on your system's performance.
The best antivirus - free software
There's no denying that the paid-for premium antivirus packages will have a particular allure for those who want the smoothest run, or the most security. They'll offer you some particular features such as parental controls, advanced firewalls and spam filters. They also give you the extra benefit of omitting the pop-ups trying to persuade into upgrading to a full or paid-for version. And, perhaps contrary to popular opinion, they don't actually cost too much, as shown above.
Having said that, you can get great protection free, with just about every single major company out there offering a free antivirus. This continues to help them as it gives them access to more data and so constantly update and improve their libraries and security packages. As a result, it's in their interest to keep a good level of product with the free entries into the library and not to reduce the amount of protection.
If you're determined to go down the free route, we've got a couple that you should investigate to ensure you pick the best free antivirus software for you.
© Provided by GamesRadarBitdefender Antivirus Free
Definitely the best free package going
Operating system: Windows, Mac, Android | Features: Phishing protection, Behavioural analysis, Automatic scanning
This package provides a clean and well-constructed scanning system teamed with an unrivaled library of virus definitions and means that Bitdefender is top of the pile once again. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is a nice, light version of the premium package.
Bitdefender's free version does insist on running in the background on autopilot and while this takes the hassle out of the users' hands it also opens up the possibility of it going a bit rogue. Some free software packages have caused a bit of havoc before, identifying themselves as threats and then locking up Windows systems. (This is still rare, though, so it's not a constant danger.)
It's worth pointing out that Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, our top paid-for pick, is only the equivalent of about $2 per month away from the free edition. When broken down to this costing, it shows that it really is a small amount to pay for a whole host of extras, such as an integrated password manager, free online 24/7 support and permanent file shredder.
© Provided by GamesRadarKaspersky Free
A great free version from a great name
Operating system: Windows | Features: Real-time scanning, Anti-phishing, Email scanning, Spyware protection
Perhaps a little predictably - but in a good way - Kaspersky Free is a scaled-down version of the full package. The free iteration removes the additional features such as privacy protection and safe payment sandboxes to concentrate on a no-frills, very capable, free protection for your PC. The result is antivirus software that is easy to navigate and interact with but one that does an effective job of keeping your machine safe.
Using the nuts and bolts real-world scanning engine of the paid-for suite, Kaspersky Free is fiendishly hard for viruses and Trojan horses to break down. And we love that it doesn't constantly pester you with nudges to upgrade to the full version.
Avg Free Antivirus Software For Mac
But, do bear in mind that the paid-for version isn't that expensive and provides a more comprehensive level of cover for your PC (or PCs). The price is $29.99 to protect three computers and can swing a mighty bat against ransomware, spyware and Trojans.
© Provided by GamesRadar (Image credit: Avast/Future)Avast Free Antivirus
Operating system: Windows, Mac, Android | Features: Virus detection, Gaming mode, Password manager, Malware scanner
One of the top features of the latest edition of Avast Free Antivirus, is that it adds an automatic gaming mode that mutes popups and reduces system load when you're running a CPU-demanding game. Elsewhere, the user-interface has had a redesign and has come out all clean, fresh and well laid out. There's a password manager, too, which is solid yet unspectacular but remains a good addition to your online and digital security. On the less good side of things, it's quite trigger-happy with popups and it isn't great for software launch times.
Some other benefits and features more generally come from a 'meta' event. Back in 2016, Avast acquired AVG - a very familiar-sounding free antivirus provider to many, I'm sure. Though the two products will remain separate to users, Avast - and AVG for what it's worth - now has a lot more data to work with. It's effective userbase now stands at a heady 400 million users.
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