subject: Recommendations on How to Decide on the Top Anti-Virus Software [print this page] Recommendations on How to Decide on the Top Anti-Virus Software
If your PC is connected to the Internet, it will be at risk of security threats that may damage your PC and compromise your privacy. These threats include:
Viruses, which are applications designed to damage your PC. They are named viruses because like the real thing, they can duplicate themselves and even spread to other computers through techniques like e-mail and network connections.
Spyware, which sneaks into your system and collects sensitive private information, which it then sends through the Internet to a hacker, who can utilize it for identity theft scams or credit card fraud.
An antivirus program is meant to protect your computer from this kind of unwanted intrusions by continually scanning your system for threats, as well as starting a firewall that prevents malicious software (malware) from infecting your Computer. As early versions of antivirus applications usually caused your workstation to work more slowly, new editions will be able to help your workstation to run more effectively. However, you will have to register the software once you've installed it into your computer, to ensure that you receive regular updates, since new risks are continuously emerging. If you're looking for the top antivirus software, here are a few suggestions to ensure you get the most effective one for your requirements:
1. Scope of protection. The best antivirus application protects your PC from the widest variety of risks, from viruses, worms and spyware to newer threats such as phishing scams and also keyloggers.
2. Ease of installation. Installing antivirus software needs to be straightforward and convenient to ensure that your PC enjoys highest defense as fast as possible.
3. Simple to utilize. While the antivirus software must have all the important features to make sure that your Computer is protected, these features shouldn't be difficult to manage. Otherwise, you may not be capable to maximize them which would leave your computer vulnerable.
4. Standard updates. Most distributors regularly renew their anti-virus applications when fresh threats are reported and a fix is created. The best antivirus application should have an automatic updater that will regularly report to you when a new update is available as well as a scheduler which you could set to automatically update the program at a time and date of your choice.
5. Readily available technical support. The seller who provides the software must provide a way so that you can easily make contact with support staff in case you will have problems using some of the features, aside from including satisfactory resources with the application like tutorials and user's instructions.
6. Freeware versions. The most effective distributors provide a free for download version of their antivirus applications that permits users to test it out before buying a commercial version with more features. This allows you to determine it to find out how it works and if you are feeling secure with using it.
