Without the help of antivirus software, protecting our computer from viruses and malicious content would be so taxing. In fact, if your computer is unable to filter these types of files, you’ll end up losing all of your important documents.
To prevent this from happening, computer experts always advise users to immediately install an antivirus in their computer before browsing the Internet – since most of them originate from the web. Every year, desktop security software companies release their own versions – one of each claim to have the best product to protect your computers.
Free Versions
The demand for this kind of software is high, since protection is a necessity, but its “not so low” price also serves as a hindrance to fully enjoy the benefits of the product. Due to this dilemma, companies have released free versions on the web. Through this, a user can finally download the free antivirus software version.
The Ideal Antivirus
The popularity of free antivirus software is massive till this day, but with so many choices, it’s also difficult to fully identify which brands live up to their promise. How would you know if the antivirus you have is competent or not?
We have listed some of the key features that are commonly found in antivirus software:
- Real-time scanner – monitors network data as it is coming into the computer to intercept any malware as it enters your system
- On-access scanner – files as they are opened or accessed to detect any malware
- On-demand scanner –provides the ability to perform a custom scan of a file, folder or drive initiated by the user
- Heuristic scanner – uses what is known about existing malware and what it has learned from past experience to identify new threats even before the antivirus vendor creates an update to detect it
- Compressed file scanner – can scan and detect malwares even if it’s buried within multiple compressed files
- Scheduled scan – provides a method of creating a schedule to set when the software will automatically perform a scan
- Script blocking – used to execute malicious code from web sites
- POP3 Email scanning – monitors incoming and/or outgoing POP3 email traffic and the associated file attachments to detect and alert about virus or other malware threats
- Webmail protection – detects and blocks malware in file attachments
- Instant messaging protection – monitors instant messaging traffic to detect and block malicious threats
- Automatic virus updates – this feature has been developed configure the antivirus software to automatically connect with the vendor site and download new updates on a regular basis.
- Automatic program updates – the scan engine and program may periodically be updated to add functionality to detect newer threats
What you should look for when purchasing for an antivirus program?
This may be the next question when you’re considering buying or just download an antivirus program. Here is a guide to that will aid you in your selection:
1) Associated costs
Most companies have let their best free antivirus to be downloaded in the Internet. But when the trial period expires, you should already pay for the program. It’s better to check the price of the software before purchasing it. There are some who requires onetime payment for the whole package, while some asks for small fees for every system update.
2) Verifiable protection from wild threats
In order for an antivirus to properly protect the computer, it should be able to detect all existing “in-the-wild-threats”. But don’t fret! A typical consumer wouldn’t be able to determine that. Agencies like AV-Test.org will be able to assist you in knowing this information.
3) Automated updates/ scans
As mentioned earlier, having a system of scheduled virus scan is a common feature of antivirus software, but what makes the difference is on how flexible the program to follow the schedule. It may sound like a simple process, but the importance of having a regularly updated virus protection is a big deal. It may sound like a simple process, but the importance of having a regularly updated virus protection is a big deal.
4) Additional features
You should determine the common programs your usually use in your computer so you know what kind of additional features you will need when you buy one.
Keep Malware Out
One should realize that owning an antivirus program is not just an add-on in your computer— it’s a more of a requirement these days. If you want to save yourself from the hassle of reformatting your computer due to a virus, then getting a security program is the first thing to do when you have purchased a computer.
And once you have decided to buy the software, make sure you understand what type of program you’re buying and whether or not it’s suitable for your needs. Don’t be one of those users who purchase antivirus programs without reading product information and reviews. In the end, the last thing you don’t want to commit is to get stuck with a program that’s too simple or too complicated.
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