There are so many important reasons to consider purchasing antivirus software for your computer. These protective programs are designed to prevent the spread of unwanted malware and spyware from ending up on your computer. These programs are extremely useful for eliminating the possibility of being hacked from an outside source and will secure your private data.
All of the products reviewed below scan your computer files to ensure that none of them match to a verified virus source. These in-depth scans are extremely effective and will warn users when a suspected virus file is found.
If you are looking to enhance the security on your computer, then investing in a reasonable antivirus software will keep your private information secure and your computer functioning properly. While there are some well-loved brands, there are a variety of software programs to choose from.
The biggest differences that you'll find among the software packs reviewed below will be the price tag and the compatibility of the program to your operating system. There are also some specialized features that other software may be lacking.
The five products that have been included in this review are among the most popular and most affordable choices in the software industry. Unfortunately this industry is extremely competitive and there are a plethora of developers, brands, and software designs.
By the end of this review, you should have enough information to confidently make a purchase decision. With your new purchase, you will feel more confident browsing the internet and enjoying your computer.
Top 5: Antivirus Software Review
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The first antivirus software that we are going to take a look at is the Webroot Internet Security Complete with Antivirus Protection program. This particular program appears to be extremely affordable but still manages to offer a wide variety of unique features that customers want in an antivirus software.
This program requires user to purchase a one year subscription and it can be loaded on up to five devices at once.
One of the most popular aspects of this product is that it comes built in with an enhanced password protection manager. This allows users to manage their secure passwords through a private database in the software.
Webroot comes highly recommended because of its effective background protection. This software is continually working to warn you of potential attacks, harmful websites, and dangerous links in addition to protecting your computer against malware, phishing, identity theft and ransomware.
You might think that all that extra activity would slow your computer down, but it doesn't. In fact this is one of the main reasons why Webroot comes so highly recommended. Webroot never noticeably taxes your computer processing speeds and tunes it up in the process.
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The next antivirus and internet security software that we are going to look at is the Kaspersky Internet Security, a popular and affordable software program. It has earned the fourth position on this review because it manages to effectively protect your computer from viruses and vicious malware.
This program is equipped with specially designed features to ensure that you are always protected at the maximum level of security. In addition to viruses and malware attacks, Kaspersky works to actively block phishing, tracking, and spying. It also provides an added layer of protection when you access your online bank account or you shop online.
Kaspersky Internet Security can protect up to three devices at once, which is slightly lower than some of the other options on this list. Included in your purchase is a one year subscription. If you are looking for a convenient software choice, then this might be the option for you.
See Full Review of - Kaspersky Antivirus | Kaspersky Total Security
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Next we have AVG Internet Security, which has earned the fourth spot on our list by accomplishing generally excellent scores in an assortment of autonomous tests, and for its superb security against phishing. AVG's on-request filter scans for hidden malware, unwanted browser add-ons, network threats, PC performance issues and many more.
This program also automatically pushes new updates to you so you stay protected from the latest emerging threats. Additional layers of ransomware protection are utilized to protect your personal files and photos from cyber criminals.
One unique feature is that this product stops hackers from using your webcam to spy on you. AVG also features a free version, which allows you to try out the software. You can always purchase the firewall at a later time.
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It is time to take a look at the McAfee Total Protection Antivirus and Internet Security software, which is considered one of the industries best brands. This product has earned exceptional customer reviews for being an extremely effective option when looking to enhance your computer's safety measures.
There are many reasons to consider purchasing this McAfee, one of which happens to be the affordable price range that provides outstanding value to the customer. Users generally appreciate this software's proactive and advanced technology, since it is capable of blocking dangerous websites and scanning all downloaded files before opening them.
One of its unique features is that McAfee will quarantine a threat on your computer, which you can then review before its removed. Some users find that this helps to target where potential malicious activity is coming from.
A customer warranty is included so users feel supported when purchasing this software. Customers must enroll in an auto-renewal service for continued coverage to be effective.
Millions of McAfee users reap the benefits of this award winning technology as it has a proven track record as a powerful privacy tool.
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Finally, it is now time to look at the number one product choice: the Norton 360 Premium Antivirus Software. This product is extremely popular because of its high quality software design that actually works continually as a preventative virus defense.
This program does so much more than simply blocking dangerous viruses. It also manages to provide real time computer scanning and dark web monitoring. Users can also take advantage of up to 75 GB of digital storage through an internal cloud storage.
Norton incorporated a web portal which is a great hub to access all your Norton Antivirus tools. From the web portal you can manage the settings of any devices in your account, access your password manager, cloud space, and more. With this premium model you also get a file optimizing tool and disk cleaner for advanced grade computer processing.
If you are looking for the highest levels of quality and value when it comes to finding an effective antivirus software, then you can't go wrong with this Norton Security.
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best antivirus software
With its proven track record and outstanding features, the Norton 360 Premium Antivirus Software is one the best overall choices for a high-quality and effective antivirus software.
This software is capable of providing a little bit more than just internet security and antivirus protection. It also manages to provide additional customer support, a decent amount of cloud storage, and real time computer scanning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which antivirus works best with Windows 10?
All of the products listed above are compatible with Windows 10. Some products might require different internet programs depending on its specifications. Make sure you read through to see if your internet is compatible.
What is the best antivirus software or PC?
This really depends on the features that you are looking for. As mentioned, Norton 360 Premium Antivirus Software is extremely effective, but there are plenty of software programs to choose from. When shopping for an antivirus program, make sure to look at the customer reviews to identify if it is effective at providing computer protection and if it will also provide customer support or a warranty for added peace of mind.
Which free antivirus is best for Windows 10?
While it is not mentioned in this list, the Avast Anti Virus is a free software that offers computer protection without breaking the bank. AVG's free version also got great reviews
What does an antivirus software do?
Antivirus software is designed to keep your computer protected against threats. These programs scan your computer to look for the presence of any viruses, spyware, adware, Trojans, or other threats. If any of these threats are detected, the software will remove them from your computer and prevent them from causing any harm.
Do I need antivirus software for my computer?
Yes, an antivirus software is a must-have for any computer owner. If you don't have antivirus software, you are taking a huge gamble every time you connect to the internet. Getting a virus could ruin your computer and cause you to lose all of your files, so the small investment you make in an antivirus software will be well worth the protection and peace of mind it can provide.
Do you have to manually tell your antivirus software to scan your computer?
No, you don't need to manually start a scan of your computer using the software. The software will automatically scan for updates, unless you turn that feature off. When you set up your program, you'll be able to develop a regular scanning schedule to have the software follow.
However, if you want to perform an extra scan, you should be able to manually initiate one from your dashboard in the software program you select.
Should I update my antivirus software?
Yes, keeping your antivirus software up to date is essential. Because online threats are constantly changing and new threats arise regularly, if you don't update your software, it won't be able to protect you against any of these new threats.
Regular updates will ensure your program knows how to discover and remove any viruses, spyware, or other malicious threats that have been developed since you first installed the software.
What is the difference between viruses and malware?
Malware is a very broad term that includes various sorts of malicious code that could wreak havoc on a computer. Malware includes viruses, spyware, trojans, worms, adware, and other security threats.
A virus is one type of malware that is designed to be spread from one device to another. Viruses can be entered into the code of various programs, which is how they can find their way into your computer to infect it. Once the virus is attached to program or file, it is set to infect your computer once you open the file.
What are the different types of malware?
There are many different types of malware that could pose a threat to your computer and devices. They include:
- Viruses: These are spread between different computers through infected files and links. When a computer gets infected with a virus, it can erase files, make changes to the hard drive, and perform other dangerous and costly tasks.
- Spyware: Spyware is designed to collect information about a computer use. It can gather information about your location, the websites you visit, and your login information for different websites. Spyware may also include a keylogger that tracks your keystrokes to learn your personal information including passwords or credit card numbers.
- Adware: Pop-up ads are one type of adware. Some adware includes tracking tools to gather information about the computer user.
- Worms: Worms can make their way into a network through different vulnerabilities. Once they make it into a network, they are able to access the different devices on the network, accessing and deleting files and causing other types of damage.
- Ransomware: ransomware is a type of malware that infects your documents. The creators of the ransomware will then contact you asking for you to pay to have your data released back to you. Even if you pay the ransom, you may not receive your information back, so it is typically recommended not to pay the ransom amount.
- Bots: A bot is a type of program that can carry out commands on your computer without your knowledge or permission. Sometimes, hackers try to use the same bot on more than one computer to create a botnet, which would enable the hacker to manage computers remotely. They would then be able to spy on the computers and their uses and steal information.
- Trojan Horses: A Trojan Horse is a malicious program that looks like a file or program that belongs on your computer. However, once they are downloaded, a Trojan Horse will be able to perform malicious tasks on your device without you realizing what is happening.
- Rootkits: In some cases, rootkits are just used by IT professionals working on resolving issues with a computer network. However, hackers can use a previously installed rootkit to gain access to computers, control them, add more malware, or steal information.
What happens if my computer gets a virus?
If you open a file that is infected with a virus, it will be able to infect your computer. Different viruses have different effects on computers. The specific nature and programming of the virus will determine what it does.
While some viruses are created more to cause frustration, but not any real harm, other viruses can pose a huge risk for your computer and the security of your documents. Viruses can steal your personal information, send spam emails to people on your contact list, log your key strokes, obtain your passwords, corrupt your files so you can't access them, and so much more.
If you are on a shared network with other computers, a virus that finds its way onto your machine will also be able to attack the other computers on your network, posing an even greater threat.
How do viruses spread?
Unfortunately, there are many different ways that viruses can spread. They can be included in files or images sent over email or text message, or they may be included in files you download off the internet.
There are also malicious links, which may infect your computer with a virus when you click on them. These links may be sent to you over email or shared over social media.
How can I tell if my computer has a virus?
If your computer has changed the way it is acting or responding to your commands, it may be an indication that it has become infected with a virus. Below are a few things you may notice if your computer is infected:
- Very slow performance: If your once quick computer has all of a sudden started operating very slowly, it may be a sign that it has become infected with a virus.
- Computer crashes: Since viruses can damage a hard drive, it can lead to your computer crashing, freezing, or refusing to turn back on.
- More pop-up windows when browsing online: If you've noticed an increase of seemingly random pop-up windows asking you to click on links or download files, it can be another sign that your machine has picked up a virus.
- New homepage: A new homepage when you click on the internet is another sign that your computer may have a virus. You may also find that you are not able to reset your homepage to what you previously had.
- New programs opening and running: Viruses may tell your computer to open new programs or applications that you have not downloaded. If you notice that unknown programs are running, it is another sign that your computer may have a virus.
- Changed passwords: Some viruses can change your passwords for different accounts. This can make it impossible for you to login to your computer or different accounts.
One or more of these symptoms could indicate that your computer has a virus. Your computer may likely not show all of these signs at the same time, but may still be infected.
What should I do to prevent getting a virus on my computer?
There are a few different things you can do to keep your computer protected against viruses. The first, and probably most important, thing is to invest in a reputable anti-virus software. These programs are designed to detect viruses and remove them from your device before they infect it and cause irreparable damage.
In addition to purchasing an antivirus software, you will want to use caution when using the internet. Avoid clicking on links that aren't trusted. Don't download any files or attachments sent from emails you don't recognize.
Antivirus software programs can also scan files and attachments before you open them, which can prevent you from accidentally picking up a virus through an infected file.
What should I do if my computer gets a virus?
If your computer has been infected with a virus, you will want to act quickly to get the virus removed to minimize the damage as much as possible. You may be able to remove the virus yourself by finding information online about what you need to do to remove it.
A quicker, and probably more reliable option, is to download an antivirus software to your computer and let the software take care of removing the virus. It is very important to choose a reputable anti-virus company and not click on any links that pop-up on your computer, as they could be related to the virus and cause more damage to your computer.
Are Macs immune from getting a virus?
No, Macs are not immune and can still become infected with a virus. Adware seems to be the most common threat to Macs, though they can still be infected with other viruses.
Can a computer virus lead to identity theft?
Yes, viruses can be created to steal your personal information, including your full name, address, phone number, social security number, and passwords. Thieves can then use this information to steal your identity. They may open new accounts in your name, take money out of your bank, or make purchases with your credit cards.
What is a keylogger virus?
A keylogger is one type of virus that is designed to record the keystrokes you make when typing on your computer. These viruses can be used to steal your passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal information that you type on your computer.
What was the worst computer virus of all time?
While there have been many viruses that have caused horrible damage around the world, the Mydoom virus had the greatest, and most costly effects. The Mydoom virus started in 2004 and is the fasted spreading email worm. Hackers were able to access computers infected by Mydoom and install other malicious programs.
This one virus caused more than $38 billion in damages. These damages affected computer users all around the globe.
7 good reasons to invest in antivirus software
It is not news to see companies and individuals suffer huge losses because of a computer virus spread. Millions of dollars are lost, data destroyed, and several PCs damaged. This can be a devastating experience, especially for companies that depend on computer networks to run their businesses.
Despite these security threats and virus attacks, several users still ignore antivirus software for their computers. Some go to the extent of trusting a free antivirus package or the cheapest priced software to protect them. Well, I’ll tell you today that there is nothing as free protection as these will not provide the security your computer deserves.
So, what is Antivirus Software?
An antivirus is a go solution developed to protect your PC and other devices from malicious software, malware attacks, and cyber threats. You need the virus protection to safeguard your PC as well as essential data from attackers.
Antivirus ensures maximum data security and privacy. It reduces the risk of cyber-attacks so that hackers or people with bad intentions will not get access to your devices. It’s, therefore, essential that every regular user of the web gets familiar with various kinds of antiviruses and the kind of protection they provide to your devices.
Regardless of the kind of device you use, an antivirus is a must-have software. There is a common misconception among Linux and Mac users that they don’t need an antivirus for their devices. This is wrong because these users have also suffered from malicious attacks, including hacking. It is, therefore, essential to get an antivirus protection made to be compatible with your specific devices, be it Windows OS, Mac OS, or Linux OS.
To get maximum security for your data and other security measures that your computer needs, you need to buy serious antivirus software. Forget about the free software cheap ones that don’t deliver what they promise. If you’re still in doubt, you need to read these reasons to understand why you need to invest in antivirus software.
1. Protecting Your Data
If your business relies on computer networks for its operations, you surely have important data in there that need serious protection. You need to protect your financial data above any other data for your business. Think about those bank cards and credit cards, important passwords, and any other information that can cause serious financial losses to your business if it happens to leak.
Financial information aside, your computers also store crucial information that you might not want leaking to prying public eyes. Those beautiful family photos, school papers, address books, usernames, music, private documents, among other things, should be kept safe from any destruction or theft.
No personal information should be exposed to worms, virus, or fall in the hands of hackers. We’ve all come across or had of a dangerous security threat called spyware. This is a serious malware that will steal your data, and it’s quite difficult to control.
Buying an antivirus will protect you from such malware. It will also protect you from spending millions of dollars on data recovery or repairs. Prevention is always cheaper in the long run, and it’s better off if you spend money on an antivirus than wait until the destruction is done to start the recovery process.
2. Improved Computer Performance
Everybody loves when their computers are functioning at top speed, and this is one of the reasons why you need an antivirus to be at your service. Slow computer performance can be a nuisance, and this can also interfere with your productivity. With a sluggish computer, you won’t even be able to perform the simplest of tasks within a specified period.
When you allow malware and all kinds of viruses to infect your computer, it will have a serious impact on your computer performance. The malware can eat up all the drive space and block essential programs from functioning as needed. If the problem is serious enough, it can even prevent you from accessing the internet.
Using an antivirus for your computer will protect it from virus attacks that interfere with its performance. Good antivirus software protects a PC or laptop from unwanted attacks and blocks any installations that can interfere with the performance.
So, do you care about beating deadlines? What about your productivity in the workplace? Use the antivirus to run regular scanning of your computer so that it can clear any malware detected and restore the normal functioning of your computer.
3. Online Protection
Both adults and children need protection from online attacks such as cyberbullies and hackers. Starting with your young ones, it’s not easy to restrict them from using the internet. The best thing you can do to them is to monitor them closely and enhance their protection.
Young ones can innocently fall into the trap of malware issues while innocently browsing the web for their favorite games and any educative information. Viruses can take advantage of their naivety to display inappropriate adverts leading them to pornography or crime sites. Your children are still too young to be exposed to such content, but virus creators don’t know that or better yet, they don’t care.
Business owners also need online protection so that they can communicate and transact with their customers without any problems. Antivirus can help business owners detect any phishing and fraudulent sites that can expose their business safety threats. Imagine a client transacting with you, and all their credit card information gets leaked out.
4. A Good Antivirus Makes Management Easy
Unlike other cheap or free solutions that you don’t have access to, a quality antivirus allows you to control its management using a centralized console. You have the freedom to manage and control your own computer security at your convenience. And if you’re managing a huge team, it will even be more convenient and effective.
This kind of package is usually the best solution for large business owners that have lots of business networks to manage. You can control and connect all your business devices remotely and use not only for security purposes but also to access several features all on single software.
And yes! You don’t need any technical skills. Neither do you need to employ an IT team to run the security for you when using these antiviruses. The console comes with an easy to navigate interface, and even the person with the least knowledge of IT technicalities can control it. This means you’re going to save on the costs in the long run.
5. The Need to Protect Others
Apart from protecting your PC and your business, you also need to take responsibility for others by investing in a good antivirus. Buying an antivirus ensures your computer doesn’t infect other people’s computers and spread it across different devices.
Computer viruses spread too fast, and when your computer is infected, there is a possibility of affecting millions of other computers. What’s worse, it’s not easy to know if it’s you who started the virus stress. Viruses spread from one computer to the next, and any unprotected computer is a weak link for the spread.
When more people become responsible enough as to remove their PCs from those that can cause the risks, you act responsibly by stopping the computer virus spread. It’s like taking a vaccine for a very dangerous flue threatening to wipe out an entire community. Installing an antivirus is, therefore, a responsible thing to do, whether you’re a business owner or an individual PC user.
6. Background Scanning
Some people make the mistake of thinking that if they’re careful enough with their PCs, they can’t easily get virus attacks. Being careful with the spam emails you click or avoiding those suspect websites, and malicious links is a good thing to do.
However, this is not enough to protect you from viruses. You can still get those viruses no matter how security conscious you think you are.
Trajons and viruses operate in the background, and it won’t be easy for you to identify them. They sometimes operate as legitimate websites and infect your PC without you noticing. Any computer running without protection will not escape these attacks.
A good antivirus will ensure regular background scanning of your PC to ensure they detect any virus before it manifests to become destructive. The regular scanning will protect your PC from an attack that comes in through links, emails, or software that look legitimate.
These viruses will also do the scanning without interfering with your system’s performance or even destroying your work. They will do their job smoothly and independently, and sometimes you won’t even realize there is some scanning taking place in your PC.
7. You Benefit from Extra Features that Come with the Antivirus
Spending more for good antivirus software comes with a variety of benefits. While the primary function for the software is computer protection, scanning, and neutralizing malware, others come packed with a range of useful features that your business needs.
Modern antiviruses have evolved and adopted modern technologies enabling them to attack constantly evolving threats. Don’t assume some of these features as unnecessary since you don’t know when you will need them.
These features include;
• Professional Support
If you hold a business account, you can benefit from technical support from your virus provider. Some providers will give you an antivirus package together with a 24/7 support system, a personal manager, a toll-free number for consultation, etc.
With these, you’ll not only benefit from quick customer support but also enjoy technical support, scanning process, and quick help in case of detected threats. You can operate your business with complete peace of mind knowing that your security is sorted.
• Automatic Updates
With a good antivirus, you’re going to benefit from automatic updates that come with your software. There are different kinds of malware that are getting updated every day, and your antivirus will make sure you’re up to date so that you can take extra security measures if needed. If you go for a cheap antivirus, you might miss these important updates and expose your device to attack by malware that was not there when you installed your antivirus.
• Bootable Rescue Discs
A good antivirus software provider knows that no matter how much you protect your computer; there are still chances of virus sliding in. The issue of human error is still rampant, but the antiviruses come with extra features to combat this too. A bootable antivirus disk creates a virus removal environment that not even the smallest virus can survive in your computer just in case it manages to slide in.
• Ad Blocker
We’ll know that ads can be annoying sometimes when using your antivirus. However, you cannot escape the ads if you choose free software or go for the cheapest in the market. Invest more money in powerful antivirus software and stay away from those annoying ads that can prevent you from getting the most out of your antivirus protection.
Other extra features that you’ll get if you invest in a good antivirus include;
• Password manager
• Firewall
• USB scanning
• Anti-spam filter
• File shredder
• Search adviser
An antivirus for business or individual PC users has become an essential requirement if you understand the need to protect your important data and private information. You should never be afraid to spend money to buy a good antivirus because of the kind of protection they’ll give you is nothing compared to the initial price of the software.
Spending on a quality antivirus saves you millions your business would have gone through in case it suffered cyber-attacks, data hack, or data loss. There is no doubt that the benefits of getting an antivirus outweigh the negatives by a huge margin.
Well, you still have an alternative solution if you don’t want to spend on antivirus. This is cutting off all internet access and unplugging all external devices from accessing your computer. That’s the only way you can stay away from computer viruses. But how will you do your business this way? An antivirus is the one and the only solution your PC needs for optimum performance.
Final Verdict
Now that we have had some time to answer some questions and look at five of the best options in the industry, it is time for you to begin narrowing down your choices so that you can finalize your purchase decision. You can't go wrong when you are selecting from such a collection of high quality antivirus software.
There are so many great antivirus programs that provide great features and are capable of significantly enhancing the security of your computer system.