Anti-virus programs can be found in a variety of ways and come in various packages. There are dozens to choose from, and some will probably suit your needs better than others. But how do you choose the BEST anti-virus program?
There is a range of extremes to pick from, and many computer technicians will differ in opinions of which one is the “best.” You can pay for large and in-depth mega-protection programs, or download a free, basic program. Let’s look at these two options more in depth.
Subscription Anti-virus Programs
The programs typically cover all areas of computer security and Internet protection. They typically run scans on your computer, check emails, webpages, download new virus definitions and updates that allow them to constantly keep up with the latest threats that could harm your computer. These programs are designed to keep your computer safe from these threats and cure viruses your computer may have contracted. These programs often offer a customer service and technical support staff and CDs to download the program.
However, these programs are often very large, so they may take up a large amount of your system resources. These programs often tend to be very controlling and sometimes difficult to turn off or change settings on. They may block you from downloading certain programs it does not recognize and can sometimes cause emails and other computer processes to be blocked or malfunction.
The subscription is usually yearly, so you have to consider the contractual commitments you are making. Also, if a subscription anti-virus program expires, it continues to run on your computer unless you uninstall it. This can cause problems with Internet connections and downloads.
Free Anti-virus Programs
These programs offer the basic protection services, like email scanning, Internet surfing, and downloading new definitions and other updates. You must usually download and troubleshoot the service yourself. Free anti-virus programs are popular for people with slow connections, like low-speed wifi and dial-up. It doesn’t cost anything to download and install, there’s no contract, and the program is smaller, so you can download and install updates before the dial-up connection drops, etc. Free programs are great for people who do basic Internet surfing and avoid questionable websites, spam emails, and other links that often introduce virus threats, especially if they want to save money and need a lightweight program.
These free programs aren’t as all-inclusive, but a subscription program might not download the installation or any updates at all on a slow connection, so they would be useless on dial-up or a poor wifi or satellite connection.
As far as what antivirus is the best, that is simply up for debate. Technicians and many popular computer-related websites will suggest different programs, based on their experience or preferences. Various anti-virus programs usually perform relatively the same tasks, so one program is probably not far better than another. Norton and McAfee are two popular subscription programs. AVG, the Free Version, and Avast and are two popular free programs.
You can search online for reviews of popular antivirus services and compare their features more in-depth, or read descriptions and reviews at the websites of these programs. Download.com is a great place to download free anti-virus programs and other free anti-malware software.
Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/choosing-the-right-antivirus-program-1484505.html