Choosing anti-virus software for your computer can be tough; with so many options, how could you possibly know which one is best? Reviews on the internet can be conflicting, and the commissioned sales staff at electronics stores are not always reliable. Thankfully, if you can find several key features in your anti-virus software, then you should be happy with your program.
Here are some of the most important things to look at when choosing the right anti-virus software:
Speed: Will the anti-virus software significantly slow down your computer? Some anti-virus programs are complete resource hogs, tying up both your RAM and CPU and preventing you from unlocking your PC’s full potential. Obviously, the point of anti-virus software is to prevent malware from slowing down your computer in the first place, so purchasing a slow anti-virus program is counter-intuitive. If you don’t want this to happen to you, read through online reviews before you make your purchase.
Frequent updates: How well does the company support its product? Some anti-virus developers update daily; others, once a month. If you want your computer to be in its healthiest state, all the time, then it’s important to choose a program that automatically downloads and installs regular updates onto your computer. Viruses change every day, and it’s important that you keep one step ahead of them.
Package deals: Is your anti-virus software more than just a malware scanner? Does it offer safe browsing features, a registry cleaner, and other add-ons? Many anti-virus programs strive to be the complete, all-in-one solution to your computer’s problems. If you’re already paying for a piece of software, it’s best to choose one that gives you the best value. Look for bundles, package deals, and more when you’re researching which program to buy.
Safety: Strangely enough, this can be one of the most overlooked parts of choosing the right anti-virus software. Does the program do what it has promised to do? That is, does it completely eliminate each and every virus from your computer? While it’s tough for anti-virus software developers to guarantee a 100% removal rate, it’s obvious that certain products are more efficient than others. Look at forums, reviews, and other articles online to find which products are the most popular, and which ones you should avoid.
Price: As the age-old indicator of quality, price is a good way of ranking products against one another. Anti-virus software in the same price range can differ greatly in all of the factors that we have mentioned above, so try to choose the one that is the most cost-effective.