How to Choose Antivirus Software?

Right now, at this point, you probably already know the urgency of antivirus software to guard your PC. But to decide which product best suits your needs is a whole different matter. And among so many alternatives being offered all with perplexing technical information, you need to be alert not to fall for the useless ones. In order for you to do some effective comparison, here we list 8 tips when doing an antivirus software comparison.

1. Effectiveness

Figure out how effective the software you are by checking what threats it can eliminate. In this fast moving field of antivirus and antispyware, you want to know which product is able to cope with the latest versions of computer threats. Yes, it is a basic recommendation to have an antivirus with virus, worm, and trojan protection. But if you frequently bank and shop online, you need a software that can protect your sensitive data from being stolen.

2. User friendly (Easy to use)

See whether the product provides an easy to use interface and also whether it comes with a manual or user guide. It is important because even though the software provide with complete features and breakthrough technologies, but if the customization buried deep beneath a pile of complex menus and settings, it is not worth the try.

3. Virus definition and scanning engine updates

As new type of viruses and other malicious software keeps mutate in an alarming rate every day, it is mandatory that a good antivirus software offers a routine virus definition and scanning engine update. For virus definition, daily update has become a general requirement these days. So check if the software offers daily update.

Find Legitimate Free Antivirus Software

Computers are an essential part of many peoples day to day lives. Contracting a computer virus can cripple your ability to communicate with others or earn a living. Luckily many sources are available to find free antivirus software that will allow you to protect your investment.

Sources for finding free antivirus software online are plentiful. Here are some suggestions for the best free software to prevent computer viruses.

Spybot Search and Destroy and Malwarebytes are two very popular antivirus programs which are available for free download. They are targeted towards spyware and Trojans. These types of programs are less visible to the naked eye than some viruses. They can be downloaded without your knowledge and hidden on your computer.

Another great option for antivirus software is Avast. Avast is geared more towards traditional viruses and operates through a search and destroy type method of virus hunting. A product like Avast can work well in tandem with software like Spybot and Malwarebytes. Installing both types of programs can provide extra protection for your computer. Searching for all types of damaging programs increases your protection.

If youre unsure about downloading software and consider yourself a very basic computer user, Microsft Security Essentials can be a great option. It is a brand new product from Microsoft that combines spyware and antivirus protection. The program is free for home and home business users of Windows XP and beyond. It runs itself and does a good job without much interaction.

2007 – Top Ten Antivirus Software Programs Reviewed

Protecting your computer from a virus is getting more difficult. Antivirus software is essential to a computer’s ability to fend off viruses and other malicious programs. These products are designed to protect against the ability of a virus to enter a computer through email, web browsers, file servers and desktops.

The programs reviewed below are the best from around the world. In the United States we are familiar primarily with the Norton and McAfee Antivirus programs, but there are many good programs out there that merit serious consideration.

Top 10 Recommended Antivirus Software Programs

Below are my ten top antivirus software programs for 2007.

For a much more detailed comparison chart on these products you can refer to http://www.zunio.com/comparisons/antivirus_review.html

1) Editor’s Choice: BitDefender

Softwin, which owns BitDefender, has been around since 1990, and boasts an international team of technical experts who strive to continually improve software and respond to new threats.

2) Kaspersky

Founded in 1997 by Eugene Kaspersky, the Moscow-based company has had great success leading the industry in anti-virus protection

3) Norton Anti-Virus

Owned by global security giant Symantec, Norton Antivirus is by far the most popular and widely used security system in the United States. Norton offers a small range of products for the home user, small business owner and large corporation with 1000+ users.