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Most Windows computers come with Windows Defender: the Microsoft provided top of the class security solution. Apple also includes antimalware programs on their computers but rarely are the solutions ever enough to keep you secured.
The best way to protect your computer from malware is to install a good antimalware program. Not the free software you can easily download online, but the best antiviruses you can find. You may have to pay for some of them but it’s no big deal considering the benefits you get.
Your passwords are protected. Malware and viruses are blocked before they have a chance on your PC. You are warned when you click malicious websites and your computer is kept safe. Here are tips to help you find the best antivirus for your computer, irrespective of the model.
Shop for an All-Inclusive Solution
In the 2000s, an average antivirus program scanned viruses alone. If you wanted malware protection, you had to pay more. The best security tools these days offer all-inclusive deals. When you subscribe to an antivirus package, you get password protection, spyware protection, and more.
You can always pay less for fewer services but buying an all-inclusive deal is the better deal. Internet threats don’t always come in the form of viruses. Spyware attacks your PC with the goal of stealing personal data like your credit card numbers. Rootkits penetrate your computer and create backdoors for hackers. They can then access your computer files remotely.
An all-inclusive security package protects you from any of the modern computer threats. From adware to Ransomware, Trojans to Rootkits, your computer is secured 24/7.
Reliability
Next to protection in all areas, find a reliable antivirus program. You don’t want a solution that scans some viruses and leaves out others. A good program should eliminate all threats on your PC every time. It shouldn’t conflict with other security solutions or crash whenever you need it.
There are several ways to learn whether an antivirus program is reliable. The easiest is to read online reviews. A quick Avira review shows the antivirus’ user ratings and whether they find it reliable or not. Avira is one of the biggest names in the industry and has a great reputation.
Not every antivirus boasts of a similar reputation. Before you pay to get a program, find out what reviews say about it. Alternatively, look for a provider with a free trial period. Download the antivirus and test its reliability for a few days. Does the program provide up to date protection? Does it run automatic scans? Put it to the test and only buy the programs if satisfied.
Impact on your PC’s Performance
It’s no secret. Antivirus programs can slow down your computer’s performance. After installing some programs, your PC’s boot time slows down. Some programs may become slow or even crash. The best programs don’t bog down your computer’s performance. They cause almost no impact to its boot time and make scans fast.
Like reliability, a program’s impact to your PC is something you can only find out by using it or reading reviews. Download a free version and evaluate its impact on your laptop. If it impacts its speed negatively, don’t buy it. Not antivirus should compromise your user experience.
Easy to Use
A good antivirus program should be easy to use. It should have a control panel where you initiate scans. You can view viruses scanned and types of malware blocked by the antivirus. You can reach out to the support team from there or upgrade to get more services.
Some antivirus programs are riddled with adverts and multiple links that make them annoying and difficult to use. You can’t find help documentation guides and accessing customer support is challenging. Pick an antivirus with a neat control panel. A panel where scanning antiviruses is a one-click process and finding help materials is easy.
Good Customer Support
Help materials help you find useful features on the program without contacting the support team. But should you need professional assistance, you should be able to get it. Not all antivirus programs have good customer support. Do research to find out how good or bad a certain company’s support services are.
With modern antivirus companies, the support team can be accessed live through live chat programs. Email communication is still the most common way but some also support voice calls. Irrespective of the method used, a good company should be reachable. The team should be professional and able to help you with most problems.
Costs
High-end antivirus programs can be expensive. You don’t necessarily need them. What’s important is to find a program that protects your computer against viruses efficiently. The customer support should be good and the program shouldn’t interfere with your machine’s performance.
Once you find two or more companies that match your expectations, evaluate them for pricing. Some companies offer better deals if you pay the yearly or biannual plans. Others have packages based on the services offered. Check which of the additional services you need. If you don’t need them, save your money by subscribing to the cheaper deal.
Multi-User and Additional Features
If you are like most people, you probably have several devices at home. You have a laptop, smartphone and other devices that could benefit from an antivirus program. The best companies allow you to use one license on multiple devices.
Another feature to check in a program is the ability to auto update. You need the latest update of a computer virus for the most effective protection. You can set the program to be updated manually but automatic updates are time-saving. They also ensure you have a program that can protect you from the latest viruses and malware.
To Conclude
Antivirus programs not only protect computers from viruses but they also block malware and spyware. They can protect your passwords and alert you when you download harmful programs. If you are thinking of buying an antivirus, go for the best. Look at the features, reviews, prices and take the best program for your needs.