Buying Antivirus Software

What To Look For When Buying Antivirus Software

Looking for a good antivirus program can be a bit tough. In fact, you might be content to just use the preinstalled software that came with your computer – after all, a lot of computers come with some form of antivirus software. Usually these are just trial versions that are preinstalled at the factory, just to get you to upgrade to the full version. Unfortunately, this software can sometime be out of date even before you open the box.

So in the end, you’ll need to seek out another antivirus software solution….but where to begin? For starters, you’ll need to find out what to look for in an antivirus package and whether it offers enough protection for your computer. You can use the guidelines found below for buying antivirus software – these are questions that you should ask yourself and the sales representative when looking for an antivirus solution.

1. Will this software prevent all virus attacks?

   Truth be told, no antivirus software can block 100% of threats 100% of the time. But you can look for a solution that blocks them 99.999% of the time, affording your computer the proper level of protection. Some programs can miss quite a few viruses out of the box, so it is best to look for a program that is certain to block nearly all threats from the start. NOD32 is one antivirus software that does this particularly well.

2. What features does this antivirus software offer?

   Most software packages offer extra protection for other applications and programs, including instant messaging, email and file sharing programs. Believe it or not, viruses try to use these mediums for infiltrating your system in an attempt to bypass normal means of detection. If you have these other programs, then it’s a good idea to buy an antivirus package that can guard these routes. If not, or if you have an older system with fewer resources, then you are most likely better off with a basic antivirus package since is it will most likely consume fewer system resources.

3. Will it continue to work?

   Trial versions of antivirus software tend to cut out after a certain period of time, so upgrading to the full version or installing another antivirus package will insure that your computer stays protected. Also, constant updates from the manufacturer are a must – these updates help protect your computer from the latest forms of malware and viruses. Infrequent updates can spell disaster for your computer. Nearly all antivirus software have automatic update features that are hands-off, meaning you can go about your normal activities and not have to worry about making an update on your own.

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