Choosing the Best Antivirus Software - No matter how safe your neighborhood or home is, if you have a computer, you have vulnerability. This is a window into your personal information, your financial and bank records, even your address and phone number. It is not an exaggeration to say that many people bolt their doors, lock and secure their cars, but leave that metaphorical window wide open. Whether it's a phenomenon of "It can't happen to me," or "My security is fine the way it is," many do not realize that their systems and information are ripe for the taking. The best antivirus software helps keep this window closed, and even barred, from intruders. This guide will look at some of the top choices so you can keep your information safe.
Why is Choosing Antivirus Software So Important? - Being choosy about your antivirus firewall software is important for two main reasons. First, you want to make sure your protective software actually protects you. You want it to have updates so it is on top of new viruses and can protect your system from them. You want it to be comprehensive and thorough, protecting your identity, information, and providing a firewall. The second major reason is that you don't want to end up with a rogue antivirus program. These are programs that masquerade as antivirus software. In reality, they can provide a backdoor for other forms of malware to enter your computer. You always want to make sure you are getting reliable, reputable help. And when in doubt, Google it. Why is it so important that your system be protected? There are several reasons, but chief among them are the safeguarding of your financial and personal information so some hacker doesn't charge up your credit card or create an account in your name, and keeping your computer running optimally. Viruses can be annoying at the least and destructive at the worst. The best way to deal with them is to prevent them. The following programs will help you do that. The Best Antivirus Software: What to Look For - To ensure you're getting the best, look for the following before purchasing and/or downloading any antivirus software:
*Detection rate. Check with VB100% (http://www.virusbtn.com), ICSALabs (http://www.icsa.net) or Checkmark (http://www.check-mark.com) for this information. These are third party sites that test the software. They may, like VB100%, require free registration, but a few minutes is worth it to safeguard your computer and its data.
*Make sure it's easy to use and has a user-friendly interface. Many people don't know or don't always have time for the ins and outs of security; make sure your program will guide you through it.
*Daily updates. Viruses are updating all the time, so it only makes sense that your software does the same. Look for antivirus software that offers at least one year of unlimited updates. After that, renew, buy a newer version, or switch to another software provider.
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Best Antivirus Software:
One program that experts can agree on is Norton. This is top-tier protection. Norton consistently makes "Best of" lists, including those on TopTenReviews, ConsumerSearch, and AllInternetSecurity.com, and receives rave reviews from CNET, PCMag, and other sources. What can Norton do for you? At the more basic end of their spectrum is Norton Antivirus 2010. This offers users antivirus, anti-spyware, bot protection, root-kit, Norton Threat Insight, updates for Norton Pulse, Norton Download Insight, Norton Insight Network, vulnerability protection, and Sonar 2 Behavioral Protection. Sounds serious, doesn't it? This means that Norton has been designed to work quickly and effectively against security risks using "intelligent threat protection." A year's subscription for one computer is $40, and you can opt for a free 30-day trial.
Norton 2010 doesn't have some of the features of its sophisticated Norton big brothers, including firewall, parental controls, Wi-Fi protection for unsecured hotspots, and anti-phishing tools. To get these, you'll need to upgrade to Norton 360 internet security antivirus software. The new 360 Version 4.0 Premier Edition has a laundry list of features above and beyond Norton 2010, including anti-phishing, identity protection, PC tune-up, network monitoring, automated backup and restore, download protection, Smart Firewall, and much more. A one-year subscription for up to three computers costs $99.
ConsumerSearch and AllInternetSecurity also agreed on Eset Nod32 Antivirus 4. This antivirus software's most frequently praised attribute is its excellent virus protection and low impact on computers. That is, it won't drain a lot of resources and slow your system down. In the past, ESET has been criticized for having an overly complex interface, but the general consensus is that this has improved greatly in the newest version. CNET calls ESET "practically unimpeachable," "popular and effective," and it was named Editor's Choice as well. ESET offers antispam protection, personal firewall, SysInspector and SysRescue, malware protection, removable media security, system tools, self-defense, proactive protection, and, of course, antivirus protection. As with Norton, you can try ESET free for 30 days. A one-year subscription costs $60. If you had a choice of this or Norton 2010, this would be an excellent choice. If you had a choice between this and Norton 360, 360 will offer more protection. All three, though, are solid, reliable choices.
You may have wanted to try antivirus free software. Is this a good idea? It can be if you choose the right software program. One of the best and chosen by ConsumerSearch as the Best Free Antivirus Program is AVG Version 8.5. PCMag said AVG was an "excellent" choice if you need free effective protection from viruses and malware. CNET liked it as well, saying it provides the best "bare bones" protection. AVG users will get basic antivirus, antispyware, and LinkScanner protection for your computer. It is basic but reliable. Some experts recommend running two free programs so you have a better shot at catching viruses. Avast is another very good free antivirus software program to try. If you can, it is better to get a paid subscription, but these two will provide basic coverage.
Other reliable antivirus software programs include: Panda, McAfee, paid versions of Avast and AVG, Trend Micro, and other products by Symantec (maker of Norton), including Norton 2010 Internet Security and Norton 360 Version 4.
If you opt to purchase a program that wasn't mentioned here, Google it. Look for any information on whether it is a rogue antivirus program. If it seems unclear, stay away and find a clearly legitimate source, and always download them either directly from their websites or from Amazon's trusted vendors. And never, never, never, never download a "security program" from a pop-up. This is a common ploy of rogue antivirus programs. A good rule to remember is that legitimate programs like Norton won't flood you with pop-ups or warning messages; you come to them, they don't come to you. Another thing to remember is that no program can scan your computer except the security programs you have installed. If you get a warning that says you have several security threats, it is most likely a rogue program. Use the Task Manager to close those.
View the top rated antivirus software here. And Googling applies here, too! Just because it's on Amazon doesn't mean you shouldn't double-check it with outside sources to be on the safe side. Protect your computer and increase your peace of mind.
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BUYING GUIDES
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. The new 360 Version 4.0 Premier Edition has a laundry list of features above and beyond Norton 2010, including anti-phishing, identity protection, PC tune-up, network monitoring, automated backup and restore, download protection, Smart Firewall, and much more. A one-year subscription for up to three computers costs $99.
ConsumerSearch and AllInternetSecurity also agreed on 
. This antivirus software's most frequently praised attribute is its excellent virus protection and low impact on computers. That is, it won't drain a lot of resources and slow your system down. In the past, ESET has been criticized for having an overly complex interface, but the general consensus is that this has improved greatly in the newest version. CNET calls ESET "practically unimpeachable," "popular and effective," and it was named Editor's Choice as well. ESET offers antispam protection, personal firewall, SysInspector and SysRescue, malware protection, removable media security, system tools, self-defense, proactive protection, and, of course, antivirus protection. As with Norton, you can try ESET free for 30 days. A one-year subscription costs $60. If you had a choice of this or Norton 2010, this would be an excellent choice. If you had a choice between this and Norton 360, 360 will offer more protection. All three, though, are solid, reliable choices.
You may have wanted to try antivirus free software. Is this a good idea? It can be if you choose the right software program. One of the best and chosen by ConsumerSearch as the Best Free Antivirus Program is AVG Version 8.5. PCMag said AVG was an "excellent" choice if you need free effective protection from viruses and malware. CNET liked it as well, saying it provides the best "bare bones" protection. AVG users will get basic antivirus, antispyware, and LinkScanner protection for your computer. It is basic but reliable. Some experts recommend running two free programs so you have a better shot at catching viruses. Avast is another very good free antivirus software program to try. If you can, it is better to get a paid subscription, but these two will provide basic coverage.
Other reliable antivirus software programs include: Panda,