The sites that offer anti-virus software?

In today’s era of technology, for advanced computers and I.T. related systems, advanced tools are required to better cop up with system-related issues, i.e. Virus. New viruses always try to reach out of the system. To safeguard the system from these threats, to destroy these viruses and to warn the system about these viruses there is always a need for anti-virus software to better serve these purposes, by acting like a “policeman”. Following are the sites that offer a wide- range of anti-virus software:

·         AV-Comparatives: for average computer users, it provides the best experience. The efficiency and effective performance of anti-virus software can be determined by the wide-ranging information provided by this site. For the functionality of the program, this site provides a step-by-step guide.

·         PC Mag.com: PC Magazines is a site for reviewing about anti-virus. The strengths and weaknesses of anti-virus software can better be identified by the use of this platform. The reviews act as a determinant for the performance of the software for a user. The interface and software installation information is also a part of this site.

·         CNET: CNET is the same platform as is PC Mag.com. It also deals with reviews about the software. These reviews generated are high in quality and full of information. An example may include reviews about the anti-virus while testing the boot time of a system. Also, the detailed videos for helping users about software performance are a part of this platform.

The anti-virus software under discussion includes BitDefender, McAfee and Kaspersky.

·         BitDefender is five times the “best antivirus” award winner for PC Mag.com. It is considered as one of the distinguished antivirus software. PC Mag.com recommended using this antivirus for system’s protection based on the fact that it suits perfectly to a system. The features of BitDefender antivirus software include the main window, protection page, malware scanning, blocks phishing, provide anti-tracker for privacy purposes, traffic light to highlight the outcomes of the searching, makes the files safer from un-authorised access and provision of the list of the countries through its VPN montage.

·         McAfee: CNET provides a platform to McAfee for either paid/ free versions. The salient features of McAfee include the provision of Link-scanner for blocking of unwanted content from the websites. It also provides with a combination of antispyware, anti-root-kit and antivirus in a single package. It serves better for individual applications. Also, a computer scanner and removal of the application are provided as an extended option to this antivirus software.

·         Kaspersky: AV-Comparatives provides with a description for the features of Kaspersky. It includes malware protection, testing for a false alarm, certification for anti-phishing, mobile and business security.

a.       What does the software at each site cost?

To protect the system, the related cost is important. The cost range is as follows:

  Does the site have information on current and past viruses?

The description and review for the performance of BitDefender, Kaspersky and McAfee, for different tests are provided on these sites. These reviews help the users to make a selection for the best antivirus software.

c.       Does the site sell any other type of computer protection like a firewall or spyware protection? If so, list what's available?

·         BitDefender antivirus software: provides the scanning for malware, page protection, & phishing blocking, and saving data to the files to prevent the un-authorised access.

·         McAfee antivirus software: the provision of Link-scanner for blocking un-wanted content from the web-sites, antispyware, anti-root-kit.

·         Kaspersky antivirus software: provides protection from malware, false alarm’ test, anti-phishing certificate and database update etc.

d.      Does the site sell different software for a network than it does for an individual user? What's the difference?

The detection and protection of malicious activities over a network, i.e. servers, mobile devices as well as desktops, from virus attack, is the endpoint protection. The sites also provide the users with security of the systems over a network rather than an individual system.

Does the software allow you to schedule automatic updating?

BitDefender, McAfee and Kaspersky provide the users with a facility that rather than updating the software manually, there will be a periodic update to the software periodically. There is just a need to turn this option ON. It will update the software automatically.   

Malware is a broader term. It includes Viruses, Trojans, Ransomware, Key-loggers and worms. Before making any compromise to the efficiency and performance of the system, the use of anti-virus is crucial to protect the system.

·         The anti-virus helps to protect the system by quick scan to the data, files and email. Anything is if malicious, it is deleted from the system automatically. The bugs over the internet are better coped-up by updating the anti-virus timely and continuously.

·         Also, go for a thorough scan of your system twice a month. By using spyware software, one can get the personal details and data, i.e. the use of key-loggers. Spyware protection is an added feature to some of the anti-virus. It helps to protect your passwords and finance-related data. The use of firewalls tends to protect your system from unauthorized access. Another related approach is the use of strong & complex passwords with varying patterns as well as the use of tough authentication methods.

·         The sites that you tend to visit over the internet may cause a virus attack to your system. It is recommended to be very careful when you go for checking your email, visiting a website, posting something to the social media, clicking to add to cart when shopping online. There is a need to pay attention to every click for providing your data over the internet. There is a possibility that it may contain some ads or other data that leads to a viral attack on your system. Try to avoid this spam by blocking unwanted ads.

By following the above steps, one can boost up the speed of the system. It will help to protect personal data and keep safe the important files & information.