These days, just about everyone in the first world is online in some capacity or another. It doesn’t matter whether you’re using social media or not, if you own a computer and you store documents on it, you could be at risk without the appropriate antivirus software.
It can be challenging finding the right software to protect you, especially if you don’t know much about the risks or the benefits of different packages.
The good news is that you don’t need to be proficient at all things IT in order to choose the right package for your specific situation -you can simply look through our handy questions and answers guide and we’ll help to direct you to the right option for your specific situation.
Do I Need Antivirus Software?
If your computer, tablet, laptop or mobile is connected in some way to the internet, the answer is an emphatic yes – you need antivirus software.
Whether you are running Ios, Android or Windows systems, there is malware that will be trying to get at your system and antivirus software is there to prevent it from damaging your device or getting hold of your private information.
What is Important About Malware-Detection?
Malware is software that is designed to damage or gain entry to a computer system and so when you’re investing in any type of antivirus package, you need to make sure that it has a high malware-detection rate.
This rate should be preventing more than 95% of the malware trying to get at your computer, regardless of whether it’s new or commonplace software. It is just as important to ensure that your software isn’t flagging benign software as malware.
What Does Bitdefender Antivirus Plus have to Offer?
While there are a wide range of free software programs that will get the job done, paid programs will always offer just that little bit extra. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, for example, offers a variety of additional security features, including a file shredder, ransomware protection and a password manager.
When you opt for this program, however, you’ll need to keep in mind that you’ll be paying an annual prescription, so you can expect to pay the same amount every year.
Why Opt for a Light System Load?
The last thing you’ll want is your antivirus software to slow down your entire computer every time it runs a scan, and so because of this, you’ll likely want to opt for a system that has a light system load.
While newer computers won’t struggle as much with this, it’s an especially important consideration for those with older, slower computers.
Is It Easy to Use?
One of the most important facets of any piece of software is the ease with which you can use it, and this is no different when it comes to protecting your computer.
Most people will likely want to opt for a program that they can install and then forget about, trusting that the system is being protected and that they will be reminded when the time comes to purchase their next subscription.
Should I Opt for a Trial Period?
Most antivirus systems will give you a month’s free trial so that you can see what it has to offer before you make a purchase.
It’s usually a good idea to take advantage of this before signing up for a lengthy prescription because it lets you test out the various functions – or even just see how compatible it is with your computer – before you take the plunge.
Should I Purchase a Top End Product?
The good news is that you don’t need to invest in an expensive antivirus package just to ensure your computer is safe and secure because even the most basic packages will offer you top end security protection.
What makes the more expensive packages appealing is the additional benefits that they have to offer, and if these aren’t suitable for your specific needs, you don’t need to purchase them. Some of the additional benefits include password managers, parental controls and online storage.
Why Do I Need Email and Web Protection?
One of the most common ways for malware to access your computer is through an email attachment, so you’ll want your antivirus software to have the ability to scan these attachments before they become an issue for you. Products such as Avast Free Antivirus and Bitdefender Antivirus Free both offer this sort of protection to their customers.
What Will I Get with my New PC?
If you’ve just purchased a new PC – or even a laptop – you should expect it to come with a trial period antivirus product. This is usually a three month trial that you’ll need to start paying for at the end of the trial.
Just because this software came with the PC or laptop, that doesn’t mean you need to automatically start paying for the software when the trial comes to an end – make sure that you shop around. You’ll likely end up getting a much better deal this way.
What are Multi-Platform, Multi-Device Options?
In this day and age, it’s more than likely that individuals within families have their own devices, and this means the whole family needs to invest in software that will protect them.
If this is the case in your home, you don’t need to spend a fortune on single software products – simply opt for the multi-device, multi-platform options, so you can cover yourself and your whole family, whether you are all on iOS or Android systems, or a mixture of the two.
