Why Is Antivirus Software A Necessity?
If you own a Windows desktop, laptop, or mobile device, you will require protection from viruses just to go about your regular activities.
It used to be that if you followed some basic good habits with your Windows computer or PC, you could avoid getting your system infected with a virus or malware, but it's no longer so simple. Avoiding browsing, streaming, and downloading content from unreliable sources can help you dodge some obvious threats, but securing your Windows desktop, laptop, or mobile device doesn’t stop there.
This is where antivirus software comes into play because, unfortunately, malicious code can be lurking anywhere. It could be hiding in your email, on an unsecured website, or inside of a USB given away for free. There is a wide variety of antivirus software out there, so our experts sift through the latest antivirus and malware protection software to bring you the best for your Windows devices.
How Does Antivirus Software Work?
Antivirus software comes in two varieties, passive or active. Passive versions leave it up to you to decide when you want to check your Windows desktop, laptop, or PC for new threats. Active versions are constantly running in the background on your Windows device and will alert you when they find something suspicious.
The best antivirus software runs on your Windows computer, PC, or mobile device 24/7 and is connected to the company's live database of virus signatures. New viruses and exploits are being developed all the time, so the best antiviruses for Windows are constantly being updated with an ever-expanding catalogue of viruses to look out for.
Should your antivirus find a potential virus in your Windows system, it will give you three options. The first and the best course of action in most cases is to delete the threat. Some viruses are built in a way that makes it impossible to delete them, in that case, the second-best option for your Windows device is to quarantine it. The last option is to have your antivirus ignore a file you know to be safe.
Free or Paid Antivirus?
Whether it’s better to install a free antivirus or invest in a paid version depends on the type of activities you perform on your Windows computer, PC, laptop, or mobile device, and other circumstances like - whether or not you have children using your device.
Most experts will urge you to get a paid version, but free versions are great for testing a product or trying out new features on your Windows devices. However, in the long run, they will fail to provide substantial protection, which might end up costing you more long-term.
With paid versions of antivirus software, you get total protection upfront, both online and offline, with the highest-ranked detection and prevention rates for Windows devices. If you think your Windows system might already be infected then a premium antivirus software is what you need for immediate virus removal and system cleanup. From then on, it will also provide protection from future viruses and provide an additional layer of encryption for your sensitive data on Windows.
Additional Features To Consider
Protecting your Windows desktop, laptop, or mobile device is something you can expect from every antivirus software on the market, so here are some other features to consider.
Compatibility - You will need antivirus software that is compatible with your Windows system. Many companies make versions for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
Internet Security - Windows devices connected to the internet, whether it's a desktop, laptop, or mobile device, will need an antivirus with a built-in firewall to stop viruses from ever taking hold.
Email Security - Some antiviruses for Windows are capable of scanning your inbox for possible spyware, spam, and phishing scams.
Gaming Compatibility - If you’re a heavy gamer, software with “gaming mode” features will provide the most protection with the least interruption to your gaming experience on Windows.
Parental Control - If you have children, then you'll want an antivirus that provides parental controls to keep your kids safe from online threats on Windows.
How We Can Help You Decide?
The number of antiviruses and their features can be overwhelming. This is why our expert reviews are here to help you make the choice that caters to all your Windows needs.