FAQ
Do I really need an antivirus program?Viruses and malware are more sophisticated than they have ever been, thanks to the fact that technology as a whole has advanced. For that reason alone, it is recommended that anyone who has a computer or mobile device have some kind of antivirus software that they can use to protect against security threats.
Not having an antivirus program installed is like riding a bicycle without a helmet. You may never need it, but when you do, you will regret not having it. Also bear in mind that even though you may be careful about which links you click on, which sites you visit etc. - can you really be 100% certain that all members of your family adhere to the same security precautions?
There are many different antivirus programs out there, each of which has its own unique features that make it worth looking into. Of course, which software is best for a user depends on that users habits and their individual needs, but the antivirus programs that we have reviewed on this website have all been vetted to make sure that they can eliminate the threats that are the most prevalent and dangerous.
Most antivirus programs cost less than $40 per year - don't fall victim to cybercrime for such a measly amount. Protect yourself and your family today!
What threats do antivirus programs protect against?There are countless security threats on the internet that could impact devices. Antivirus programs are designed to protect against these threats, which include the likes of phishing attacks, ransomware, and malware.
Phishing attacks use nefarious means to gather a person’s personal information. An example of this would be a website that is made to look exactly like a bank’s website, with the goal of stealing the login information for a user’s online banking service. Some antivirus programs can analyze links and files to make sure that users do not fall for these phishing attacks.
Ransomware is designed to shut down a device or cripple its ability to perform until a ransom is paid to remove those restrictions. A strong antivirus program will prevent the ransomware from taking over the device, so that users never have to make the choice between getting a new device or paying the ransom to unlock their current device.
Malware is more of a catch-all term, as there are many different types of malware. Programs like trojan horses and spyware fall into this category, as they can be used to track users’ keystrokes to gain personal information or install other malicious programming onto a device.
What are the differences between antivirus programs?Each antivirus software is a little bit different from the next, in that every piece of antivirus software has features and benefits that make it unique. Some antivirus software is designed more with a goal of not impacting device performance, while other software is more stringent on security and resource heavy.
And many antivirus programs come with features that vary from other providers. The ability to keep passwords safe or to browse privately using a VPN are things that have become commonplace with the antivirus industry, as simply eliminating viruses from machines is no longer the only thing that these programs can do.
At the end of the day, deciding which features matter the most to you and picking a program that can deliver those features can be slightly overwhelming. Our website aims to help make the process easier by reviewing the main features and informing our readers as to what programs offer those features so that they can decide which program to use with that information in mind.
Should I use a free antivirus program?There are many free versions of antivirus programs out there, and it is worth asking whether or not those programs can be used instead of their paid versions. The answer to that question is that while it is better to use a free antivirus program than no antivirus program at all, the added security features of the paid versions and their relatively low prices make these more recommended overall. If you are still in doubt, we recommend you download the free version first and then upgrade to the paid full version at a later stage.
Why do people create viruses?People create viruses for a number of reasons, but the most common reason is to make money. Malware creators are often collecting a user’s personal information, which allows them to steal identities and buy things using the funds of others. And with the recent surge in ransomware, these people can even shut down devices until they get the money that they are after.
Of course, users can be protected against these attempts to steal money from others by utilizing antivirus software. This software can protect against ransomware or the tracking of personal information through programs like spyware. And with the ability to do so without impacting device performance in many cases, there is no good reason not to get a decent antivirus software.
Do I need to be tech savvy to use this technology?One of the best things about using modern antivirus programs is the fact that virtually anyone can use it. The user interfaces of these programs are often incredibly easy to navigate, allowing users to run scans or take advantage of other security features without much stress at all. Even novice computer and mobile phone users should be able to run these modern antivirus programs without any problems.
Is this software going to slow down my computer?A rather old fashioned concern regarding antivirus programs is the idea that using them will negatively affect computer performance. While security is important, people still do not want to slow down their devices. Fortunately, the majority of the antivirus programs that are on the market today do not slow down the devices that they are tasked with protecting.