This answer is easy: Fee. Your best solution for an antivirus program will cost you.
Why? More extensive scanning and auto-protect features. The commercial products also do a better job at identifying spyware, malware, etc.
Now, the question is which one?
Go into a retail establishment that sells software and, depending on the store, you will be led to what that store considers the best antivirus.
How do they know?
Most of the time they recommend the product that earns either the store or the sales person the most profit. All office supply and electronics stores have tech departments, and even some of the sales reps claim to be “techs.” Most often this is not the case — they are trying to sell product based on quotas, commission or other sales incentives (by the way, this also applies to the computers they sell).
Year after year I read test results of the top antivirus solutions, and year after year Symantec’s Norton Antivirus is number one or two. From about 2003-2005 Norton had installation issues to the extent that I would often recommend another antivirus program, but Norton was still the best at identifying and removing viruses. The other major complaint has been that Norton slows down the computer. Not the case with the current version, Norton Antivirus 2011. Their current product usually installs very quickly and easily.
Does this mean you cannot get a virus? No, a great many viruses are introduced to the computer through the Internet, often appearing as a security or viral warning. They take advantage of gullible PC users and trick them into an unintentional installation. These are fake, but they can attach themselves to the web browser and cause problems. They often can alter system settings, hide files, and change search results. The longer they are on the system the more difficult they are to remove, sometimes requiring a complete system restore (erasing the hard drive or installing a new one). Make sure your system is always backed-up in case you get this type of virus (see my previous article about backups).
I also recommend that you buy the antivirus installation disc every year and install it the day your previous year’s subscription expires. It is much easier to reinstall if you own the disc, and it is usually less expensive than downloading online. Also, it can be used for reinstallation, if necessary, and it can be used for installation on more than one PC — additional savings.
If you insist on a free antivirus solution, I would recommend Microsoft’s Security Essentials (microsoft.com/security_essentials/). This program does a pretty decent job of detecting and eliminating viruses and spyware, and it is certainly better than the expired antivirus software I see on many of my customers’ computers.
For those of you who have Apple products I do not have a recommendation for antivirus software, not because they are invulnerable to viruses, but because Macs currently do not seem to be of interest to malicious programmers; although I did remove a virus from a Mac fairly recently. As Macs grow in popularity virus written to attack them could increase.
Just as backing-up your computer is important, so is protection. Double check your antivirus program today to ensure that it is current and protecting your system.
Disclaimer: I do not own any Symantec (Norton) stock, and I do not get a commission or monetary consideration by recommending their product.
Steve Manos is the owner of Irvine-based Compufix Plus. He’s specialized in PC and Mac maintenance, troubleshooting and networking for more than 12 years. He can be reached at steve@compufixplus.com.
Article source: http://www.ocregister.com/news/antivirus-315586-year-norton.html
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