Antivirus software is designed to keep your computer free of malware, phishing scams, and other malicious files that steal information or cause slowdowns. These programs check your PC for threats and eliminate them if they are detected. Additionally, some also offer other security features such as firewalls to protect against network attacks. Some programs are free while others require a monthly fee to guarantee complete protection.
When selecting antivirus software make sure you select a program that utilizes a minimal amount of system resources to ensure it does not slow down your system when you perform antivirus scans or other functions. You can use the search function of the program to locate reviews from other users. This will help you determine whether a specific software is efficient and doesn’t consume too much memory, space on your hard drive or other resources.
The most effective antivirus software will detect viruses efficiently and quickly. They employ a variety of methods, including specific detection which seeks out known viruses, generic detection that identifies components and types of malware and heuristics detection that analyzes patterns to identify suspicious behavior. Once the virus is identified the program will then isolate that file or program from other programs and files, block access to it, and remove it. Some programs will show an alert that indicates that the threat has been detected or removed.
If you’re searching for the best antivirus software, think about one that offers additional protections such as parental controls and a cloud scanner and ransomware security. Other features include a no-cost trial or money-back guarantee, compatibility with multiple devices as well as frequent updates and customer assistance.