Anti-virus Software
As you've probably gathered there is a wealth of software out there that claims to protect every part of your PC. Some are really good and others not so good. I'll be honest from the start and state we do have some affiliation with some of the software (we try to earn an income from referrals from this site). Having said this we do try to give as honest a verdict as possible and all our advice is geared towards empowering you as a PC owner.
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Over the last 10 years AVG has become a trusted name in providing protection. Great thing is they do a free version. It only offers basic protection but they do offer scannning of links via google so you dont go to any boobytrapped sites. PROS: It's free, reliable and uses little resources when running in the background. Updates are delivered regularly. CONS: When a scan is running it uses all available resources so your computer will run very hot. Basic version offers limited protection. Comes with no support apart form what is on the website. |
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McAfee is one of the biggest names in the business. Many new PCs and laptops will come with this pre-installed and you'll get a trial period or a years free subscription. What they provide is all round protection for a reasonable cost. One thing to watch out for... They will often offer pricing in various currencies with various discounts. Compare these to see if you are getting a good deal. PROS: Good all round protection. Easy enough to use and there are regular updates. You can access support via telephone, email or chat. CONS: It's very resource heavy so it takes longer for your computer to start up. All the features may not get used unless you know what you're doing. £39.99 |
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Bit Defender used to be offered as a free product (though you can still get a trial version). This is another company who is quite trusted which years of experience in security. It also requires very little intervention on your part and keeps check of your resources so it won't hog all your systems processing power. PROS: Very simple to use, clean interface and updates regularly. CONS: Working on this one! £39.99 |
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The full version of AVG offers as complete protection as any other product on the market. It's also one of the cheapest. One way AVG keeps up to date with threats is by collecting information from users so problems are identified early. Talking of identifying problems, AVG can pick up some legitimate files and consider them viruses. It doesn't happen often and I've yet see it pick up a file which was really important. PROS: Price is good. As effective as any other product. CONS: The rare occasion when it gives a false alarm. £36 |
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Nortons has been around for years and years and have a wealth of experience when dealing with personal security. The downside is with all the features the software is quite big. It's loads better than what it was but it will chew some resources effecting how quickly your PC will start up. PROS: One of the best names in the business gives you exellent protection. CONS: More expensive. You can buy just the antvirus software for a lower price but to have all the features of the competition you will pay a bit more. £39.99 |
Anti-virus software