A good anti-virus program should keep your system virus-free without bogging it down. They are available as stand-alone programs or as part of a comprehensive security suite. Here's what the experts say to look for when choosing antivirus software:
- A good detection rate is key. Several third-party companies test antivirus software for detection rates. Before considering any antivirus solution, you should check their ItW certification by consulting any of the following: VB100% (http://www.virusbtn.com), ICSALabs (http://www.icsa.net) or Checkmark (http://www.check-mark.com).
- Check the system requirements before you buy. If you are using Windows XP or Vista, any antivirus software will work. If you have an older or slower computer, however, a large antivirus software program can consume a huge percentage of your computing power.
- An intuitive interface makes software easy to use. Because antivirus software can be customized in many ways, it's important that the interface guides users through the various settings.
- The ability to update daily is crucial. Most software provides one year of unlimited free updates. After that, you renew your virus-update subscription, buy a new version of the same program or switch brands. Virus signatures are specific strings of binary code that can be detected by antivirus software. Most programs will automatically check for updates. Some free software relies on a manual check, but AVG Anti-Virus 8.5 automatically checks for updates.
