Antivirus software helps keep your computer free of malware, phishing scams, and other malicious files that take information or cause slowdowns. These programs search for threats and eliminate them if discovered. Some also offer additional security features, such as a fire wall that can help stop attacks on networks. Some are free, while others require a monthly subscription fee for complete protection.
When choosing an antivirus program be sure to choose a software that requires a minimal amount of system resources, so that it doesn’t slow down your computer’s performance when the scanning process or other activities. You can use the search function of the program to find reviews from other users. This will let you know if a particular software is efficient and doesn’t consume excessive memory and space on your hard drive or other resources.
The most effective antivirus software will identify viruses quickly and reliably. They can use a combination of techniques, including specific detection, which scans for known viruses; general detection, which identifies the types or parts of malware as well as heuristic detection which analyzes behavior to detect suspicious patterns. Once a virus has been identified, the program will isolate it from other programs or files and stop access to it and erase it. Some programs may display an alert signalling that the threat has been eliminated or detected.
For those looking for the most secure antivirus program should look into one that offers additional security including firewalls, cloud-based scanner, parental controls and ransomware defense. Other features include a free trial or money-back guarantee, compatibility with various devices, frequent updates and customer support.