Antivirus software protects your computer from malware, phishing scams and other malicious files which steal information or slow down your computer. These programs scan for threats and remove them if they are discovered. Some also provide additional security features, such as a fire wall that can help keep your computer safe from attacks by networks. Certain programs are free while others require a subscription fee to provide complete protection.
When choosing an antivirus software, look for a program that consumes a small amount of resources to not slow down your computer’s performance when the scanning process or other activities. You can use the search function of the program to locate reviews from users. This will let you know whether a particular software is efficient and does not use up too much memory or space on your hard drive or other resources.
The most effective antivirus programs detect viruses quickly and accurately. They may employ a combination of methods including specific detection, which scans for known viruses; generic detection, which can identify the types or parts of malware and heuristic analysis, which examines behavior to identify suspicious patterns. Once a virus has been identified it will be isolated by the program the affected program or file from other programs and files or programs, block access, and remove it. Some programs may show an alert to indicate that the threat has been eliminated or identified.
If you are looking for the best antivirus program, consider one that has additional security features such as parental controls and a cloud scanner and ransomware protection. Other features include a money back guarantee or free trial, compatibility with multiple platforms, frequent updates, and customer support.