Does Anti Virus Software Work?
Considering how much memory and hard drive space many antivirus programs use, it is certainly a fair question to ask if they actually work. Antivirus programs do work. But in order to ensure that you are actually being protected, there are steps you must take, otherwise the antivirus software will not work.
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Make Sure the Software is Legitimate
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One problem with antivirus software that is available for download is that not all of it is real. There is malicious software out there, basically viruses disguised as antivirus programs. A few examples are Antivirus 2010, Antivirus 360, and Anti-Virus 1. These programs will install malicious programs onto your computer that will steal your personal information, among other things. The best way to avoid installing these kinds of programs is to not click on banner advertisements that say things like "computer scan -- you are infected!" and other similar ads. These are false, they cannot actually scan your computer from an ad. It is a trick to get you to install their product.
Keeping Up-To-Date
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Almost all antivirus software is sold on a subscription basis. This means that you pay a set price once per year for continuous virus protection. During the year of your subscription, the antivirus software will update regularly so that it has the latest in virus definitions. Without these, the software cannot fully protect your computer. So make sure your subscriptions are up-to-date, otherwise any new viruses that come out will be missed by your software.
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Choosing an Antivirus Program
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Another task is to make sure that the antivirus software you are using is matched to your computing habits. If you rarely use the Internet or just visit a small number of known sites, than having software that protects you from tons of Internet threats might be overkill. On the other hand, if you use the Internet heavily and visit a lot of unfamiliar sites, having extra protection is highly recommended. Always look at the features offered from the different software titles and match them accordingly.
Free Solution
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If all you need is basic antivirus software, than look no further than AVG Free. AVG Free will do regular scans of your computer, updates its virus definitions and can remove any malicious software it finds. It does not include a firewall, e-mail protection or other items that some pay software has. But the price, totally free, is certainly a good one.
Pay Solutions
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AVG offers a pay version of the product that does include firewalls, email protection and more for $49.99. Another option is the Norton line of antivirus products. They start at $39.99 and go up to $79.99. All of their options do full scans and removals. However, Norton 360 (not to be confused with the scam software Antivirus 360) will also provide full home network protection, among other features. All prices are as of 2009.
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