AntiVirus Comparison - 5 Key Features to Compare
The task of researching and deciding on an antivirus software package that’s right for you can be a tough one. There are countless brands available and it can often be difficult to distinguish the difference between many antivirus products. Over the years the two big players that most security-minded PC owners have depended on are Norton and McAfee, but in recent times, there have been several other powerful antivirus utilities to hit the market. Many of them are more affordable than the aforementioned brands.
Luckily for the consumer, there are plenty of helpful antivirus comparison sites available on the internet with honest reviews. Many of them conduct in depth research that really put antivirus products to the test, or at the least refer to 3rd party tests from trustworthy sources to give the customer an unbiased review. However, one problem that frequently arises is that the reviews are often geared towards the tech crowd, and are not always as accessible to the average consumer who may not have extensive knowledge about or experience with computers.
In an effort to try to break it down for you, here is a list of 5 key points that should be looked for when comparing antivirus software.
- Virus Scanning and Removal - This one may very well go without saying, but it is extremely important that you can depend on your software to effectively detect and eliminate all types of viruses, including worms and Trojans. Websites like PC World and CNet are both great sources for fair reviews. No matter which software you’re researching, be sure to check at least two or more reviews about that product to check for consistency. If a product is truly as great as it claims to be, then that should be reflected in several independent reviews.
- Virus Definition update - Premium antivirus software will feature automatic updates which provide the most constant and up to date protection for your computer possible. New virus threats surface all the time, therefore it is imperative that your antivirus software be constantly updated so that its virus definition database can combat these new threats.
- Control Panel - An easy to use control panel is a huge plus, especially if you don’t have a lot of technical experience with computers. Configuring your personal preferences within the software should be a simple task.
- Technical Support - Technical support is a pivotal factor that you should take into account. The best antivirus products offer free technical support, either via phone or live chat. Some even offer their tech support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, some antivirus software vendors actually charge additional fees for technical support.
- Price / Value - Most major antivirus software developers also offer complete security suites that offer several additional features such as firewall software, spam filters, and more. While these bundled products might be a bit more expensive than just buying a basic antivirus program, they usually offer great value. Some people think they don’t need the additional firewall feature because Windows XP has a built in firewall, but what they don’t realize is that the default firewall in XP only monitors incoming traffic.
By taking all of these crucial factors into account, you’ll be able to make a well-informed decision when you purchase your next brand of antivirus software.
