A question we are asked often at Creative Computing is why anyone would want to spend money on Anti-Virus software when free versions are ready available?
Companies like AVG and Microsoft have been providing security software free of charge for a number of years and many people do choose them as their primary defence against malware and viruses.
To use AVG as an example though, the company provide a free version of their software and they also have a version which is paid for annually. The free version obviously doesn't protect a PC as well as the one you pay for.
For experienced PC users free AV software may be adequate, but if you are not as familiar with using a computer it is a lot easier to click a wrong link on the web or open what looks like a genuine email and then you can be in a whole world of trouble.
As a company we actually recommend Bullguard Internet Security. When you look online at the latest AV charts Bullguard always competes at the highest level, and when you compare proactive and reactive detection rates it is clear to see why you would want to pay a small premium of £25 for such a high level of protection. As well as Anti-Virus and firewall protection, Bullguard also has it's own Spamfilter to help reduce the amount of unwanted emails, which in-turn reduces the risk of opening infected emails.
To help the less experienced web-surfer Bullguard will flag any unsafe website keeping you clear on which websites are genuine.
The Vulnerability Scanner checks your computer for out-dated software to make sure hackers can't exploit weak points in your software.
My favourite addition to the software is the PC Tune Up facility. It checks for unnecessary files in the recycle bin, temporary internet and temporary files as well as cleaning any Windows service pack update backup files. These are the files which can add up to gigabytes of wasted space on the computer and also can lead to your PC running slow.
In conclusion, paying a small price for improved Anti-Virus software is not only better value for extra programs but for higher proactive and reactive detection rates. This means that if you get a virus it will find it quicker and clean it, but more importantly it will more prepared to stop the Viruses and Malware from getting in in the first place.
Search Google for 'RAP averages quadrant' for the latest AV Charts.
Creative Computing is Scotland's leading independent IT retailer with a strong range of bespoke computer and network services.
