Let's start off with some questions:
- What anti-virus software do you use?
- Is your subscription up-to-date?
- Do you know how to update your definitions?
- Do you know what definitions are?
"Good" antivirus software prevents infections before they occur. How many times have you thought you were protected and still got a virus? Probably too many.
"Payware" antivirus solutions generally charge a yearly fee to have access to the latest and greatest antivirus definitions your "subscription". They will usually offer extra benefits like e-mail support and automatic updates without advertisements.
Antivirus definitions are basically a big book that your antivirus uses to tell the difference between good files and infected files. Most companies release multiple definition updates each day!
If you're not sure what antivirus you're using chances are it's not up-to-date, it's not the best solution for you, it's actually causing your computer to run way too slow, and it's not really protecting you from much of anything!
Okay with that said, you have a lot of options.. too many options maybe.
My all time favorite antivirus is AVG-Free. I prefer the free version because I'm a "computer tech" and I'm smarter than you. ;) I would highly recommend the PRO version to general home users and power users. It includes -- "Free support and service around the clock and across the globe." -- Web Shield and Anti-RootKit for nasty malware and IM/download viruses.
Did I mention it's way cheaper than taking your computer to the repair store? $34.99 per YEAR.
Other good antivirus solutions include Avast! and Avira Antivir, both I've used and both I really like. Avira Antivir is great for older slower computers.
You're probably scratching your head asking yourself "Why the heck did I spend $180 at [insert big box name here]?" The truth is, you probably bought a pretty good product but not necessarily the best. Symantec/Norton Antivirus/Internet Security and McAfee blah blah are pretty good. They're memory hogs and only really run good on brand new computers. As a matter of fact I've seen a lot of instances where free software prevented and fixed problems before the "big guys" were even aware there was a problem. In my opinion both Symantec and McAfee do a horrible job at spyware/malware. They're getting better though. If you're going to use Norton anyhow, make sure you're at least running the newest version. Norton AntiVirus 2009 – Download the newest version of premier antivirus protection! Click Here :-P
Norton Antivirus 2009
If you have any questions feel free to post comments. I'm sure there will be lots of opinions on antivirus solutions. Just remember this is the tip of the iceberg for computer security. But it's a damn good first step.
Oh one more really important thing, MORE IS NOT BETTER -- Use only one antivirus solution! Most software will warn you to remove your old antivirus before installing theirs, but don't be a newbie and forget. Remove old antivirus prior to installing new. If you want to be a weird-o and extra careful, disconnect your internet connection before removing your antivirus.
Minimum system requirements aka Technical Geek Notes -- These requirements indicate what the manufacturer has determined is the oldest slowest computer you can use with their antivirus.
- AVG Antivirus 8.5
- Intel Pentium 1.2 GHz
- 250 MB free hard drive space (for installation)
- 256 MB RAM available
- Windows 2000, XP 32/64, Vista 32/64
- Avira Antivir
- Pentium, at least 266 MHz
- 100 MB of free hard disk memory space
- 192 MB RAM under Windows 2000/XP -- 512 MB RAM under Windows Vista
- Windows 2000, XP 32/64, Vista 32/64
Please make sure to read the end-user license agreements on all software to make sure you're using them properly. Most free software is not allowed to be used in commercial environments.
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