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avast! Free Antivirus review

Mike — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 19:14:29 +0000

The vulnerability of computers to virus attacks has always been there, and when it comes to Windows, its the most common operating system which is under the risk of getting attacked by any kind of viruses, malware and spyware, when you connect it to the internet, or through any other source like an infected mass storage device, or the CD drives. There are always some vicious threats spreading around the web, which one has to keep updated about and try to keep their computers safe from those attacks. The virus spreads in no time, through thousands of systems either taking their base from the softwares, emails and any other source. Many a times, people don’t notice it unless the attack corrupts the entire hard drive or the file system of the computer. So its always better to be safe and reduce the risk of virus attacks, primarily by using an antivirus solution. One of the best in them is Avast Antivirus software for Windows.

The free version of Avast Antivirus is one of the safest and best solutions to keep things safer while you browse the web. After using around 4-5 other antivirus programs on the same loop of risk of virus attacks, I feel Avast is better than any other free programs, and also better than a few low-cost premium antivirus programs, having a frew good reasons to take itself to that place. When compared to other programs, many features that are available in other antivirus programs with their premium package, are provided for no cost by Avast.
The Avast 5 version which was previously called the home version, comes with a set of multiple guards that work separately against virus, spyware, malware but in the end they form a core function that protects the entire system. The main advantage of this antivirus is, that its easy-to-use and navigate through and you won’t be led into something confusion where you end up messing up the security of your computer.

The scanner has various options on when to activate the scan, and whether than be timed automatically or done manually. The scans can be scheduled for the background scanning of the entire system while you are working in the front, or the scan can run when you boot your computer and just before logging in, the virus is checked for. There is another hassle-free option where without a notice, your laptop can wake up and get scanned and automatically return back to sleep mode.
An excellent feature of Avast is that it reduces the time of scanning by marking few unchangeable files as safe, and skip scanning them, unless they have been upgraded or changed by the user, which they name the Avast Intelligent scanner. Being an avast user for a long time, I’m hugely impressed with the latest interface and the design, as it used to resemble a music player, and now its standardized with the simple interface.

The Importance of Antivirus Updates

Mike — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:08:21 +0000

Antivirus software is an essential part of protecting the computer and should be installed to every personal computer that has internet access, which is nearly every computer nowadays. The antivirus software can protect harmful computer programs from taking over the computer, causing harm and stealing personal information can lead to identity theft.

It is important for consumers to remember that antivirus protection does not stop when you install the program. The program must be able to receive updates in order to protect the computer from harm, updating the databases of potential threats and indicators of new viruses that have been created.

There are millions of viruses and thousands of types of viruses that exist on the internet. The antivirus software must retain access to these systems in order to maintain the effective protection against the countless viruses. The antivirus programs that have been created are constantly being updated with protection that can help to decrease the risk of the personal computer being infected with the virus, as important information is relayed through the course of updates.

How is the antivirus software program updated on the personal computer? The antivirus software program is updated through the use of an internet connection, which can be automated to occur at various times through the course of the week, or occur on the prompt of the user. It is best to set the program to automatically update, as this can increase the level of protection by omitting the chance for user error, or forgetfulness to upload the newest level of available protection.

Antivirus protection that has become outdated should be updated immediately, regular updates can be scheduled and require as little as five minutes and an internet connection. There is no reason that your antivirus software should be without updates, as it increases the risk to the personal computer.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Computer from Viruses

Mike — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:06:50 +0000

Protecting yourself from computer viruses is simple when the user takes all precautions that are available to them, through the form of proper antivirus software systems. In order to obtain virus software, an internet connection or a program that can be installed to the computer is required. After the program has been downloaded, virus protection can begin immediately.

There are two main types of antivirus systems, free and paid. Free antivirus systems offer basic, but adequate protection against the risk of infection of the personal computer with viruses and other malicious programs designed to steal personal information from the computer’s history. Paid antivirus software is more comprehensive and can protect against complex viruses, spyware, adware and even malware, which intends to harm the computer.

Protecting yourself from computer viruses can be as simple as taking advantage of these types of programs. Did you know that many paid antivirus systems offer thirty day risk-free trials to determine the effectiveness of the program? Through this thirty days, full protection can be offered to the user, allowing use of the entire program that can help to scan emails, reduce the risk that comes with opening attachments in the form of pictures, videos and audio files.

When downloading programs on the internet, be sure that the antivirus software is functioning correctly and can determine if the program is safe for download. This can reduce the amount of time that is spent trying to remove a virus from the computer. Most paid antivirus software systems include this feature, to further protect the computer from harm while surfing on the internet.

Even after the antivirus program has been installed, the computer should be checked regularly for updates to the software, as it can help to protect against new viruses. This database is updated constantly to ensure that the personal computer has up to the minute protection.

Antivirus Software Review: Norton 360

Mike — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:59:24 +0000

For complete antivirus protection, Norton 360 offers the best value, with prices between $49.99 and $79.99 and protection that can assist in keeping your personal computer safe from adware, spyware and a multitude of viruses.

There are many extras which are included in the antivirus program. In fact, this is one of the only antivirus software programs that have been created to work in conjunction with three computers, offering the best value for the money when it comes to virus protection. You no longer have to get a certain code and new disc for each computer that the virus protection is being installed upon, saving not only money, but time!

For customers that are seeking top of the line virus protection that has one of the highest user-friendly ratings, Norton 360 is the choice for you. There are a multitude of measures which have been implemented to provide the user with protection, including comprehensive scanning techniques, email attachment scanning, back-up with the use of free online storage and the ability to create discs with all of the necessary information required in case of a fatal error on the personal computer.

Unfortunately, Norton 360 is not compatible with certain browsers, including Firefox and Opera – making protection an issue for avid users of these types of browsers. However, if internet explorer is used, top of the line protection is available for consumers.

With live updates available in an automated motion, it becomes easy to ensure that the personal security remains at the highest of levels, all the time.

Additional security will be required for Norton users that wish to include wireless protection within the home, as there is no implementation for this type of protection with the Norton 360 program. It is crucial that the wireless network within the home be protected, therefore if Norton 360 is chosen as the antivirus software it should be supplements with wireless security.

Free Antivirus Programs

Mike — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:32:15 +0000

Free antivirus programs are available for download through various websites and claim to offer the same protection as paid antivirus software programs, but are they really as effective as they claim to be? Can a free antivirus software program truly offer the same level of protection as an antivirus program that has been paid for?

What are some of the most popular free antivirus programs that are available on the internet for download?

AVG Free Edition is one of the most popular antivirus software programs that can be found on the internet that is completely free of charge. This antivirus and anti-spyware program can be downloaded within minutes and begin to protect the computer while browsing on the internet. The basic protection is offered to consumers that download the free version and can protect the computer against threats, viruses and spyware. A paid edition is also available which offers additional comprehensive protection against viruses.

Free anti-virus programs will offer basic protection over the personal computer, but may not offer the comprehensive protection that is desired for full protection against threats and spy-ware, ad-ware and other types of harmful viruses that can leave the personal computer and individual information sensitive.

Using free antivirus programs is an effective way to offer temporary protection for the personal computer against threats. These software programs can be an effective way to cover a lapse in membership with a paid antivirus program or even offer additional coverage to the computer. As the free antivirus programs come without a charge to the credit card, it is worth a try, as the consumer will have nothing to lose.

If you are seeking comprehensive coverage against potential harmful threats to the personal computer, you may want to seek paid antivirus programs but free programs are sufficient for short term use, or people that do not use the computer very often.