Wednesday, 17 June 2015

How to Find the BEST antivirus

Author- Cheyenne Webster
There are a HUGE number of antivirus programs to choose from, so how do you find the best one? 

Antivirus test organizations test antivirus products EVERY month, ranking them on their effectiveness, performance, and usability. You don’t have to fly blind when choosing an antivirus; you can make an informed decision.
Here is how to find the BEST Antivirus for you:

There are people all over the world, and in South Africa, who are making lots of money out of malicious content like viruses and spam. This is why we all have to use the best antivirus protection. The single most important program on your computer is your antivirus program. And it should be a really good one. Everything on your computer, from your valuable software, your work, to your personal financial records is constantly at risk.

Should I really have an Antivirus in 2016?

Whether you're an IT manager protecting employees and corporate systems or you're simply trying to keep your own personal data safe, these threats - some rapidly growing, others still emerging - pose a potential risk. Fortunately, there are some security tools, such as the best antivirus, available to help you win the fight against the bad guys.

Trojans can infiltrate any unprotected system, as well as many protected systems and harvest data, record keystrokes, record live chat dialogue and re-send data back to the ‘mother-ship’. This information can then be used fraudulently without you even being aware that your system was breached. Antivirus downloads and applications are therefore essential.

Antivirus Conspiracy theories aside, let’s look at antivirus in more detail.

Free Antivirus or Best Antivirus?

With so many threats around, it’s better to have free antivirus then none at all, and there are various free antivirus downloads as well as award-winning paid antivirus solutions that can help keep you safe. The biggest difference between free antivirus downloads and the purchase of the best antivirus comes down to features.

The best antivirus will protect you from the majority of threats by looking for suspicious behaviour, such as a program attempting to access files it shouldn't, as well as accessing a vast amount of resources to identify known threats. Free antivirus products also defend against known threats, but do not rate or assess the legitimacy of websites or warn about the latest phishing scams, for example.

If security is really important to you, look at the best antivirus.

Compare Antivirus For Your Device

All anti-virus products are not created equal, and users should evaluate which one best fits their needs before running down to the local computer store or jumping on the Internet and ordering some anti-virus software. The best antivirus for your needs depends on a number of factors, but the first thing to look at is what type of operating system you are running.

In 2012, more PCs were running Windows XP than Linux, Mac and Vista operating systems combined, making it the second most popular operating system. The best antivirus for Windows XP doesn’t depend on the operating system, but on the hardware. If you have an older PC with less than 1GB of RAM and a single Pentium processor, security software can slow down your PC. In this case, you will want to look for the best antivirus software that utilises the fewest resources.

Similarly, millions of PC users worldwide still use Windows Vista. Although the world has seen two new Windows versions since Vista's debut in 2006, many people have seen no reason to upgrade. Vista has built-in features that detect some spyware and adware, but Microsoft no longer actively offers widespread support for Vista, and cyber criminals have not stopped trying to infiltrate these systems. The best antivirus for Vista users is lightweight and effective.


Newer versions of Windows, like Windows 7 and Windows 8, have automatic patching, firewalls and antivirus software in place through the operating system. But users should still have the best antivirus software installed.

Hackers have also declared war on Android devices, as a result of the operating system’s popularity. With the increasing ability of smartphones and data-enabled cell phones to store sensitive data and documents, conduct financial transactions, and access corporate networks, both consumers and corporations should be increasingly concerned with the security of their mobile devices. The best antivirus should be used for identity, authentication, and platform integrity.

Antivirus vs. Internet Security Suite

In order to choose the best security software, it’s important that you determine what your major risk factors are and in which areas you may not need protection. For instance, a business grade software system intended for large networks would likely be a waste for someone with only one computer connected to the Internet.

The difference between Internet security software and antivirus software is that antivirus software secures your computer by effectively detecting, blocking and removing viruses, while Internet security software secures and protects your computer from viruses, worms, trojans, malicious programs, adware, rootkit and spyware. In addition to this, the best Internet security suites protect you against viruses that are uploaded onto your computer from harmful websites and ensure secure communications and data transfer through the Internet. The best Internet security suites also protect you from unconventional threats such as identity fraud, phishing attacks, spam and spying and pop-ups—a common carrier of viruses over the Internet.

The main differences between security programs are the level of protection they offer. However, there is no one size fits all solution to choosing the best security software.

Antivirus Downloads vs. Boxed Discs

The best antivirus is available for purchase as a boxed product through leading retailers, or as a download from the Internet. All free antivirus is downloadable, and the best antivirus is available in both formats.

An antivirus download is a convenient way to get the best antivirus straight of the Internet. All it requires is a credit card and an Internet connection. But for people who want a physical product, they can purchase the best antivirus as a packaged product from leading retailers.

Antivirus 2016 Bundles

It has now become popular for antivirus manufacturers to bundle their antivirus offers for multiple users per household or small businesses. This is great for those that are budget conscience, because a licence for the best antivirus with more users is more cost-effective than a single licence. For example, you can buy a 3 user licence for R220 where a one user will cost you R95, a saving of R21 per licence, and a total saving of over R60.

Ultimately, what is the best antivirus?

With the ever-growing number of threats facing anyone who goes online, the best antivirus has become as essential as the operating system that allows your computer to work. Companies likeAV-Comparatives offer independent checks of the best antivirus and how these products live up to their promises. Certification by AV-Comparatives provides an official seal of approval for antivirus software performance across the world.

These tests are done to compare the best antivirus in terms of usability, performance and most importantly, protection offered in various areas. The tests include:


What Antivirus 2016 Software is available from Firstshop?





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