Antivirus software shields your PC from malware, phishing scams and other harmful files that can steal information or slow down the computer. These programs scan for threats and remove them if they are detected. Some also provide additional security features like the fire wall to keep your computer safe from attacks by networks. Some are free, while others require a monthly fee to be fully protected.
When selecting an antivirus program choose a program that consumes a small amount of system resources so that it does not slow down your computer’s performance during the scanning process or other activities. Using the program’s search feature to read user reviews can help you determine which ones are efficient and don’t consume too much memory, disk space or other resources.
The best antivirus software will detect viruses quickly and reliably. They employ different methods for detecting viruses, including specialized detection that is able to identify known viruses, generic detection that identifies components and types of malware, and heuristics detection that analyzes patterns to determine suspicious behavior. Once an infection has been identified it will be isolated by the program the file or program from other files and programs then block access and remove it. Certain programs might display an alert signalling that the threat has been removed or identified.
Anyone looking for the best and most secure antivirus program should think about one that comes with additional security features, such as firewalls, cloud-based scanner, parental controls and ransomware protection. Other features include a free trial or money-back guarantee, compatibility with multiple devices frequently updated and customer support.