Best Free Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware Solution

If a computer is connected to the Internet, it MUST have a current anti-virus/anti-spyware program installed and running with the latest “virus definitions” downloaded and installed.  This article covers the dangers of virus and spyware infections, steps to safely browse the web, and why an available FREE anti-malware product is an excellent alternative to the “name brand” internet security products (Norton, McAfee, etc.) for home users whose budget does not allow the expense of subscribing to those products. 

ANTI-VIRUS OVERVIEW (courtesy of Ken Dennis on TheEffectiveAdmin.com)

Anti-virus software is used to find, remove or fix files that are infected with computer viruses. Most anti-virus companies release weekly updates of their databases to help keep you safe. Your anti-virus software uses these weekly updates (also known as virus signatures or definitions file) to identify newly discovered viruses.  The most basic anti-virus programs normally have several features to it:  the memory resident scan, the system or file scan, and an automated updater. Many more sophisticated programs have many other integration tools that loan into your instant messengers, your e-mail software and many other programs.  It’s very important when you configure your anti-virus software to always make sure you can download new updates every week. If you scan your system for viruses, and your definitions file is out of date, it may not even find a problem with your system. Additionally, you should make sure you do in fact scan your system on a regular basis.  (…) .

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Although there are steps you can take to improve the safety of your web browsing activities, if you don’t install an anti-malwareprogram and keep it up to date then it is just a matter of time (usually not very long) until your computer is infected with a virus or spyware infection which will not only affect the speed and performance of your computer, but can also comprimise the security of your data and even put you at risk for identity theft.  Running anti-malware software is a MUST for every user whose compter is connected to the Internet.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You should never have more than one anti-virus program installed on a computer.  If more than one anti-virus program is running there is a very high likelihood that they will conflict with one another and adversely affect the performance of your computer (slowing it down, or even causing freezes or system crashes).  There is no such thing as 100% protection against viruses, spyware, worms and other malware.  So it is important to choose one effective anti-virus program and keep it updated with new virus signatures at all times.

BOT PROTECTION: There is one exception to the “use only one anti-virus program” rule. Malicious software called Bots can secretly take control of computers and make them participate in networks called “Botnets.”  These networks can harness massive computing power and Internet bandwidth to relay spam, attack web servers, infect more computers, and perform other illicit activities.  Although not an anti-virus program in the traditional sense, Trend Micro’s RUBotted software can be a valuable tool in your efforts to keep your computer secure and can be run in conjunction with a traditional anti-virus program.  RUBotted monitors your computer for suspicious activities and regularly checks with an online service to identify behavior associated with Bots. Upon discovering a potential infection, RUBotted prompts you to scan and clean your computer using your installed anti-virus program.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING AN ANTI-VIRUS PRODUCT

• Will the progam provide strong protection against both wide-spread viruses and “newly released” viruses
• Will the program slow down the performance of my computer? (This varies significantly from product to product, with the “name brand” products often requiring more of a computer’s resources than do the free products, thus slowing the performance of a computer)

IS A FREE ANTI-MALWARE PRODUCT AS GOOD AS A NAME BRAND PRODUCT SUCH AS “NORTON” OR “MCAFEE”?  – The quick answer is “yes”, provided you choose the right free anti-virus product.  There are perhaps hundreds of “free” anti-virus products promoted on the web.  Unfortunately, many of them are “fake” programs that are at best worthless and at worst will actually infect your computer with viruses and spyware. 

We strongly recommend Microsoft Security Essentials as the best free anti-malware product.  It provides real-time protection for your home PC in a single program that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.  Microsoft Security Essentials is a free download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and automatically kept up to date so you can be assured your PC is protected by the latest technology. The software runs quietly and efficiently in the background so that you are free to use your Windows-based PC the way you want—without interruptions or long scanning wait times.

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