This question is probably the one I get asked the most frequently, and with internet security and privacy, phishing scams constantly in the news now is a good time to re-assess your options. It is always best to be running the most up-to-date version of your Security Software. Remember you can only have one antivirus on your computer at a time.
Your choice may depend on a number of factors. For example if you have teenagers at home then you may want something more robust than if you are a pensioner on your own. If you run a business, using free antivirus may be in breach of the terms and conditions. Do you want just antivirus, or do you want to cover yourself against Malware and have a more robust firewall? (In its simplest form a firewall stops a hacker/program getting into your computer from the internet)
The most recent test I have read about have rated Eset Smart Security (www.eset.co.uk) quite highly especially for catching Malware. Malware is now the main diagnosis of problems on PCs that I see, and some of the big names in Antivirus don’t appear to stop Malware infections. It isn’t the cheapest of the Security Suites, but perhaps this time it is a case of getting what you pay for.
If you decide that free antivirus is the way to go then you cannot do better than Avast! www.avast.com. This has taken the crown from Microsoft Security Essentials. You should also consider installing a standalone firewall program too like Zone-alarm Free (www.zonealarm.com). For your Malware Protection you can opt for the free version of Malwarebytes, although this does not offer “real-time” protection (this means you need to run it manually to check for problems- a cure rather than an immunization).
If you want more security advice then you can book an appointment for me to take care of your concerns on 01675 470105.
Happy ‘Putering
