Anti-virus software protects your computer and network from malicious viruses that can disrupt your computers performance and corrupt your data. Computer viruses come in many forms, but the most common method of contracting a computer virus is downloading it from an email attachment. In numerous cases, the sender does not realize they are sending a virus and the recipient does not know they contracted the virus until very much later and it’s too late. That is a good reason why anti-virus software protection is so critical. Computer viruses are created to bypass your software, but by keeping your it up to date for the latest viruses, you should be well protected.
There are many brands of anti-virus software available for purchase or download; some of the more recognizable brands are Norton, McAfee, AVG and CA. If you ask 10 people what anti-virus they use, you may get six or seven different answers, there are a lot to choose from, but the most important aspect of the software is the ability to update it for the newest recognized viruses.
There are brands of anti-virus software that offer a free version, keep in mind that although it is free to download, it is limited as to the overall protection it provides. Free software generally is based on the pretense that you will like it and purchase the full version. If you choose to experiment with free anti-virus software, I recommend you research and download it at download.cnet.com; you can see reviews from other people and see how many times the software has been downloaded.
Regardless of the anti-virus software you choose to install on your computer, always be cautious of emails with attachments from people you don’t know, and avoid the free online video game websites, these two small snippets of advice can be marginal in avoiding interruption of your computer.
John McCann
704-662-6845
John McCann & Associates