When it comes to anti-virus software for your computer, most experts agree you need it if you have the Windows operating system and often go online. Some of the options:
Free software
Popular free products include Avira AntiVir Personal, AVG Anti-virus Free Edition, Avast! Free Antivirus and Microsoft’s own Security Essentials. Be aware that many free products, while good at what they do, are essentially a marketing tool to persuade you to buy the same brand’s paid version. Microsoft is an exception. It has no upsell.
Some reviewers claim the free anti-virus software might be all you need. Consumer Reports, for example, says free products are “fine for most people.”
Where to find some of the free products:
• Avira: www.avira.com
• AVG: free.avg.com
• Avast!: www.avast.com
• Microsoft: microsoft.com/security_essentials
• Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition, www.sophos.com/products/free-tools
Paid software
Experts are quick to point out you are likely to get broader protection and functionality using security software that you pay for.
PCWorld magazine, using a recognized security testing company, recently rated highly Symantec Norton Internet Security 2011, which got top billing in many other reviews, too. Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 and BitDefender Internet Security 2011 also rated highly.
For technical comparisons, go to av-test.org and av-comparatives.org.
Paid software bargains
The best of both worlds is to get a top-notch paid product for free. Many Internet subscribers can. For example, Comcast customers have free access to download and install Norton Security Suite, essentially the company’s Norton 360 Premier product without the backup feature. You just need your Comcast e-mail address and password.
You can also search the Web for promotional codes that will give you paid software at a discount, and compare prices online. For example, a $70 Norton product was recently available on Amazon.com for $39.
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