All computers with Windows can suffer from virus infections, which means using the most widespread operating system. In this article we offer you free and paid antivirus programs to keep your PC protected.
Antivirus are the main line of defense of our computer against the threats that come from the outside. When you use Windows you know what you are exposed to, it is one of the prices to pay for having the dominant operating system on the desktop: everyone will try to break it in one way or another and for very different purposes. Some can steal your sensitive information and others are able to leave your PC unusable. Quantifying the number of computer viruses that exist today is impossible, it would be like trying to count every grain of sand in the desert. What we can do is prepare a good barrier to protect us from them.
It is true that for a time to this part all versions of Windows come with Windows Defender activated by default, but all the tests that have been conducted with respect to it in national and international media suggest that it is better not to entrust all our security in their hands.
That is why in this article we are going to tell you which are the best antivirus for your PC, both in free solutions and in payment programs.
Best Free Antivirus for Windows
Many of the products that we will review below are totally free for private users. There is a payment option for these same programs, which is aimed at those who seek to protect the IT infrastructure of their businesses or want an extra for their own equipment. We review them below.
Avast Free Antivirus
If you are looking for a basic protection for your computer with the assurance that you will have one of the best products in your industry, then Avast Free Antivirus is what you are looking for without a doubt. It has a good percentage of hits blocking malware, a great anti-phishing system and scans the networks and router for problems.
As a counterpart we can cite a certain tendency to show false positives – valid files detected as malware -, but that does not detract points as a great product for the security of the home computers.
AVG AntiVirus Free
When talking about free antivirus, apart from Avast, there is always a name that follows: AVG Antivirus Free. This program is another great solution for basic protection, with a deep enough analysis fast, ability to destroy files, web qualification and even a feature to prevent online tracking.
The negative point that can be put is that the optimization option of the PC that incorporates stops working after a day of testing, but it is still a great solution that does not cost a hard.
Panda Free Antivirus
One of the historical signatures of antivirus security is Panda. With their Panda Free Antivirus are looking for a better acceptance within the domestic market through a free product that has little to envy commercial antivirus software.
This solution offers good protection against malware but is somewhat deficient in antiphishing. Nevertheless and considering its price, it is the best you will find.
Bitdefender Free Antivirus
If something good can be said of this antivirus is that it is not intrusive at all, it can run in the background with no problems. So if you are looking for a solution that works without you noticing then Bitdefender Free Antivirus is what you need.
This antivirus offers a spectacular protection against malware and against phishing, although its installation can become quite big.
Lavasoft Ad-Aware Free Antivirus +
In antivirus, even if it seems a lie, there is also a kind of specialization. There are those who are more focused on protecting the desktop itself and the ones that are focused more on web protection. Lavasoft Ad-Aware Free Antivirus + represents the most web-centric protection.
His capabilities on the desktop are in the territory of “just right”, without reaching the levels of other competitors. Unfortunately it does not offer antiphishing protection and this list is one of the most features cut out against your paid version.
The best paid antivirus for your PC
It is true that no matter how good the protection offered by free antivirus some features never appear by its interface. The strategy to follow is very simple: if you want better protection, crush your pocket. Payment programs usually offer a complete set of security features that, if you value the protection of your business or your sensitive data a lot, is worth buying.
McAfee Antivirus Plus
If you are looking for a good protection system that works for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android McAfee Antivirus Plus offers all that and more. Thanks to it you will have continuous protection on your devices, with a very effective system of malware blocking and suspicious URLs.
As a counterpoint we can highlight antiphishing protection is simply correct and that in OS X and iOS is not as powerful as in Windows and Android.
Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus
It is very possible that Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus is the perfect solution for everyone who is willing to pay. It weighs very little, the use of RAM it makes is tiny, it can recover files encrypted by the ransomware, it scans the hard disk very quickly and it includes a firewall. Almost nothing.
The only problem that can be put is that to enjoy it you have to open the wallet. In any case, if you look for a higher level of protection is worth very much.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Something above we already talked about the free version of this Antivirus. Its complete version, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, adds protection against ransomware to an already impressive set of features. To this must be added very short analysis times, a password manager, a secure browser and a file destructor.
As a counterpoint we can stake that the complete scanner is rather slow compared to other products in its category.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus
If there is an antivirus that has an enviable reputation within the world of computer security is certainly Kaspersky Anti-Virus. In all comparisons of this type of software always finishes among the top positions or occupying the head for these reasons: rapid analysis, a large number of additional tools available to increase PC security and a large team of security experts working in he.
Now, the program is not perfect. Blocking malware and malicious URLs is not bad at all, although it can get a little short. A software of these characteristics can always be asked for more.
Avast Antivirus Pro
As it could not be otherwise, Avast Antivirus Pro offers all the features that one misses in the free version. These include a network security scanner, a password manager, a secure web browser, protection against DNS hijacking and a sandbox to run certain programs in a secure environment.
As weak points we can point to a slow full scanner, separate purchase of some features, limitation of password manager features and some advanced features can be complicated for average users.
About the Author:
The article was written by Carol James – professional academic writer and co-founder of Primetimeessay.com service. In her portfolio, you can read technical, economic, educational, psychological high-quality articles for such magazines and blogs as Design News, Technical Analysis of Stocks & Commodities, T+D, Real Simple, Nexus and many others. Feel free to contact with Carol with questions and suggestions!
