Recent fears over the computer virus known as the Conficker worm raise the issue of computer protection for online users. Antivirus programs can save you money and shield valuable data from being exploited–while both free programs and paid services are available, you should consider the pros and cons of each before choosing the right one for you.
Your computer is home to valuable personal identity information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, even social security data. Your hard drive is home to your personal documents, video and photo files, music, and favorite software — in short, meaningful and sometimes irreplaceable data.
A simple virus circulating through the Internet, like the invasive Conficker worm, can render your computer useless until further notice or siphon off secret personal information. Protecting your system from virtual attacks means investing in some antivirus software. With so many programs to choose from, you’ll find yourself weighing the pros and cons of each program. Which software does my computer really need? How much (if anything) should I spend trying to protect it?
Users who fear they have too much valuable data at risk typically spend the extra money and sign up for one of the popular antivirus and antispyware programs, like Norton or Mcafee.
Norton Antivirus softwareprovides weekly computer scans for trojans, viruses, and even tracking cookies lodged in your computer’s system. Norton was also among the software companies tracking and monitoring the invasive Conficker worm across the globe.
A few simple keystrokes allows Norton users to take action against any invasive programs. Protection isn’t cheap, however, although most Norton users can invest in protective software for well under one hundred dollars
Other Windows users invest in Mcafee Antivirus software. With scheduled computer scans like Norton, Mcafee users find comfort in the program’s compatibility and popular reputation — like Norton users, however, Mcafee users will find themselves paying a periodic user’s fee in exchange for their protection.
Many computer users prefer to download reliable and free antivirus software online. While many of these programs are no-frills compared to expensive software, many have garnered a reputation for keeping most viruses at bay, with less emphasis on tracking cookies and other small issues.
Avast is a free antivirus service which scans computer systems and software for potential threats. The program is simple to download and use, but any other antivirus software should be disabled to prevent software conflicts during viral scans.
While it’s not a free software download, Trend Microsystems offers a free online virus scan for concerned computer owners. They also have a free software trial for computer users who are interested in potentially signing up for their software services (like Norton and Mcafee, there’s a periodic user’s fee for the software download).
Keeping your computer safe from outside invasion is a smart decision, even if you never access sensitive personal information online. Saving your computer from viruses and spyware can save you time and money in the future.
April 15th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I always wonder why a computer get virus do people really send virus to another person’s computer on purpose?