How to Compare Security Suite Software
- 1). Check to see if the program actively scans your computer. Although all allow you to manually scan the hard drive, it is important that the program has the ability to detect a virus without you performing a full scan. This allows you to find and detect a threat before it nestles into your hard drive, making it difficult to find.
- 2). Find out if the program is updated on a regular basis. Because viruses are constantly changing, your security suite software also needs to do so. Many popular antivirus titles, such as Norton and McAfee, provide year-round service protection and upgrade your virus software whenever new threats are discovered on the Internet.
- 3). Inspect the program to make sure it works for the type of computer you are using (Mac and PC). Although Macs typically claim to be virus free, this is just because a virus is either made for a Mac or a Windows computer (due to the difference in files running on the computer). Windows computers make up a substantially larger portion of the computer market, so it only makes sense to create a virus for Windows systems. However, if Macs become more popular, virus makers may increasingly target them.
- 4). Look at the price. Antivirus programs range from over $100 to free. If you do not have the extra capital to purchase an expensive program, you may want to download one for free (many are available at no cost through the CNET.com download page).
- 5). Inspect the program to see what protection it provides. Although most delete viruses, you also need a program that rids your system of Trojan horses, spyware, worms and adware.
