When was the last time you thought about your antivirus software? How long have you been putting off the update reminders? If you feel personally attacked by these questions, let’s take a trip down memory lane together:
It’s 2004, and your kid just logged off their MySpace account and decided to check their e-mail before LiveJournal-ing. Suddenly an email pops up to tell them that if they don’t forward it RIGHT NOW THEN ALL THEIR FRIENDS WILL DIE HORRIBLY AND THEY’LL BE HAUNTED FOR 10 YRS AND HVE BAD LVCK 4EVR*~*~*~*!!!!
Not wanting to have that sort of blood on their conscience, they open the e-mail to forward it. Bad move, kid.
The virus used INFECT! It’s super effective!
Now this story can go one of two ways:
- There is no antivirus on the computer. Therefore, the evil little program that was hidden in the e-mail is going to open backdoors into your system. It will steal passwords and slowly turn your computer into a zombie. The kid gets grounded for 2 months and cries onto their Blink-182 throw pillow.
- A little dialogue box pops up: INFECTED FILE MOVED TO QUARANTINE! The kid deletes the file and goes to the mall.
The difference between the two outcomes? Anti-virus. It’s a wonderful little program that keeps the bad people from the internet off of your computer.
Fast forward to 2016, and you know what? This EXACT story is STILL unfolding, only this time it’s you, and you clicked on a FedEx status email that looked totally legit. What do you hope will save you? A good anti-virus program. Anti-virus has been saving us from worms and Trojans since the early 2000’s and it’s just improved since.
Anti-Virus is not infallible. No system connected to the internet is ever 100% secure. But unless you’re Hillary Clinton, you’re probably never going to be directly attacked by human hackers. Most of the malware we peons experience are software programs looking for passwords and bank account info, or simply a PC host to infest (ever hear of botnets?). A good anti-virus program is good at stopping these kinds of software-driven malware attacks.
So, here’s what we recommend as our top recs for 2016:
Avast Antivirus:
Firstly, Avast Software is an internet security company based out of Prague. This antivirus program makes the top of the list because not only does is have antispyware, a password protection feature, Secure HTTPS scanning, streaming updates, it additionally has hardened mode, DeepScreen, Home Network Security scanner, Do Not Track, SiteCorrect, antiphishing, anti-malware, Smart Scan, Rescue Disk, and a manual Software Updater. Now that’s a lot of technical jargon to say that it is a quality program for the low price of FREE. In addition, they offer premium options if you’re looking for a little extra protection, such as the “Total Support” Option for $179.99/ year, or various cheaper options.
Download it here: https://www.avast.com/
AVG Antivirus:
Based out of Amsterdam, AVG Technologies creates a FREE anti-virus software that saved many teenagers in the 2000’s. It blocks all the nasty things like Spyware and Malware, as well as connecting to your phone so you can run scans on your computer on the go. It has link protection, so it scans Facebook, Twitter and other sites for any malicious software. It’s available on Mac, PC and Android, and also features a Pro Version for $69.99.
Download it here: http://www.avg.com/
Trend Micro Antivirus:
Developed in L.A., this is a super solid program for not very much money. The prices vary depending on what service you desire (they have programs for small businesses, personal computers, etc.), but the price of downloading it on your personal computer is going to be $59.99 for 3 devices. It has social media protection, good anti-malware/spyware, and anti-spam among other features.
Download it here: https://www.trendmicro.com/
Norton Antivirus:
Not Troy’s favorite, but the rest of us think it’s okay. Purchasing Norton Antivirus allows you to have full protection on 5 computers for $79.99/yea, or $59.99 for one computer. It features anti-everything and a refund if you do end up getting virus.
Download it here: https://www.norton.com/
Whatever you get, keep it updated…
The most important part of having anti-virus software on your computer that everyone (including myself) seems to forget is UPDATING IT. How is the program going to protect you from viruses and malware that it has never heard of? Above all, update your antivirus ASAP when prompted. In addition, if you decide to use the free versions – at some point please ante up and buy the software, or at least donate something! If they don’t make ANY money they can’t afford to continue to support it, just sayin!
… and practice safe-surfing
In conclusion, the machine is only as good as the user. For instance, if you’re irresponsibly torrenting, or intentionally going to dangerous websites you might not be covered by your antivirus. Don’t be the type of person that downloads cars.
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