How to choose the best free PC virus protection
Although both Windows and MacOS both come with their own security software, it’s strongly recommended to enhance this with virus protection from a proper cybersecurity company. After all, with some great products out there for absolutely free, why wouldn’t you want to give yourself the best possible protection against online threats? With that in mind, here is a quick guide to help you choose the best free PC virus protection.
Look for free PC virus protection for your specific operating system
If you’re running Windows 10, the chances are you’ll be able to use any form of PC virus protection. If, however, you’re still perfectly happy with Windows 7 or even Windows XP and you want, or need, to keep them running for as long as you can, then it’s a good idea to add your operating system to your search as this should eliminate PC virus protection products which only support Windows 10.
As a bonus tip, if you’re using either of these operating systems, you might want to download all available patches to ensure that you can add them later if you need to reinstall your operating system. This is particularly true of Windows XP as official support for that operating system ended several years ago and there is probably going to come a point when Microsoft decides that enough is enough and just clears the updates from its website. Windows 7 may have more time, but there is no guarantee of this.
Look for cloud-based free PC virus protection
Businesses have all kinds of reasons for moving to the cloud, but in the private world there are two which stand out. One is the availability to access data from anywhere and the other is the ability to shift the processing load from host computers to back-end servers. When it comes to free PC virus protection, it’s the second point that matters.
Up until relatively recently, free PC virus protection meant downloading a hefty file to your PC and then downloading and installing updates on a regular basis. The size of the files and the work involved in continually checking them was what led to the dreaded performance issues which made people hate installing security software (and sometimes just take a chance on doing without it).
Up until relatively recently, free PC virus protection meant downloading a hefty file to your PC and then downloading and installing updates on a regular basis. The size of the files and the work involved in continually checking them was what led to the dreaded performance issues which made people hate installing security software (and sometimes just take a chance on doing without it).
Look for free PC virus protection which is effective against all malware
The term “virus protection” is partly a throwback to the early days of IT when viruses really were the only form of malicious software in existence and partly a marketing term. Basically, it’s often easier for people to grasp the idea of being in danger from “viruses” than to grasp that there’s actually all kinds of malicious software lurking in cyberspace. Look for free PC virus protection which specifically mentions that it’s effective against other threats, especially spyware.
Spyware is exactly what it sounds like and it can be almost impossible for humans to detect on their own because it doesn’t usually cause any of the performance issues which can indicate the presence of malicious software. It’s therefore particularly important that you choose free PC virus protection which does a solid job of protecting you against it.
Look for free PC virus protection which is updated regularly
Not only is the amount of malicious software growing all the time, but it’s growing more sophisticated all the time. This means that, in simple terms, free PC virus protection is only as good as its last update.
Look for PC virus protection from a reputable brand
There are times when you might want to take a chance on a new “up-and-coming” brand and there are times when you definitely don’t and frankly cybersecurity is one of those times when you definitely don’t. Harsh as this may sound, leave trialling new brands to the IT pros who really know what they’re doing and have the skills to cope if it all goes horribly wrong. Stick to established, reputable brands which have a solid track record of keeping their customers happy.
Comodo has been protecting its customers for over two decades and is trusted by millions. Click here right now to get Comodo free PC virus protection and get all the protection you need from a brand you can trust.
