Facts and Common Questions about Antivirus Software

The ever-increasing number of antivirus software in the market makes it difficult for computer users to choose the right one. Today, we will provide you with accurate information about the various internet security packages that exists in the market as well as details of the specific features that you should consider when evaluating antivirus software.

  1. Presence of a Firewall
  2. Protection against URL Filtering/ Antiphishing
  3. Software that can detect and filter Spam
  4. Family Filters
  5. Is it possible to uninstall the default antivirus program and replace it with a new one?
  6. Do you test the programs capability to combat threats using real viruses?
  7. How can I tell if a particular antivirus software is working?
  8. I am unable to purchase/download/install the program
  9. Is there any difference between business, enterprise and consumer antivirus packages?

Presence of a Firewall

Most of the antivirus software that we have assessed in the recent past such as McAfee Virus Scan and Panda Antivirus has an inbuilt firewall that is engineered to protect personal information from being leaked to hackers when browsing the internet. However, there are some that require customers to pay an additional amount to get a firewall.

The price difference between the standard antivirus software and the internet security suite is subtle, below $20 per year. Based on the fact you will only be required to pay the additional fee once per year, it does make economic sense, as your PC will be protected from threats for 12 months.

Protection against URL Filtering/ Antiphishing

Over the last three years, cases of URL filtering/Antiphishing have tremendously increased. The cyber criminals are working day and night to come up with new malware to get access to your confidential information. Therefore, having software that protects you from such threats as you browse the internet will be an added advantage.

For the companies that offer standard and premium antivirus packages, the later has another layer of protection that is tailored to warn you when any suspicious URLs are detected. Heeding to its notifications will help ensure that you only access legit sites. Note that it is very easy to come up with a fake website to net login details of unsuspecting users.

Concisely, antivirus software that comes with an antiphishing filter will ensure that your confidential information does not get in the hands of cyber criminals.

Software that can detect and filter Spam

The best internet security programs come with advanced spam filters to protect you from malicious internet users who use spam emails to collect personal information and install viruses on your computer. Our team of experts has the skills and ability to evaluate the effectiveness of each antivirus in combatting spam. Check out our reviews to know the software ability to handle conventional and new era forms of spam threats.

Family Filters

Needless to say, family filters or parental controls will come in handy if you have kids in the house. The primary role of these checks is to hinder the children from accessing content or materials that they should not be viewing online while you are away.

The antivirus companies that are keen on providing products that resonate with the market needs and preferences have started to come up with software that has inbuilt parental controls. Therefore, it is important to consider this factor when scouting for antivirus software.

Is it possible to uninstall the default antivirus program and replace it with a new one?

The computer manufacturing companies do not make their antivirus software. Instead, they liaise with antivirus companies who sign a deal to help market and distribute their software to their customers. Some of the PC companies get a commission for every customer who decides to upgrade the software from the free to the premium package. Therefore, the default software may not be the best in the market or may not be in line with your level of protection.

Concisely, if you are not contented with the preinstalled software, uninstall it just like the general programs, and install a new one that is right for you.

Do you test the programs capability to combat threats using real viruses?

Yes, we have a massive database that has more than half a million bootkits, worms, Trojans, viruses, spyware, adware, keyloggers, and any other malicious software that exists in the world today. Over the years, we have set up a network of trusted sources that furnish us with the virus for testing purposes. We have also put in place “honeypots” online that are designed to net the new threats including malicious sites that are used for phishing activities. Unfortunately, details of how we test the programs are classified.

How can I tell if a particular antivirus software is working?

Yes, eicar.org has a credible and safe DOS program that is tailored to evaluate antivirus software. The primary objective of this program is to help the average and advanced computer and internet users to know if their antivirus software is working correctly and reliable before disaster strikes.

If you check out our screenshots, you will see that we periodically use the platform to evaluate the antivirus programs before writing the reviews. We feel that this is modest than revealing the specific viruses that we use to determine virus detection levels of software to the public.

I am unable to purchase/download/install the program

If you encounter any problem when buying, downloading, or install a particular antivirus program, the wisest thing you should do is contact the antivirus manufacturer support team. If their response does not help, feel free to get in touch with us. We will work smart and hard to provide a solution to your problem.

Is there any difference between business, enterprise and consumer antivirus packages?

Yes, there are three major differences between the three packages that you should know namely:

1. Central Management Interface

The enterprise antivirus software does have a central management interface that allows one person to scan multiple computers in the company or organization. On the other hand, the consumer grade software has an interface that can only be operated on each computer.

2. Customer Support

Most of the businesses buy antivirus software in bulk while individual customers purchase one or two programs. Based on this simple fact, most of the antivirus company gives business and organizations different technical support levels. Some offer customer support 24/7 throughout the year while others have a different arrangement. They do work to ensure that all requests are responded to fast.

3. Cost

The cost of enterprise antivirus software supplied to a business or organization that has many computers is relatively higher than for small companies with few PCS. It is also important to note that large corporations with more than 25 PC may enjoy the software at a lower price than the consumer grade software.
In spite of the cost difference, the level of technical support offered to clients, and the central management interface makes the enterprise antivirus software an ideal choice for most businesses.
Get in touch with us today to get a quote on enterprise antivirus software. We will go an extra mile and give you professional advice on how to choose the best software for your enterprise or organization.