Emerging Technicians: Top 5 AntiVirus Programs Ever of 2010

Why Buy Antivirus Software?
Today, an unprotected computer isn’t just vulnerable,

it’s probably already infected. New viruses, spyware,

trojans, worms, and other malware are created every day.

New threats are disguised to bypass other security

measures, and specifically designed to catch you and

your PC off guard.

The virus landscape has also changed; viruses that used

to be annoying pranks have evolved into pernicious

threats capable of not only destroying your computer,

but stealing your information and identity.

The benefits of installing a basic security solution on

your PC are obvious, but the cost in system slowdown

used to make it tough to bear. Luckily, modern antivirus

software haven’t just improved their level of

protection, they’ve significantly improved resource

efficiency and overall speed. You can have ultimate

protection without giving up your resources. With

advanced technologies and straightforward usability,

antivirus software is more effective than ever, and

doesn’t require constant maintenance from you. Say

goodbye to annoying security warnings and noticeable

slowdown; current antivirus programs deliver constant

protection and can actually speed up your computer.

The last generation of antivirus software brought

advanced heuristic detection into the mix. Continuing to

improve, the 2010 lineup of antivirus products often

incorporate further developed proactive protection with

better behavior checking and even file reputation

analysis. Several of the software incorporate ‘in the

cloud’ security and other advanced technologies to

increase safety and convenience. From gamer modes, to

battery saving settings, to integrated web link

scanners; antivirus applications are more versatile and

have upped the ante for features and functionality.

On this site you’ll find a side-by-side comparison of

the best antivirus software, helpful articles, security

tips and tricks, buying guides, videos, and

comprehensive reviews to help you make an informed

decision on which security software is right for you.

What to Look For in Antivirus Software
All security software is not created equal. Like all

consumer products, antivirus software has the good, the

bad, and the mediocre. The choices for antivirus

protection are many and varied. Although we haven’t

reviewed each and every product available, we feature

the absolute best antivirus software available today

from a number of providers (including big-hitters,

lesser-knowns, and new-comers), and compare them so you

can match your needs with the right software.

Remember when it really comes down to it, effectiveness

and usability can either make or break antivirus

software. Security programs are only as good as their

level of protection, and if you can’t figure out how to

use it, you won’t. Our top-ranked antivirus software

combine optimal security with user-friendly features and

tools.

Below are the criteria used to evaluate and compare

antivirus software:
Scope of Protection
While most security solutions tout “multi-layered”

protection, “360 degree” defense and/or even “100%”

security, some are certainly more thorough than others.

The best antivirus solutions will include traditional

protection from viruses, worms, Trojans and spyware, but

should also include defense from keyloggers, phishing

scams, email-borne threats and rootkits. While antivirus

programs are by no means full-blown internet security

suites, they should protect from as many threats on as

many fronts as they can.

Effectiveness
Antivirus is specifically designed to protect your

computer, so if it doesn’t do that well, what good is

it? All the features, bells and whistles, or sleek

interface can’t make up for poor performance. We look at

results from the industry-standard security software

testers and professional security organizations to find

the most effective software available and evaluate

overall effectiveness. In general, our highest ranked

programs are also the most effective.

Ease of Installation and Setup
Security software shouldn’t be a chore to install, and

should have you protected as soon as possible. From

download to install, to the first scan; implementing

antivirus software should be quick and easy.

Ease of Use
Antivirus software is complex stuff, but shouldn’t

require a degree in computer security. The best security

programs have all the features security experts want,

but are just as easily used by a beginner. Everyday

computer users want a security solution that they can

install and forget about; software that doesn’t require

constant maintenance or have annoying interruptions. The

best antivirus software is flexible enough to do exactly

what you want to (even if that means running by itself).

Features
A well-rounded feature set takes a security solution

from good to great. More than bells and whistles, added

features provide security, usability and performance

benefits.

Updates
Security software is only as good as its latest update.

Viruses are being identified and added to signature

databases all the time, so it’s important that your

virus definition list updates accordingly. Modern

antivirus software are equipped with automatic updates

that perform regularly enough that you get faster

updates that don’t slow down your system. The best

security providers even “push” updates to you as soon as

they’re available.

Help & Support
The best software doesn’t require reading an in-depth

manual to use, but still has one available. For specific

questions, troubleshooting, and additional help, the

best antivirus manufacturers provide superior product

support online and off. Additional support for software

may come in the form of assistance over the phone,

email, live chat, or through a number of additional

resources (knowledgebase, FAQs, tutorials).

A well-balanced antivirus solution is effective,

efficient, and easy to use. Combining all the right

features with a usable interface; our top antivirus

software choices deliver the best security and usability

without a serious investment in time, money, or system

resources.

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