Antivirus and antispyware protection is essential for Windows users, with most programs incorporating both. Choose a reputable program tested by independent labs. Freeware can offer good protection, but paid programs come with additional features and customer support. Run monthly on-demand scans and consider using a secondary scanner. Linux systems are rarely targeted by malware, but portable distributions can be used for sensitive tasks. Download from reputable sources and consider boot scanners for added protection.
With rare exceptions, the malware is designed to target Microsoft® operating systems, making virus and spyware protection a must for Windows® users. Today, most antivirus programs also incorporate antispyware, eliminating the need for two separate programs. Since it is not recommended to have more than one antivirus program running at the same time, choosing a powerful program from a reputable company that performs well is essential. When considering virus and spyware protection, consider only software that has been tested by an independent lab and download it from the source site.
There are several organizations that conduct independent laboratory tests of virus and spyware protection programs. Some of the tests include:
Detection of known malware contained in the program database
Detection of zero-day or new malware based on behavior
Detection of rootkits, keyloggers, bots and adware
Preventing the execution or execution of malware
Efficiency in malware removal and repair
Frequency of false positives
Interface usability
System overload
Scan speed
One of the most respected independent test labs for virus and spyware protection is AV-Test GmbH. The results are posted regularly on the website and various other sites. This is a great starting point, to get an idea of the best antivirus and antispyware protection programs currently available. When comparing results from different labs, it is important to compare the same version of the program tested on the same operating system (OS). Due to methodology and other factors, it is not uncommon for a program to receive a different overall rating from different labs.
Of the top five virus and spyware protection programs at any given time, typically one or more are freeware. Most freeware programs don’t offer the same level of customer support as their paid cousins, but when valued at their best, they’ll offer good protection. Since malware can be disguised as antivirus or antispyware programs, consider only highly recommended and reputable freeware that has been independently tested by reputed labs and download from the site of origin.
Shareware or paid-for virus and spyware protection programs typically come with an annual renewal fee, and many offer toll-free customer service, online chat, and email support. Top-tier Internet security suites are often bundled with additional features and modules, such as a firewall, parental controls, and advanced methods for safeguarding personal information. This can be a good option for someone who is not computer savvy or who doesn’t have the time or interest to research and manually select individual freeware programs.
Any top-notch program tested by AV-Test GmbH or equivalent will have everything you need for good virus and spyware protection. This includes a real-time scanner for known and unknown malware; a program that can detect rootkits, bots and keyloggers; and the ability to block or remove offending files. The program should also scan incoming and outgoing mail, secure ports, and prevent your browser from loading a phishing site. An on-demand scanner will be available by right-clicking a file or by viewing the program’s graphical user interface (GUI).
Even with top-notch virus and spyware protection, it is highly recommended that you run a monthly on-demand scan of your computer. No program can guarantee 100% effectiveness all the time, and a suitable virus could pass through a real-time scanner. To be extra safe, some people prefer to use an on-demand secondary virus and spyware protection program, temporarily closing the main program to run the secondary scanner. Running two or more virus and spyware scanners in sequence reduces the chance that viruses or spyware will not be detected. The above caveat applies, however, to avoid running more than one program at the same time.
Once the Windows® operating system starts, some system files and processes are locked down and cannot be scanned. Especially desirable is a virus and spyware protection program that incorporates an optional boot scanner. The boot scanner can be manually set to run on reboot or next boot, potentially detecting malware hiding among otherwise blocked processes.
Linux® operating systems are free and rarely targeted by malware. While it’s not always possible to switch to Linux in bulk, highly sensitive online tasks such as banking can be performed from a portable Linux® operating system running on a memory stick. The same common sense rules apply; users should look for a reputable and popular distribution (called a “distro”) and download it from the source site to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with. Linux® dedicated websites provide information on how to install a portable distribution on a memory stick and make it bootable. However, this additional, optional security measure is best suited to those with some computer experience.
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