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Antivirus software and computer security suites vary in performance, cost, and types of protection. To ensure accurate comparisons, make sure the programs you compare are of an equivalent type. Recommendations from peers and reviews should play a prominent role, and cost is often a deciding factor. Standalone programs tend to approach computer security from a response standpoint, while comprehensive protection suites typically try to prevent infection from the start.
Antivirus software and computer security suites vary in performance, system resource usage, cost, and types of protection. Attempting to compare antivirus software can quickly become confusing, especially in light of the different features and benefits of each utility. To ensure accurate comparisons, make sure the programs you compare are of an equivalent type. For example, comparing a standalone computer security program to a computer security suite, the suite will naturally seem more robust and feature-rich. The comparison should also include reviews from reliable sources, such as friends, colleagues, and reputable trade publications, as well as cost comparisons.
Before you start comparing antivirus software, your first step should be to categorize your options into standalone programs and comprehensive protection suites. Computer security suites typically offer additional features and programs, such as infection removal tools or extension applications for e-mail programs and Internet browsers. Most security suites typically try to prevent your computer from being infected from the start. By blocking or warning users of potential risks such as suspicious code, expired security certificates, or other warning signs, the idea is that users can avoid or deter infection.
Standalone programs, on the other hand, tend to approach computer security from a response, rather than a prevention, standpoint. These programs usually, though not always, scan for known malware, spyware, scareware, and other malicious software. Often, these programs scan what is already on your computer’s main hard drive or scan your downloads for known threats. Independent programs, especially those from companies that also offer comprehensive protection suites, may include the removal of viruses, trojans, or other malware once they are found.
Recommendations from peers, information technology (IT) professionals, and trade publications are an excellent source of information for people looking to compare antivirus software. Often, these sources contain valuable information beyond what is published in marketing materials for various options. Information such as personal experience, the use of system resources that can affect computer performance and reliability is usually only available from such sources. Therefore, when comparing antivirus software, reviews should play a prominent role. One bad review can change your perspective on two otherwise identical solutions.
Cost, as is the case with any product or service, is also a factor when comparing antivirus software. There are a number of free programs and utilities available, in addition to purchased solutions, so cost is often a factor in the comparison results. Judging the perceived value and usefulness of a particular piece of software is directly related to its cost, in the eyes of the consumer. The cost issue isn’t always related to available features and reliability, so when all other features and benefits are equal, cost often becomes the deciding factor.
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