When you’re getting paid or free antivirus software for your computer, you search for top 10 lists and see if the program you’re eyeing is included. You might change your mind and just pick the software that’s heralded as the number one in the most number of lists.
You should be aware that these top 10 or top 5 lists on the internet could be paid by software companies to rank their product higher. So you should only trust reviews from established websites and independent computer security groups. Sometimes, you also depend on the bundled antivirus software that came for free when you bought your laptop or desktop.
These popular antivirus programs may be excellent in getting rid of viruses, but should this be the only factor you should consider? Here are 3 other features that you should look for in antivirus programs, so that you’ll have a great overall experience on top of security:
Spyware detection
Most antivirus software are only focused on detecting viruses, but in the world where web surfing is a part of the daily use of computers, there should also be protection against malicious websites that could install programs and then track your keystrokes, store your personal information and then send it to the author. Adware is also a nuisance that should be handled by your antivirus software, especially when you’re sharing a computer with your children – as common adware contain pornographic images that could entice adult users into their websites.
Heuristic Analysis
Dictionary-based scanning is the method most free antivirus programs employ. When scanning, they match files in your computer to the viruses in their dictionary. This is a very accurate way of identifying viruses, but a problem arises when a new virus is unleashed – there’s no entry in the virus dictionary that will protect your computer. So with heuristic analysis, it’s the behavior of the virus that’s the main basis, and if a program in your computer exhibit actions of a virus, your software will act into action.