Whats The Difference: Anti-Virus Protection

 

The main woes of Windows Users, Viruses & Malware (which are different). They can do anything from create pop ups for advertisements to changing all of your files into virus files secretly so that everything you click replicates and runs it to steal personal info from you to send to a third party until it eventually corrupts and crashes your entire computer... Sucks huh? Well Anti-Virus is something you HAVE to have, not something you Might need unless you are skilled enough to repair your own PC. Otherwise average Virus removal (if its even possible) cost topples the $200 mark and will typically leave you without your PC for at least 48hrs. Since Anti-Virus only runs $40 - 80 a year, its safe to say that Prevention is cheaper than the cure. Let's go over the main differences of what you will see available in retail Locations.

 

Anti-Virus: $40 per year (1 User)

One way Protection of malware being downloaded to the computer via Internet, internal Network, CD/DVD and/or USB.

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Internet Security: $70 per year (3 user)

Includes all Anti-Virus protection but adds two-way identity theft protection for those doing secure websites such as online banking, shopping and even secure, Password protected logins like Business servers, Social Networking sites etc. etc. etc.

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Total Protection: $99 (3 User)

Anti-virus + Internet Security + Online remote backup (size varies between companies) and typically tune up tools built in to keep your computer running at peak efficiency which is usually included in Annual Tune Ups costing $70-99 a year.

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Now the name brand of the Anti Viruses/Malware Protection program you decide to get will provide you slight differences in install time and interface/usability but when purchasing within a retail location the likewise categories will have similar protection levels. Once you set it up properly there is nothing you will need to do besides read any pop up messages when it requires your input.

If you are relying on a free antivirus programs (Avast and AVG being the most popular) keep in mind two crucial things you will be sacrificing.

 

Technical Support

You are not entitled to any customer service because in all reality, you are not a customer. You are a Cyber Guinea pig testing new products/features for a company in exchange for free software. Your computer is simply a test subject to compile data to help improve the paid versions of the companies software.

Real Time Updates

Free programs will not allow you to clog up their severs getting the newest updates so they will be restricted on how often they do so automatically (usually once a day vs. the Up-to-the-Minute Paid service).

 

Those will be the two main differences but there will a ton more in programming expertise, amount of digital signatures known to protect from, compatibility with windows and also with various manufacturers. Incorrect programming could literally stop functionality to the hardware of your machine.

Bottom Line, you get what you pay for. Don't skimp to save what amounts to $0.11 a day on what will cost you at least $200 to fix. It really isn't worth it. If you absolutely CANNOT afford it, use AVG and make sure you only use your credit/debit cards on sites you know are legit (that's means no exclusive Jordan's and Fake designer handbags from over seas).

 

Hope this helps you out, For additional Tech Support including Anti-Virus Install and Virus Removal feel free to hit me up for moderate remote and ship-to fees on Hardware & Software.

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