If there is one subject that every computer user, no matter what their level of technical expertise, needs to be aware of, it is how to protect their computer from the damage a virus can bring. As computers become more and more integral to our lives, the importance of virus protection will only grow.
The fact is that every computer is vulnerable to viruses, from the smallest home computer to the largest business computer network. If you use a computer you need virus protection – it is that simple. Unfortunately, many people fail to take this important security step, and that means that there are probably hundreds of thousands of computers running with no virus protection whatsoever.
Importance of a Firewall and Antivirus Software
Computer security is an integral part of maintaining security in your life and in your work. An intruder able to break into your computer may find access to some very secure information including passwords, bank account information, and social security numbers. Thankfully, most computers have can be protected by installing a firewall and antivirus software.
Firewall
The firewall protects computers from unauthorized users by carefully checking all messages on the Internet. Firewall techniques include the packet filter, application gateway, circuit level gateway and proxy server, all of which screen potential users for damaging behaviors. The packet filter, for example, looks closely at each packet using the network to determine if it is safe or unsafe, accepting or rejecting each packet. Application gateway screens FTP and Telnet servers, and circuit-level gateway searches TCP and UDP connections. Both block the servers and connections that may not be safe. Finally, the proxy server hides the network address–which when the address is known can allow criminals to hack your computer. Hiding the network address thereby protects your computer from possible harm.
Antivirus Software
Another important security software, antivirus software, protects the computer from viruses. Although the firewall can decrease susceptibility to internet communications, some viruses may still be able to sneak through. For this reason, antivirus software is an important part of the security package. Working by blocking known viruses and variations of known viruses, antivirus software protects the computer from attack.Also able to test packets for viruses by running them through a sandbox, the antivirus tests can determine if a packet leans toward harmful activities. Viruses, however, are ever-changing, and software updates and add-ons may be continuously necessary for complete virus control.
Together, a firewall and antivirus software can block intruders, test packets, deter viruses and protect your computer from cyber criminals, safeguarding your computer and your information.
The Top Ten Antivirus Software
With so many antivirus software programs that sprang up nowadays, we’ve compiled them for an easier and reliable guide that can help your computer safe against viruses and other malicious software. These top ten antivirus programs are capable of protecting your computer from dangerous virus, spyware, trojans and other forms of malware. Also, these are fully compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. Some of these are also compatible with MAC operating system and mobile devices.
#1 BitDefender Antivirus
BitDefender offers top of the line antivirus software for desktop computers, notebooks, MAC computers and mobile devices and that's why it is the #1 antivirus in our top ten antivirus list. BitDefender Antivirus 2012 is one among the most recommended software for home and small business computers. The antivirus uses advanced technology algorithms and methods to identify security risks and blocks threats even before they try to harm your computer. It is used by millions of computer users worldwide and also, the price of the antivirus software is quite affordable. This is the reason it is the #1 antivirus in our top ten antivirus ranking.
Advanced Features:
The BitDefender Antivirus offers these advanced proactive protection features:•
Antivirus software protects against known and new viruses and other malware using industry-leading technology.
The real-time scanning feature constantly scans web, email and instant messenger activity to keep your computer safe.
Protects against harmful spyware by blocking spyware software that try to track your surfing habits.
Guard your instant messaging conversations by providing real-time scanning while you are chating with your friends.
The new version has improved speed and shorter scans, without affecting system performance.
Free email, chat, phone and forum support.
Specialized tech support over the phone for free.
#2 Vipre Antivirus
Vipre Antivirus 2012 is the latest version of the award-winning fast Vipre antivirus. Just like ESET, Vipre offers a fast antivirus software for home computers and home office computer users. Their software provides maximum protection while staying easy on system resources, it does not slow down the computer while scanning and/or updating definitions. Also, a great feature of their antivirus software is the Malware Detection which constantly checks your computer and while you browse or navigate over the internet. If Vipre finds any harmful website links, it flags them to inform the user of the potential risks involved. Users can then avoid harmful websites and web pages to keep themselves safe. Vipre antivirus 2012 is power packed with amazing features and we concluded that Vipre takes the #2 spot in our top ten antivirus programs list.
Advanced Features:
Vipre Antivirus advanced features:•
High speed scanning performance with NEW enhanced virus scanner.•
Powerful Malware Detector that keeps scanning computer and web pages and informs you of the potential risks before you click a bad link.•
Malware Detector applies safety ratings to your Google, Bing/MSN and Yahoo search results•
Constant updates to ensure that your Vipre antivirus software is updated with latest virus definitions.• Silent, quick updates in the background, without disturbing you and without getting in your way.•
VIPRE's all-new anti-rootkit technology finds and disables malicious hidden processes, threats, modules, services, files, Alternate Data Streams (ADS), or registry keys on a user's system.
#3 Perfect Antivirus
Raxco Software, makers of the award-winning PerfectDisk disk defrag and optimization tool, introduced PerfectAntivirus 2012 this year. With the never-ending threat of viruses, malware and spyware posed to all Web users, this utility is a welcome addition to Raxco’s tool set for novice users, power users, gamers, photographers and videographers. The security program provides all-round protection from the massive amount of online threats. PerfectAntivirus checks for missing or outdated security software as well as potentially unsafe system settings and monitors the behavior of system processes to detect new and unknown viruses. Because of these robust features, PerfectAntivirus takes the #3 spot in our top ten antivirus ratings.
Advanced Features:
Perfect Antivirus advanced features:•
Free PerfectDisk Home Premium included!•
Protects against viruses and spyware.•
Stops phishing attempts at identity theft.•
Screens and filters Facebook and Twitter links.•
Warns you of malicious websites.•
Won't interrupt full-speed PC performance.•
Operates hassle-free with Autopilot.•
Free technical phone and email support.
#4 Kaspersky Antivirus
Kaspersky Antivirus 2012 is well known for fast performance and amazing security capabilities. The software is said to be one among the fastest antivirus software that does not slow down the computer at all. Also, it provides maximum protection against virus and other forms of threat, online and/or offline. Fully compatible with Windows 7, Kaspersky provides security software for home computers, business computers and enterprises. Also, Kaspersky provides antivirus software for desktops, notebooks, mac computers and mobile devices. Kaspersky provides the best antivirus software for business computers and our chosen best enterprise antivirus software. If you are looking for best antivirus software for business computers or for enterprises, Kaspersky is the software for you. Based on our analysis, Kaspersky ranks at #4 in our top ten antivirus list.
Advanced Features:
Kaspersky Antivirus offers the following key technologies:•
Real-time scanning of internet activity, emails, instant messaging and any other activity.•
Improved identity theft protection system that protects you from spyware that can track your activities.• Constantly scanning web pages you visit and disabling links that lead to malicious websites.•
Self-protection from malware and protection hijacking of your computer.•
Next generation proactive protection from zero-day attacks and unknown threats•
Free email, phone and chat support from Kaspersky's skilled tech team.
#5 Norton Antivirus
Norton by Symantec, is a pioneer in the computer security industry since years. Norton Antivirus 2012 is an improved version of the award winning antivirus software. Norton is constantly working to add features to their antivirus software to help you protect your computer from harmful viruses and malicious codes. The 2012 version is an improved version of their leading antivirus software. Norton Antivirus is the best antivirus for your desktop, notebook and mobile devices. It is fully tested to work with different operating systems and also compatible with the latest Windows 7 operating system. This is the reason it is the #5 antivirus in our top ten antivirus analysis.
Advanced Features:
One year subscription of Norton Antivirus includes:•
Antivirus and antispyware protection for your computer.• Protection against dangerous bots while surfing the web.•
Top features like anti-rootkit, Norton pulse updates and more.•
New Norton download insight to keep you safe from downloading infected files.•
New Norton file insight gives you information about origination files on your computer.•
New Norton threat insight tells you all about how successfully Norton controlled threats present on your computer.•
New Norton system insight tells you all about whats happening on your computer.•
Norton Antivirus is a power packed software to keep your computer completely safe against old and new threats•
Free email and phone support. Free online antivirus guides and information about latest threats.
#6 ESET Nod32 Antivirus 5
ESET Nod32 Antivirus is popular and well known for fast performance. ESET offers the most efficient antivirus software that does not slow down your computer. ESET has won many awards for providing a security solution which is not only fast but also robust. The leading technology used in their security software makes their antivirus one of the most promising antivirus software for Windows and MAC, desktops, notebooks and mobile devices. ESET provides the world's fastest and most effective proactive antivirus and antispyware protection for your home computer and hence it is our chosen #6 in our list of top ten antivirus software. ESET has received certifications from ICSA Labs, Virus Bulletin, AV-Comparatives, West Coast Labs, OPSWAT and more.
Advanced Features:The latest version ESET Nod32 Antivirus 5 offers:•
ESET offers the world's fastest and most effective proactive antivirus and antispyware protection for your computer.•
Fast, light and unobtrusive software protects your Internet experience without annoying system slowdowns.• ESET's smart scanner scans SSL-encrypted communication channels like HTTPS and POP3S and finds hidden threats.•
It scans in real-time the internet activity, email and instant messaging communication, mobile device communication and provides robust removable media security.•
ESET SysInspector and ESET SysRescue simplify diagnosing and cleaning of infected systems by allowing deep scans of system processes.•
The most efficient antivirus, fast updates, fast scanning and best antivirus for gamers and gaming computers• Free online antivirus guides. Free email, chat and phone support.
#7 F-Secure Antivirus
F-Secure is a well known entity in the PC security world and mobile security world. With years of experience in the security industry, F-secure offers a unique hi-tech antivirus software to protect your computer against the most harmful viruses and spyware. Like ESET and Vipre, their antivirus software is fast and does not slow down your PC while actively scanning. Their powerful DeepGuard cloud computing technology ensures the fastest protection against new threats. Also, the F-Secure antivirus 2012 can be configured in your native language easily. As per our review, this is why it is at #7 in our top ten antivirus ratings.
Advanced Features:
F-Secure Antivirus features:•
Protects your computer against viruses, worms and other malware.•
Detects and removes spyware, trojans, malware and malicious codes from your computer.•
DeepGuard cloud computing technology ensures that none of the new or unknown threats can harm your computer.•
Easy to install and very easy to configure. You can even configure it in your own language.•
Real-time scanning and monitoring of usage activity and blocking of viruses, spyware and other malware in real-time.
#8 TrendMicro Titanium Antivirus
TrendMicro is a well known name in the computer security industry and offers leading antivirus software solution for home and home office users, small business computers, medium business computers and enterprises. For home and home office users, TrendMicro offers one complete security package that includes award-winning antivirus software, antispyware, protection from phishing websites, firewall and more. What makes TrendMicro software special is that apart from the advanced internet security, it also includes PC performance optimizer and data protection by offering 2GB online storage space. TrendMicro offers different packages for home users: TrendMicro Titanium Antivirus and TrendMicro Titanium Internet Security, these are the recent 2012 versions of their security. TrendMicro takes the #8 spot in our top ten antivirus ratings.
Advanced Features:
TrendMicro Titanium Antivirus features:•
Prevent unauthorized changes to your applications, helps reducing virus infections.•
Stops malicious downloads from internet and mobile devices attached to your computer system.•
Blocks your access to harmful, infected and phishing websites that may harm your computer.•
Protect your children from accessing objectionable websites and limit internet usage time.•
Protect your personal information from identity theft with encryption, shop safely over the internet without risking your sensitive information.•
Complete protection from malicious links and downloads on instant messenger.•
Free 2GB online storage to store your critical data on TrendMicro's secure online website.•
Specialized technical support staff ready to support through email, chat and phone.
#9 Zonealarm Antivirus
ZoneAlarm is operated by the popular CheckPoint Software Technologies Ltd.Checkpoint is a well known entity in the business and data security world. They have constantly developed solutions for businesses and enterprises. The same technology is used in their antivirus software for home and small business users, which means, you get a business class antivirus software for your home computer. ZoneAlarm Antivirus 2012 scans, detects and removes viruses, spyware, trojans, worms, bots and other malicious codes that may be harmful to your computer. The 2012 version is an improved version which is much faster and more secure than it's previous versions. The antivirus software is equipped with Firewall, OS Antispyware and anti-phishing engine. It is a one complete security solution for your PC. Based on our review, ZoneAlarm is at #9 in our top ten antivirus reviews.
Advanced Features:
Zonealarm Antivirus features:• Advanced download protection to minimize the chances of virus infection through downloads from the internet or attached media.•
Unified scan engine that offers superior detection and removes harmful viruses, spyware, trojans and more.• Two-way Firewall to monitor all the incoming and outgoing activity on your computer system.•
OSFirewall to monitor changes within the system files on your computer, minimizing changes due to infection.• Anti-phishing and site status engine to block harmful and fraudulent websites that steal information.• Advanced auto-learn system that configures the antivirus software to work according to your behavior.
#10 McAfee Antivirus Plus
McAfee is one among the oldest and most experienced company in the computer security industry. McAfee offers an award winning antivirus software, power packed with advanced features and technology that's nothing less than a pioneer in the antivirus world. McAfee's Antivirus 2012 is an improved version and much faster as compared to it's predecessors. With thousands of new viruses created every day, relying on traditional security updates isn't enough anymore. That's where the McAfee Active Protection technology plays a vital role. Although McAfee antivirus is a little slow as compared to other antivirus software, but still it is a robust security software for desktops and notebooks and hence takes the #10 place in our top ten antivirus list.
Advanced Features:
The McAfee Antivirus offers:• McAfee Active Protection technology analyzes and blocks new and emerging threats in milliseconds.•
Completely re-engineered fast antivirus software that does not slow down your computer system.• Remarkable growth in performance, the new 2012 version is 8 times faster than its older versions.•
Easier installation, configuration and better screens to give you all the information in just a glance.• Refined alerts and shorter scans to protect your PC without any delay from harmful viruses and malicious codes on the internet.•
Better protection against phishing, infected and dangerous websites that may harm your computer.
Source: www.toptenantivirus2012.com
Virus protection is can be considered the most important aspect of computer ownership. No matter what you use your computer for, or how much it cost, it is vital to use some sort of virus protection to protect your valuable information from damage and theft. A lot of hackers, virus writers and suspicious malware creators were organizing out there – increasingly good at fooling computer users and can have the bragging rights to break in your so-called secure systems. That means that it is more important than ever to establish strong virus protection before ever hooking your new computer up to the internet.
Also, no matter what type of virus protection you use, however, it is vital to keep it updated. Most virus protection software allows users to schedule the antivirus signature updates to download and install automatically. This is important, since it is easy to forget to update the software, and an out of date virus protection software package is virtually worthless.
There are certainly many reasons to keep your virus software up to date, and to keep your computer protected. With so much personal and confidential information kept on the average personal computer, it is absolutely vital for every computer user to keep their private information out of the wrong hands, and strong virus protection is a cornerstone of that process.
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