Your computer, laptop, or tablets are prone to damage or crash.
For this reason, you need to download and install antivirus software to keep your gadgets protected. While there is no assurance that your PC or gadgets will be secured, installing antivirus software is a good starting point.
But investing on antivirus programs can be expensive. The top selling internet software from companies like Norton and BitDefender are the best, their additional features makes them costly. There are free alternatives available in the market. There are potential risks but the savings can be quite considerable.
The Best PC Protection Is Free
Here is a list of the best antivirus programs, based from independent findings from AV-Test.org:
Windows Defender
Windows Defender comes pre-installed in computers running Windows 8. However, this is not the case with Windows 7, Vista, and XP although installing Microsoft Security Essentials will give your tablet or PC the same level of protection. In January 2013, Windows Defender detected 99 percent of known threats.
In terms of system performance, the Defender received 3.5/6 which is higher than the industry average. Although it will have an impact on the performance of your system, disabling Windows Defender will make your computer faster. Kind of strange but that’s the way it goes.
Avast
Avast is a third-party antivirus program that offers better security than Windows Defender. Avast Free Antivirus detected 99 percent of all known threats, which matches the industry average. In January 2013, it picked up 98% of unknown security threats and 100 percent the following month. It got a score of 5.5/6 in the aspect of protection.
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
AVG can be comparable with Avast in terms of providing your PC and gadgets with the protection it needs. In the two months it was tested, it detected 99 percent of all known threats which is the industry average. A critical finding is that it detected 98 percent and 100 percent of all unknown threats. In terms of system performance, it received a decent 4.5/6 which makes it ideal for underperforming PCs.
Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall
Another antivirus program suitable for low powered PCs is Zone Alarm Free Antivirus + Firewall. During the January and February 2013 tests, it detected 99 and 100 percent of all known threats but only discovered 91 and 93 percent of zero day threats. This is less than the industry average of 95 percent. But in terms of system performance, Zone Alarm received 4.5/6.
Panda Security Cloud Antivirus FREE
Panda Cloud Antivirus Free offers all round solid protection for your PC and gadgets. During the test conducted in January and February 2013, it found 100 percent of all known threats but picked up only 95 and 94 percent of zero day threats in the two months of testing.
However, it got a high usability score failing to generate false positives and received a decent 4/6 in system performance.
Getting Added Protection
Other free antivirus programs in the market today provide additional layers of security. Aside from free antivirus installation, you can also consider anti-malware and cleaning programs. But do evaluate if your company really needs it.
The bottom line is that your laptop, PC, or tablet may be susceptible to virus attacks so installing free antivirus programs may help enhance its performance.
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