A virus can reach a computer by downloading a corrupted software, entering a malicious link or plugging infected USB drives into the machine. Image Source: Computer Hoy

An antivirus is a must in any Windows system, and even when Mac and iOS are built to be protected from malicious software, they can be as vulnerable as Microsoft’s system.

Antivirus software, sometimes known as anti-malware, is used to prevent, detect and remove the malicious code on your computer. However, modern antivirus protects from the wide variety of harmful host that exist today.

Virus writers exploit security vulnerabilities to gain access to computer resources and to build back doors to secret information. Such codes include fraud tools, adware, spyware, browser hijackers and other various kinds of computer threats.

Most programs offer more adds and feature the more the user pays. Most premium protection offers background protection against all types of virus and spyware without any impact to the PC’s performance. They also offer startup and PC optimizations, threat or vulnerabilities analysis and detection, online bank protection, and online privacy. Firewall, antispam cloud, safe cloud, and data encryption are also included in most premium protection packages.

Furthermore, antivirus update regularly to keep up with its enemies.

What is a virus and what to do if a find one?

A computer virus is a malware that, when executed, it replicates itself into other programs by modifying them. Many times they run in the background and create various copies of the program in Windows registry folders, data files, boot sector or the hard drive.

When the replication is successful, the affected areas are “infected.” They may corrupt data, slow CPU loading times, display pop-up messages on the screen, access private information, and spam messages to other contacts or, in the worst cases, turning the computer useless.

A virus can reach a computer by downloading a corrupted software, entering a malicious link or plugging infected USB drives into the machine. Trojans and computer worms, also among the main threats, function alike.

Do not remove malicious software manually. If you reached a worrying state, it’s too late to download a protection software and you should resort to Windows Recovery options.

You can find the setting in the Control Panel -> Safety and Maintenance –> Recovery. The option will reset your system to the last saving point, thus erasing the virus. It takes no time and requires no further settings. You can also access the program through Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore.

The system makes automatic restore dates and later erases them when you create new ones. You can set how much space the PC reserves for producing different recovery data in configuration options.

Which antivirus should I use?

Antivirus program may work for mobile devices, desktop, and laptop. Most viruses target Windows, but Android OS for smartphones may also download this kind of software to protect private information.

On the top of the list of protection software, a position held for many years is Kaspersky Total Security. It is a premium, complete service, albeit you may prefer to visit the free software of the renown PC protection company.  They work for Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.

Following close as the best option for Mac is Bitdefender Antivirus. They offer different services for various prices, with the possibility to buy a single multi-platform package.

Licenses for a paid antivirus last one year. Thus, on the side of the free protection software, you may search for Avira Free Antivirus, while the best free option for Android and iOS is Avast.

Source: Techradar