Quick overview:
Flash infection: If you surf the Internet on a Windows computer without virus protection, you can catch the first virus after just a few seconds. And then you may have to reinstall your entire system. Up-to-date protection software is therefore a must. Microsoft has already integrated such an anti-virus program into the brand new Windows 8. Users of Windows 8 therefore no longer necessarily need to purchase extra virus protection if the Microsoft guard is sufficient.
Users with older Windows versions: watch out!
However, if you are running Windows XP, Vista or 7 on your computer, you will need a separate antivirus program. In addition to countless purchased programs, there are also many free virus protectors. The best known and most widespread are Avira Free Antivirus, AVG Anti-Virus Free, avast! Free Antivirus and Security Essentials from Microsoft. However, many of the free programs annoy the user with advertising that prompts them to buy programs from the respective manufacturer. This can be quite annoying in the long run.
In addition, tests carried out by specialist magazines regularly prove that although some free antivirus programs also offer reasonable protection against computer viruses, purchased programs generally perform better in the tests, as they stop significantly more malware than the free versions. And this can be of decisive importance in the event of a problem. In addition, not all free virus guards also work with behavior-based detection methods, which identify malware based on typical behavioral patterns and can thus also stop completely new viruses for which no virus signatures are yet available.
Free protection - useful or not?
Free protection programs are also regularly available on the DVDs of some computer magazines. However, these often contain the previous year's versions of the respective programs, so the software is not necessarily up to date. And the users of the magazine supplements usually do not receive a one-year license and have to request a new license key every few months in order to continue using the program.
The good news is that it doesn't cost the earth to buy the latest version of antivirus protection. It often comes in a package with its own firewall, which then replaces the Windows firewall. Advantage: All protection components can be set and managed via a standardized operating menu. Such package solutions from well-known manufacturers are usually available for just under 40 euros. It is even cheaper with special offers or discount vouchers, e.g. here.
Photo source: Pavel Ignatov - Fotolia
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