Free Anti-Virus Software Really Ain't Free

The lure of free anti-virus software is powerful. Many companies such as Norton and McAfee offer free versions of their pro products, but AVG was the first to offer a free version of their software over 10 years ago. The software can be free indefinitely or free for only a trial period, often lasting 14 to 30 days. These free versions are generally stripped down and limited in features and options. In the case of 14 or 30 day trial software, you have access to all the options and features for the duration of the trial. After that, the software is downgraded.

Free anti-virus software looks like a real bargain. In fact, I'm willing to bet that many of you are using it right now. However, it is advisable that you switch to a paid version. There is a hidden cost to using such software. Before we examine the hidden cost I'm going to list those features that are commonly reserved for paying customers:

• Link checking
• Email protection
• Personal data protection
• Automatic and frequent updates
• Complete and timely tech support
• Automatic scanning for threats
• Automatic scanning of removable storage

The above list is a composite list. I examined many of the leading anti-virus software maker's websites to generate that list so be aware that your options may vary. Now, let's examine the list in detail.

Link Checking

Pro anti-virus software interrogates each webpage before it loads in your browser. If it discovers suspect code it stops the page from opening. Free versions often leave you to fend for yourself.

Email Protection

Link checking also takes place in your inbox. Links in emails are scanned for malicious content, and built-in email rules stop virii from ever reaching your inbox. Free versions don't perform thorough email protection, potentially leaving a hole in your protection.

Personal Data Protection

Cybercriminals make money by stealing and selling your personal data. Many free anti-virus software will only provide limited protection, where pro versions provide users with proactive protection by blocking unauthorized outside connections to your computer.

Automatic and Frequent Updates

Pro versions of anti-virus software update several times per day, even up to once (or more) per hour. Free versions either require you to manually perform the updates or updates are performed automatically but infrequently. You are less protected that way, and the downloads are quite large resulting in long waits.

Timely Tech Support

Pro versions offer you telephone support, or at least a response via email that is measured in hours, not days. If you are using the free version, you'll still get help. Just not right away, and you may have to visit a forum to get answers.

Automatic Scanning for Threats

Anti-virus software should sit in the background and watch over your shoulder as you work, much like a bodyguard. Just as a bodyguard will spring into action even before you realize there is danger, your antivirus software should neutralize threats as soon as they are found. Free versions require you to manually start the scans - you aren't constantly protected.

Automatic Scanning of Removable Storage

Attacks can come from anywhere. Flash drives are those little dongles that have taken the place of 3.5" floppies and are used to carry data from one computer to another. Pro versions of anti-virus software will begin a scan as soon as a flash drive is inserted into the computer, looking for any harmful software and stopping it in its tracks. Free versions require you to manually scan the flash drive. Forgetting to manually start a scan could lead to your computer getting infected.

Free anti-virus software has a hidden cost and it is expensive once you add it up. Firstly, many of the free versions just aren't as robust and feature filled as the pro versions, leaving you without comprehensive protection. Secondly, you have to invest a lot more time into the free versions, doing chores such as:

• Manually scanning for threats as you work on the web throughout the day
• Remembering to update the database several times, daily
• Searching for your own answers, or waiting for email replies while malicious software is infecting your computer
• Scanning those portable flash drives that can also carry harmful code

Forgetting to do any of the above chores could potentially leave you open and vulnerable to attack. It is advisable that you switch to a paid version of anti-virus software to protect yourself and your sensitive data from online threats.

Your Business Needs Antivirus

Have you long been wondering whether your network is safe or not? Well, the fact of the matter is that with the passage of time, hackers have also taken on sophisticated approaches. This deems it all the more necessary for you to make use of antivirus software to keep your business computers protected against external harm. With the recent viruses such as Cryptolocker and Cryptowall costing businesses millions of dollars the need for business security has never been more important and should be at the forefront of business owner's thoughts.

There are many different forms that viruses tend to take. There are those that work by infiltrating your computer so as to disrupt its operating systems. Although these viruses are more so harmless, the disruption that they cause by corrupting files has the tendency to lead to substantial down-time. This results in reduction in productivity, leading to major loss in terms of time and money.

There remains the fact that online crimes, particularly identity theft is on the rise. For this reason, hackers are prone to the utilization of spyware to acquire as much information about you as possible. This is basically an attempt to acquire your passwords, along with your financial and personal information. For a business, such a breach of security can turn out to be a major issue in the long run. This additionally has the potential to have sensitive business information leaked out. This is inclusive of trade secrets, customer listings and even pricing. This sensitive information can then be used for malicious intents, thereby bringing disrepute to your business - something that you simply cannot afford.

Which antivirus should I use?

There are countless anti-virus software currently available. However, not all of them offer the sort of security, and anti-spam features that businesses should acquire. So, which antivirus for business should you use? Well, amongst the myriads of antivirus available these days, the best is AVG for business. When you go through the latest antivirus reviews, you are bound to learn about the endless benefits that AVG has to offer for your business - adequate security, ample spam prevention, and extravagant hacking protection - AVG offers it all.

However, the one thing that you need to bear in mind is that the mere installation of antivirus software onto your business computer isn't going to deliver any benefits as such. For this reason, it is extremely important for you to make sure that the antivirus software is updated on a regular basis, and that it is used for virus detection purposes every now and then. Generally speaking, it is best for you to formulate a regular schedule for this purpose. This way, your business computers are going too protected against any and all new threats that they are susceptible to.

The impact of cloud computing for business on security

Things have changed rather significantly in the business world with the introduction of cloud computing. Now, securing physical devices is not as important as security browsing activities, virtual identities and personal data. While we are at it, there are also handheld devices, because of which, securing online interactions is a whole lot more important these days.

As a business, you entrust highly confidential data to the cloud via your chosen business cloud service, so you don't really need to be worried about direct threats to devices. You basically need to be focused on preventing your personal data or identities from being compromised upon. This is because any weakness in your business security system is going to make you vulnerable to hackers. So, while you keep your devices protected by a top quality antivirus for business, make sure that you also keep your online interactions safe. If you require more information or are looking to setup antivirus software for your business contact your local IT services company or local tech support guy.

Contact your local IT support company to learn how you can benefit from local IT services and antivirus.