One prominent company, Lavasoft, has created a unique antivirus software program called Ad-Aware Pro Internet Security 9.0. It is extremely easy to use and installs like a charm. As with most antivirus programs, you have the option of buying a license for up to three years. What you should know is that software of this type becomes outdated very quickly. If you do a lot of banking online, or other activities that require security, Ad-Aware can help you do this immediately and with privacy. Identity thieves that use spyware, viruses, or Trojans will definitely find it difficult to access your information. Malware is another type of invading software that could be on your computer - this antivirus protection will stop it dead in its tracks. Any Windows system can use Ad-Aware Pro and get the full protection of this prominent antivirus software.
VirusTotal is an online virus scanner that allows you to submit files online or through email to make sure they are safe. You can even submit files in bulk in case you want to have a group of files looked at. This is a free service that is constantly updating its antivirus and anti-malware capabilities. Although this is a useful tool to have at your disposal, it should not be considered a substitute for antivirus software that you've installed on your computer. It's best used as a backup tool, or to analyze a specific file. It can be an effective and convenient way to check out a file before opening or downloading it. For the most complete protection, however, it's best to also have a high quality antivirus program installed in your computer as well.
Before choosing antivirus software, you have to consider what kind of computer user you are. If you spend a lot of time playing online games, for example, you have to be extra careful about any threats that might arise in this environment. Not all security programs are equipped to deal effectively with this. Some gamers turn off their antivirus program when they play, which leaves them open to Cyber threats that specifically target them. Certain softwares, however, can operate while you're gaming without disrupting you in any way.
If you have kids, you may want a program that has parental controls as part of its offerings. If you're using an older computer, you have to be sure that the antivirus software you use is able to support your operating system. In short, you don't just want to buy the best overall antivirus software; you want the one that's appropriate for you.
Antivirus software is something that many people don't think about until they have a problem, and then it's often too late. Security threats online are more than an annoyance. In some cases, malicious software can destroy valuable information on your computer or even steal your identity. That's why choosing the best antivirus solutions of 2012 is something you should think carefully about.