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.
John
Wright is a Computer Consultant who has been successfully removing malware from
personal and business computers for several years. Visit http://www.johnscomputerconsulting.com to
ask questions and learn more.
Article
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