It’s a good thing that information sharing online has become extremely convenient. But exposing your computer to viruses and making it vulnerable to malware is the downside of it, rendering your system nearly inoperable.
And however, smart and safe your online behavior is, there is no sure-shot way of fighting such attacks. Even the most trusted websites can turn your computer into a victim of malicious and system threatening software.
Thus, to work in a situation with compromised internet security, you need antivirus softwarethat recognizes and eradicates these havoc creators. But in the current generation of antivirus software, you need to check for the total AV review and take a lot more features and aspects into consideration.
Here are some reasonable questions you can ask the consultant before buying the best suitable antivirus software:
What Features Does the Antivirus Software Package Include?
The latest antivirus software packages protect your computer from a slew of threats. Some Virus Bulletin VB100 award-winning brands have a stronghold on malware detection, powered by AI, cloud technologies and endpoint antivirus detection. The feature list should include:
- Malware removal
- Spyware removal
- Web protection
- Phishing website blocking
- Real-time protection
- Adware removal
- VPN internet security
- Scheduled scans
- Password manager
While they offer top-level security with such features, ask if they will run full system scans to keep a tab on potential threats and your PC’s overall health. Confirm if you can view a well-formatted, concise report to know what issues your computer has and fix them instantly.
What Are the Additional Features the Antivirus Software Offers?
Though the software classifies as antivirus, it goes beyond just protecting your computer from viruses. The latest entrants offer an array of value-adds, including:
- Enhanced firewall
- Browser manager
- Identity protection
- Tune-up
- System booster
Check if these added features allow you to ensure remote management of Windows firewall with advanced tools and easy browsing history management. Also, enquire if you can improve your computer speed with optimization tools and keep your identity protected online and offline.
How Well Does the Antivirus Software Score On Independent Industry Antivirus Tests
There are independent companies that test the different antivirus software packages and award genuine performance scores.
The tests check how many simulated malware-attacks the antivirus detected and blocked. AV-Test, VirusBulletin and AV-comparatives are some of the well-known industry-standard tests; top brands mention their scores in their reviews.
Ask for these test scores; the best names will show you a high score, between 99.9-100%. You will also find them with a high star rating on Trustpilot, making them a top software vendor throughout the platform.
How Good is the Compatibility Factor
Top companies offer antivirus software packages compatible with Windows, iOS and Android.
When you speak to a specialist, ask them if the software will protect your iOS and Android devices, along with malware protection for your computer. Raise questions about their protection capabilities from malware, particularly for Android mobiles.
Is the Antivirus Software the Latest Version?
Typically, software updates ensure the suit detects new threats and knows how to fix them.
Enquire if the antivirus software is the recent version, updated with the latest features, both in the front and backend. Confirm if they use cloud technologies to run the software updates on a web-based tool, rather than downloading and running them on your PC, ensuring its speed is unperturbed.
Will the Antivirus Software Come with Reliable Technical Support and Responsive Customer Service?
If you are not tech-savvy, chances are you might face glitches while you proceed with software installations. You might need technical assistance from the company that made the software.
Moreover, your requirements won’t be limited to technical queries; you could have concerns regarding, say, your billing.
Ask the consultants about the offered customer support; check if they include a 24/7 phone and live chat support with a quick response to any issue. Ensure they present multiple contact options and easy access to information.
Does the Antivirus Software Offer Excellent Value for Money?
Some top-class antivirus software packages are free. Once the installation is complete, you can scan your computer for all types of threats, review the results, and protect your PC at zero cost. But for a bare minimum subscription, you can upgrade the package for higher protection.
Enquire about the features that the free and upgraded versions offer to check if they match your requirements. Also, check their subscription cycle and see if it’s worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
Ideally, no antivirus software can provide 100% protection for your computers and mobile devices. Luckily, some reputable brands offer superior protection from viruses, adware, malware and spyware in real-time. The ideal way to choose the best option is to check out online reviews of popular security platforms like total AV review and ask as many relevant questions as possible to reputable consultants before buying their antivirus software.
