Antivirus

What is Antivirus Software?

Antivirus software is a program that prevents, scans, detects, and removes computer viruses. Most antivirus software runs automatically in the background after installation, providing real-time protection against virus attacks.

Why Do I Need Antivirus Software?

Antivirus products prevent malware from damaging your device by detecting, isolating, and removing malicious code. Modern antivirus products automatically update to protect against the latest viruses and other types of malware.

What Types of Antivirus Software Are There?

There are several types of antivirus software, including spyware scanners, machine learning antivirus, database antivirus, malware removal tools, email antivirus software, real-time antivirus, on-demand antivirus, heuristic antivirus, internet security suites, and portable antivirus software.

What Happens If I Don’t Have Antivirus Software?

Antivirus software helps protect computers, networks, and internet-connected devices from various types of malware. Hackers use Trojans, adware, spyware, and ransomware to attack devices and online accounts, which can compromise your data privacy and expose you to the risk of hacking and identity theft.

What’s the Difference Between a Firewall and Antivirus Software?

A firewall acts as a barrier to block unauthorized access to a network or system, while antivirus software detects and removes malicious software from your device. Both are critical for comprehensive security as they address different threats and vulnerabilities.

What’s the Difference Between Free and Paid Antivirus Software?

Free antivirus software only provides essential protection, while paid antivirus software includes many advanced features to offer comprehensive security for your PC against all types of viruses and other online threats.

What Version of Antivirus Software Do I Have?

Press the Windows key + R to open the “Run” dialog, then type “msinfo32” and press Enter. In the “System Information” window, navigate to “Software Environment” and click on “Antivirus Status” to view the version of Windows Defender.

Common Antivirus Software:

Popular antivirus software includes Bitdefender, Avast, Norton, Kaspersky, and McAfee, each offering unique security features.

How to Check Antivirus Version in Windows:

1. Click the Start icon on the taskbar, then click Settings.
2. Select Privacy & Security, then click Windows Security.
3. Click Virus & Threat Protection.

Under Virus & Threat Protection, it will display the currently installed antivirus software on your computer.