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I have used Free antivirus for 5 Years and this is what I have learned!

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If you regularly use the Internet, then you run the risk of contracting malware, a virus, or another awkward computer program. Like viruses that infect humans, the variety of computers can come unexpectedly from unknown sources and have devastating effects.

Fortunately, there is a simple “vaccine” to protect against Internet-borne malware: antivirus software. Although you may already be familiar with antivirus software, you may not know that you don’t have to pay to get it.

When you bought your computer, there was probably an antivirus program installed and a “free trial” for regular program updates. After this free trial expired, your protection did the same. And since virus protection software needs to be updated to be effective, you have done what millions of other Americans do: You started sending $ 30 to $ 60 a year to a company to keep your antivirus up to date.

Free antivirus software Risks

Free antivirus solutions protect you against common and known computer viruses. However, they can make you vulnerable to unknown threats.

If you choose a free antivirus, you will benefit from the same antivirus as the paid product. However, the paid version offers additional layers of security to prevent new types of unusual malware.

It is also important to note that it may be less safe to pay online with free antivirus solutions. The paid version of the antivirus program offers an online payment security system that you can use to trust your money security. There are many variants that are worthy to consider. Another disadvantage of free antivirus software is that it comes without direct technical support.

On the other hand, there are paid options that allow you to access technical support by phone, instant message, or email. You deserve the best protection.

To sum up, here are the listed advantages and disadvantages of a Free Antivirus

Advantages of Free Antivirus

  • Basic Protection against viruses
  • Firewall function
  • Protection while browsing

Disadvantages of Free Antivirus

  • Lack of full protection
  • Frequent update notices
  • Slows down the system
  • Lack of customer service.
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Why is it essential to use a Paid Antivirus?

Paid Antivirus

With emerging cybersecurity threats, protecting your computer from viruses and malware has never been more critical.

As free antivirus software offers more and more impressive lists of features and protection for operating systems like Windows 10 and macOS, the excellent mindset for the antivirus service is growing. It is no longer a necessity.

However, whether you pay for antivirus software or not depends on how you interact with the online world and how much you lose when your computer is compromised.

1. A more extensive range of functions

The most persuasive argument is to pay for your protection. The threats posed by online scammers and hackers go far beyond the realm of viruses and malware.

Unlike most free antivirus software, paid solutions typically offer a complete set of tools and features in one package, giving you a much more extensive range of protection.

These plugins often include the following:

  • Anti-Phishing:

While modern web browsers now offer a certain level of anti-phishing, paid packages often provide their protection, generally superior to such attacks, alerting you to dangerous websites and messages designed to steal your data.

  • Virtual Private Network (VPN):

Particularly handy for those who don’t work at home. A virtual private network (VPN) redirects your web traffic, providing a layer of protection when using public WiFi, and can simulate the country you are in, so you can access services that are not accessible in your host country.  Here are a few reasons you should use a VPN.

  • Anti-Ransomware:

Premium solutions are a growing area of ​​online fraud and extortion and offer built-in features that prevent ransomware viruses from blocking your data. This often works when the user selects folders on their hard drive that cannot be accessed by unauthorized programs.

  • Online banking security added:

Many of the significant audiovisual services automatically activate and increase the security of your browser when you visit online banking websites.

  • Password manager:

The functionality provides more security for your online accounts and allows you to automatically connect to websites and services, with your information stored in a securely encrypted password box.

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2. Ease of Use

Ease of Use

Although many separate and dedicated programs perform all of the tasks listed above and are more efficient in some cases, grouping them into one program can still make managing your security much more effective. Convenient to stay on top of threats.

3. Support on request

Free antivirus software rarely provides technical or phone support, which is generally standard with paid options. If you encounter a problem while using a free solution, you can go through FAQ pages or user forums to resolve issues.

In a situation where you are the victim of a ransomware attack, a delay in obtaining a solution can be catastrophic.

4. Better coverage for companies.

It’s one thing to make sure the personal laptop you use for Netflix and Chill is secure. However, if you use your computer for business purposes, you likely have different threats and security requirements.

If you run a small organization with multiple computers in use and store customer data, you must take into account the different technical skills and the habits of safe browsing and downloading of people who make up a more complete and vital protection system.

5. Protection for the whole family.

Unfortunately, the Internet is not a place that children can safely explore on their own. For this purpose, antivirus programs generally have a parental control function built into the software.

When you pay for the antivirus, you generally get a license to run the software on multiple computers, rather than free alternatives, which means you can protect your home computers with a single payment.

6. Email Protection

Email Protection

Email remains one of the most likely ways for scammers to compromise your data with viruses and Trojans.

Accidentally clicking an image or seemingly harmless links in a message can infect your computer. Premium antivirus protection programs automatically scan incoming messages and attachments and alert you to suspicious files and potential threats.

7. More effective

Antivirus software had a deserved reputation for being resource-intensive software. When your computer turned off while scanning your system, it often seemed like the software was as significant a barrier as a real virus on your computer.

Fortunately, premium solutions have much less impact on your system these days, run in the background with minimal use of your computing power, and are generally much more efficient than their free alternatives.