At a glance
Antivirus software is essential to protect your computer. But does essential mean paid? Can free antivirus software do the job?
Antivirus software is an essential tool for protecting your computer. But does essential mean paid? Can free antivirus software do the job?
Antivirus software is a program designed to identify, neutralise and remove malicious software that could attack your computer or any connected device. It checks your data, files and emails, as well as boot sectors, RAM and removable media (CDs, USB drives, hard drives, etc.).
Free antivirus software: the pros
Protection equivalent to paid antivirus software
Free antivirus software will protect you just as well as paid antivirus software. It plays its role as protector and guardian of your digital security. Like paid antivirus programs, it will scan your data, comb through it and alert you in the event of a cybersecurity threat.
Of course, every piece of free antivirus software needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and we invite you to read this study comparing 7 different free antivirus programs. This comparison is based on several aspects: protection, impact on your PC, ease of use and additional tools.
Simple to use, no strings attached
Simple doesn't mean unreliable! Free antivirus software aims to be accessible to everyone, both in ease of use and in understanding its reports. The free tool is often lightweight, taking up little space on your computer.
Another benefit of it being free? You're completely free to do as you like. You can test, install, uninstall, as you see fit. So you can do your own little comparison and find the antivirus that suits you.
Complementing your free antivirus
By subscribing to Safe & Connected assistance, you can gain access to an IT protection system. This includes a software kit, made up of various components that fill the gaps left by antivirus programs:
- A phishblock, which prevents attempts to steal your data;
- An anti-ransomware tool, which prevents digital ransom demands;
- A data scrambler and help with secure browsing.
Free antivirus software: the cons
Antivirus software, whether free or paid, is even more effective when it's kept up to date. This update can happen automatically or require your approval before being launched.
But some free antivirus programs suffer from these regular upgrades: they may not be up to speed with the latest cyberthreats.
It's also worth remembering that antivirus software can never protect you 100% from all online threats.
Rare help and support
Free antivirus software won't support you as much as paid antivirus software. While the basic features remain very useful, you might need help, support or additional tools to improve your protection.
These options are rare with free antivirus programs. They may exist, but often as a demo, to encourage you to buy a paid version of the tool.
Intrusive advertising
Free antivirus software can be freemium software: meaning you get access to the basic function, but it will constantly ask you to reach for your wallet for additional tools.
This constant advertising, in the form of pop-ups (windows that appear), reminders when opening the tool or promotional emails, is often seen as spam. It undermines your trust in the tool and the ease of use of the free antivirus software.
Free antivirus software for smartphones
Like any device connected to the internet, your smartphone can be hacked. Even though the risk of hacking is lower than on a PC, it's still worth downloading free antivirus software for your smartphone.
One piece of advice: download your antivirus via app stores, not from the web. These platforms filter through the programs submitted to them in order to offer their users the best possible products.
Free antivirus software for smartphones has the same pros and cons as its PC equivalent. There are countless options, and some are much more effective than others. Be careful: to make money, some developers offer software that may turn out to be useless for your mobile phone.
To find out more, we invite you to check out this comparison of free antivirus software for smartphones.
What about paid antivirus software?
The shortcomings of free antivirus software are, of course, addressed by paid antivirus software.
It will protect your data while also supporting you and offering genuine additional services, such as password managers, parental controls or backups of your PC to the Cloud. And, since you're paying for it, you won't have to put up with intrusive advertising anymore.
Don't hesitate to compare antivirus programs based on their features and prices. The most expensive antivirus programs aren't necessarily the ones that suit your needs. Keep in mind that antivirus software usually works on an annual subscription basis.
Buying a new computer? Ask for advice at the time of purchase — staff will be able to suggest the best antivirus for you, and quite possibly with a promotional offer.
Free antivirus software offers the same level of protection as paid antivirus software. Remember, antivirus software is a solid defence against cybercrime.
Another line of defence? A secure password!
Also read:The flaws of traditional antivirus software
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Article written in collaboration with We are the Words.
