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What Features Are A Must Have In Antivirus Software?

Several important features are standard in all antivirus programs. Then, there are features in a few antivirus programs that tend to be the better software programs.

However, the features you’ll need will probably differ from those of the next user.

Antivirus Software

For example, if you’re an avid gamer, the game mode feature will be what you need. The same holds if you watch videos and movies on your PC. Interruptions like popups, scans, and updates will affect your gaming. So, the game mode will block these interruptions and only run them when your PC is idle. Here are some features that you should look out for when purchasing an antivirus software:

Heuristic scanning – This scanning is designed to catch the newest threats. When identified, your software should automatically scan your PC to check if it has been infected. Email Scans – Many threats like phishing scams are now spread through emails. Your antivirus software should automatically scan emails in your POP3 and webmail accounts such as Hotmail, MSN, Gmail, etc. Instant Messaging Protection – Like email, you want to beware of phishing attacks in your IM communications. So make sure your antivirus software includes protection that blocks intrusions from latching onto your PC files.

On-Demand Scanning – This feature you’ll find in just about any antivirus software worth its salt. So why have we included it here? You must ensure that the software you pick has the best on-demand scanning feature and removes threats when you click that button. Scheduled Scanning – This feature is great for running a scan when your PC is idle, so it doesn’t interrupt your activities. So you can avoid your PC slowing down during scans and updates.

Auto-Clean -The auto-clean feature automatically rids your PC of viruses as they find them. This is a reassuring feature that keeps your computer completely clean. And it eliminates manual cleanups by deleting threats and not quarantining them. So these are some of the main features you should check before downloading antivirus software. They are standard in all antivirus programs, but more importantly, you should check how effective they are compared to the competition.

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Other Features

Some new features have emerged in the last few years; some antivirus programs will have them, and some won’t.

Look out for:

Antiphishing – This feature is designed to stop criminal attempts from stealing your personal information, like bank details, passwords, usernames, etc. Unfortunately, this feature is present in Kaspersky and BitDefender, but you won’t get it in Webroot or Norton Antivirus. Laptop battery saving mode – BitDefender and Kaspersky have these features, as does Norton antivirus. It delays scans and intensive processes later to increase your laptop’s battery life. Link Scanner – Surprisingly, Webroot is one of the only antivirus programs that doesn’t include this essential feature. It is an integral web tool that monitors web links and prevents you from clicking on dangerous sites.

Summary

This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other features you should look for when searching for antivirus software. All antivirus programs release new features each year, so look out for what’s new and good in the industry. Mike Ncube is the Founder and Editor of Best Buy Antivirus, a leading antivirus and internet security website packed with information and tools. He blogs regularly on the latest security news and, with his team, runs tests on antivirus and internet security software.

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