If you have a PC and browse the internet regularly then you are probably very aware of the risks related to viruses and malware, it’s definitely nothing to joke about as some of these can be very damaging not just to our PC, but to our personal lives. There are viruses that can steal your personal information, even credit card details and login details to your email and membership sites.
However, as time goes on companies are constantly finding new ways to prevent these viruses with the use of software. Everyone is probably familiar with antivirus software but as technology advances it’s becoming much more difficult to keep up with the best software to use. Throughout this article we’ll be comparing two very popular antivirus programs: Norton Antivirus and Microsoft Security Essentials.
Norton Antivirus
Norton Antivirus are constantly coming out with new features to their products and improving them as effectively as they possibly can. Norton Antivirus is updated periodically throughout the year and recent updates have seen new features such as: automatic product and feature updates, threat-layer removal, scam insight technology and more.
This program created by Symantec provides the user with exclusive technology and methods to help guard against numerous online scams and viruses. With scammers becoming smarter every day and finding new ways to trick susceptible victims, it’s important that your antivirus software does the same. It basically keeps you safe and secure when you are using the internet.
The Norton Antivirus program by Symantec is the most basic level of protection that they offer – however, the actual program is anything but basic. It protects you from powerful viruses and malware that you might find online.
One of the major reasons to use any product provided by this company is that they offer a wide range of products, meaning that you can always get support and have the flexibility of trying new products and tailoring your online approach.
Microsoft Security Essentials
You might know that PCs with the latest versions of Windows i.e. 8, RT, 8.1, RT 8.1 all come with built-in virus and malware protection – this additional software is referred to as Windows Defender. Older versions of Windows also come with Windows Defender – however, it doesn’t offer a great level of protection and so that is how Microsoft Security Essentials came about.
Microsoft Security Essentials is software for PCs that are running an older version of Windows i.e. 7, Vista. It provides free real-time protection against a whole array of viruses and malware that you might find on the web.
Even though the software is completely free, it still offers a great deal in terms of protection. You will get real-time protection from viruses, malware, and other malicious software, a dynamic signature service, and both online and offline system scanning and cleaning.
One of the major reasons why you should use Microsoft Security Essentials is because it’s free and comes from a trustworthy and reliable company! If you having a PC running one of the latest versions of Windows then you will already have Windows Defender (a slightly more advanced version of Microsoft Security Essentials).
So Which One Is the Best?
After reviewing both pieces of software it’s safe to say that they both have their pros and cons. Whilst Microsoft may provide a free, easy-to-use solution for staying safe on the web, Norton definitely provides a more tailored approach and is a company that is solely dedicated to keeping users safe on the web.
So to conclude, if you are looking for free software that will be able to keep you safe on the web without too much hassle then Microsoft Security Essentials is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more serious approach and need 24/7 support along with regular updates then Norton is definitely the best option.
