Any good PC user will attest to the need for a high quality antivirus application to protect your computer from malicious attacks that can slowdown or damage your system and maybe even steal your personal information. In fact, installing quality antivirus software should be first on the list whenever you purchase a new computer. There are many great packages out there offering first-rate protection and it can be hard to choose which one is best. Two of the leading antivirus solutions available are Microsoft Security Essentials and McAfee Antivirus Plus. But which do you choose? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each of these solutions so you can make an informed decision when choosing an antivirus application.
Microsoft Security Essentials is a leading antivirus package that is offered free to all users of Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. It is lightweight, easy to use and performs remarkably in many test scenarios. It is not, however, compatible with the latest operating system from Microsoft, Windows 8. In tests in proved quite effective at blocking malware and viruses although the occasional threat can slip through infecting the system. One of the biggest benefits of Security Essentials is how lightweight it is. The application doesn’t require too many resources to run so even if you are running a slightly older, slower computer you will find this is the perfect antivirus and anti-malware solution for you.
For those of you that prefer to stay away from Microsoft made products as much as possible, there are many choices available to you. McAfee Antivirus Plus is one of the leading third party antivirus applications available and has a long track record of protecting computers from potential viruses. It’s relatively easy to install although you might have difficulty if your system is already infected. It will block potentially unsafe websites from even loading while you are surfing giving you an additional layer of protection when you are online. In tests it proved its worth blocking a majority of the threats presented to it for both viruses and malware. In addition, it also offers several other features including remote management features and a firewall all of which are not found in the free Microsoft Security Essentials application. However, McAfee Antivirus Plus is not free and you will have to renew it every year in order to maintain all the updates to ensure the best protection. McAfee is almost much more resource intensive than other applications requiring more system resources which could slow down your system.
So which antivirus should you use? Truthfully it is up to you. Microsoft Security Essentials and McAfee Antivirus Plus are both superior antivirus software applications that can keep your computer safe while you are surfing the Internet, but the best one all depends on your needs and your computer. If you are running an older system without as much memory as modern systems Microsoft Security Essentials is the best choice for you. It’s free and easy to use making it perfect for older systems. However, if you require slightly better protection and your machine is fairly modern, McAfee Antivirus Plus is definitely the best choice as it offers many more features and better protection for only a small yearly fee.
One thing is certain, if you don’t choose an antivirus application for your computer, you will get infected. It’s not a question of if, but when. Examine your needs and your computer and decide which is best for you. Whether you choose Microsoft Security Essentials or McAfee Antivirus Plus, you will install a solid application that will protect your computer from attack.