What is in a box sometimes or on a server that needs to be downloaded that can potentially save your digital assets? An Anti-virus program and some people don’t own a legal copy nor feel the need to own a copy. Risky and naïve, is my thoughts on non-ownership. My own experiences are that it can haunt you when the needed safety net which an anti-virus provides is found lacking. When you don’t have an anti-virus installed and updated on your home PC or notebook, re-installation of software becomes a hobby and data loss is a time consuming process. The question will be constantly asked, why did I not buy an anti virus?
Think back, how many times have you clicked on a link and either had your Antivirus halt proceedings or your browser pop up a window, informing you that you are about to access a unsecure zone. I suspect the answer would be multiple times. Your digital assets are all in one piece due to your anti-virus software.
There are multiple options available: BitDefender, Computer Associates, ESET, AVG, McAfee and Symantec. I find that the best is to use the software first via a free download or a trial before purchasing a copy helps. You then understand the software and how it protects/interferes with your computer. The interfering I refer to is all those messages that say that “this update/file/application is harmful†which can become frustrating.
Don’t get caught without an Antivirus, it is a good investment.