Step 3: Scans
Now that you’ve picked and chosen the browser and passwords that seems best for you, now is a good time as any to mention that those wonderful moments prior, surfing around without any means of protection have put you at significant risk for some kind of virus or infecting software. Don’t fret! — And there’s no reason to be paranoid. That’s why we covered complex passwords in the last step.
In this Step we’ll talk about:
- Paid services vs. Free
- Specifically Norton Antivirus vs. (Free Version of) AVG
Now, it’s no foreign concept to us that “You get what you pay for.” Paying for a service usually means that you’re ensured better quality than someone who can do it for free. Some people enjoy free services and what they have to offer. Sometimes, it satisfies them. For example, would you go to a restaurant that gave away free food, but there has been a fair number of bad reviews? Or would you pay and sit down for a well-cooked, quality assured meal with only positive reviews? One is free, but…risky. The other lets you know that you won’t be glued to the porcelain throne for some time…
All exceedingly mature jokes aside, when it comes to technology and especially computers, this is NOT a place to “cheap out.”
I can only speak personally on my experience of Norton Antivirus as I’ve used that specific service for some time. Being able to start Full System scans at any time of the day, backup my files, have my security protected at all times, and all incoming downloads scanned — is worth the amount paid. Sure, it has its share of faults, as do most programs. However, before you think I’m throwing that argument under the bus immediately, consider this…
About half of these features is available by the free version of AVG, and other free version counterparts. This isn’t an attack on AVG itself, but to drive home a point that when it comes to computers, paying for a service is necessary. With the free version of AVG, I cannot back up my files. I cannot secure my identity. I am twice as vulnerable.
Now what about other paid services as I might have set Norton on a pedestal of end-all-be-all antivirus programs? Again, I can only speak of it on it’s behalf. Another great paid-for program to use are McAfee. You just need to find a program that does what you need it to in a way that’s most comfortable.
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