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Antivirus software is a minor investment that can save your work environment
from major aggravation. This guide will help point you in the right direction
to find the software that suits your organizational needs.
General Considerations
There are a number of antivirus programs available, with varying features
to choose from. The following list highlights some key points to consider
when deciding which software to install.
- Auto Scan - will the software automatically scan the hard drive,
disks, CDs, and downloads? This is an especially important feature if
a computer is shared by more than one person.
- Support - does the software developer provide adequate technical
support (online tutorials, help desk phone number, etc.)?
- Updates - does the software developer provide regular updates?
Are they free? If so, for how long? Will the software update automatically,
or does the operation have to be performed manually?
- Price - the antivirus software market is fairly competitive,
good bargains are to be found with a little research. Antivirus software
is often sold as part of an office software package at a considerable
discount. Another way to reduce the costs is to purchase a site license
which will allow you to install antivirus software on all the computers
in your office at one low rate.
Important Note
Once
antivirus software is installed both the software and the virus
definitions must be updated on a regular basis to keep up with the
continued emergence of new viruses. These updates are commonly provided
via the website of the company from which you obtained your antivirus
software. Contact the individual companies for assistance with
downloading updates.
Review Software
Many
technology-based magazines and websites regularly review antivirus
software. Use one or more of the following resources to determine which
software programs are the easiest, cheapest, and most effective. |
