Viruses and malware can slow down your computer's performance and delete your files. Antivirus programs were designed to find viruses before they can cause any harm. An antivirus program is essential for Windows PCs, and can be very useful for Mac and Linux users as well. Check this guide, whatever operating system you use.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Windows
Step 1. Why you need to install an antivirus program
Windows is the most vulnerable operating system to viruses among the three most common. It is the operating system with the largest number of users and at the same time the one with the weakest built-in security system. Antivirus programs serve to protect your computer from malware that we could catch through email, flash memory, file downloads, websites, and so on.
Step 2. Get an antivirus program
There are several free antiviruses that work well enough for the protection of an average user's computer. These programs are frequently updated with new virus definitions, and are capable of recognizing even the latest viruses that have been developed.
- If you frequently visit infected websites or use infected files, you may want to choose paid antivirus programs, which are much more powerful. This type of software will normally require you to pay an annual fee for updates.
- If you need to download an antivirus program, whether it's free or paid, be sure to get it from a reputable source. There are many programs out there that claim to be antivirus / antimalware, but they are themselves a vehicle to infect your computer. Read reviews, and download programs only from companies that have been in the market for some time.
Step 3. Install the antivirus
Make sure there are no other programs running during the installation process. Your computer will most likely need to be connected to the internet to download any updates.
Some free antivirus programs come in packages that include a browser toolbar. These bars can provide additional protection, but they can also change search options and slow down older computers. You have the option to choose not to allow these changes during the installation process
Step 4. Update the program
After installation is complete, restart your computer and update the software. The file you used to install the program may not be the latest version, so you may need to connect your computer to the manufacturer's server and download the latest updates. Most antivirus programs allow you to right-click on the icon in the system tray when the antivirus is running.
Update virus definitions every week. Most antivirus programs are set up to do updates automatically. Check your antivirus settings to make sure the program is getting the necessary updates
Step 5. Scan your computer
After installing and updating your antivirus, you should scan your computer. This could take several hours, depending on the number of files that need to be scanned and the speed of the computer.
Step 6. Set the scan schedule
Antivirus programs are most effective when they run automatically. Open your antivirus program settings and look for "Schedule". Choose a time when the computer is on but you are not using it. The ideal would be to be able to schedule the scan once a week; you should schedule the scan more frequently if your computer regularly comes into contact with potentially infected files.
Step 7. Keep Windows up to date
The best way to keep your computer protected at all times is to make sure your copy of Windows is always up to date. Microsoft regularly releases Windows security updates, eliminating vulnerabilities as they are discovered.
Part 2 of 3: Mac OS X
Step 1. Understand the need for an antivirus program
Mac OS X has long been far more secure than Windows because of the way the system was designed. In the past, there were very few Mac users than today, so far fewer Mac viruses were developed. Although the number of Mac users has grown significantly, it still does not have the same prevalence as Windows, which continues to be the system for which most viruses are developed.
The main goal of antivirus for Mac is to block the spread of malware to other systems. Viruses spread very easily through e-mail, and although your computer is safe, you may be contributing to their spread to other systems that are not sufficiently protected
Step 2. Get an antivirus program
Since your system has very little chance of getting infected, there is no real need for a paid antivirus. Instead, download a free program that has been developed to run on Mac OS X.
Step 3. Install and run the antivirus program
Since the risk of infection is very low, there is no real need to schedule regular system scans. You can use your antivirus to manually check for suspicious files and emails.
Step 4. Keep your Mac OS X up to date
Apple regularly releases security updates to eliminate system vulnerabilities that are discovered. Keep your Mac up to date to keep your system as secure as possible.
Part 3 of 3: Linux
Step 1. Understand the need for an antivirus program
Of the three most popular operating systems, Linux is the safest when it comes to computer virus infections. This is due both to the fact that the number of Linux users is still very low, and to the intrinsic safety of the software. In addition, the applications are installed directly from the distribution, so the risk of infection is very low.
The main goal of antivirus for Linux is to block the spread of malware to other systems. Viruses spread very easily through e-mail, and although your computer is safe, you may be contributing to their spread to other systems that are not sufficiently protected
Step 2. Get an antivirus program
Check the repository to see which antiviruses are available for your version of Linux. There are free antivirus programs for most of its versions. These programs have been vetted by the Linux community and are designed to minimize the system resources used.
Step 3. Install and run the antivirus program
Since the risk of infection is very low, there is no real need to schedule regular system scans. You can use your antivirus to manually check for suspicious files and emails.
Step 4. Keep Linux up to date
Updating the system software eliminates all system vulnerabilities. The process is fully automated. Be sure to check all settings to make sure your Linux installation is updated properly.
