Best Antivirus Software for Windows 7 Review Why Use Antivirus Software for Windows 7
We know that the security built in to Microsoft Windows 7 is better than it is in Windows XP and not as good as it is for Windows 8. We also know that Microsoft's motive to include increasingly better security in Windows operating systems is to provide a base-level of protection for naïve users who try to get by without installing third-party security software. If the topic of cyber security interests you, we invite you to read more articles about antivirus software. Most XP users will upgrade to Windows 7 rather than Windows 8. Let's focus on the best: Bitdefender, Kaspersky and Norton. For more information we invite you to read articles about antivirus software for Windows 7
Antivirus for Windows 7 Software: What to Look For
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Kaspersky Anti-Virus and Norton AntiVirus do what antivirus products are supposed to do: protect your computer from malware attacks. Because no security software is perfect, they can also detect and disable infiltrations. If you are tempted to use the security native to Windows 7 only, please realize that it always loses to Bitdefender, Kaspersky and Norton in third-party tests. How products perform in objective tests is one of the most important things to consider when you look for antivirus for Windows 7 software. Two other important considerations are the software's features and the company's help and support. Let's consider these buying criteria a little more closely.
Performance
AV-Test, a German security software testing lab, looks at performance in terms of software's ability to defend against malware, detect and eliminate existing infections, and its usability. During summer 2012 tests, AV-Test results show that Norton AntiVirus is better than Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and Kaspersky Anti-Virus in terms of usability. However, Norton did not do as well as Bitdefender or Kaspersky at repairing pre-existing infections. Bitdefender and Kaspersky both beat Norton in tests designed to measure security software's ability to protect computers from malware infiltration.
Features
While you examine the features of antivirus for Windows 7 software, focus on the essential. Is it easy to install and use? Does it block malware that attempts to attack via web browsing, instant messaging, email and USB thumb drives? Can you schedule scans to run during times when you are not using the computer? All these questions relate to key features.
Help & Support
All three of our top recommendations for antivirus software for Windows 7 provide support via live chat, telephone and email. These vendors understand the importance of providing excellent help and support, and they make appropriate investments to maintain good reputations in this area. Some lesser competitors do not provide all three methods of support.
Don't settle for the security native to Windows 7. Yes, it is better than XP's security, but that isn't saying much. Even though Microsoft improved security in Windows 7, it did so only to better protect people who refuse to spend money on third-party virus protection for Windows 7. Bitdefender, Kaspersky and Norton are all excellent for Windows 7 internet security. Buy one and don't look back.
