Some say that the adage that “all good things come to an end” holds especially true for the computer industry.
This is an industry that has experienced a steady rise in popularity over the second half of the 21st century. During this period, there were minimal obstacles to growth and owning a computer was such a novel experience that most people ignored any potential downsides.
This honeymoon period of the computer industry was inevitably spoiled by the arrival of viruses. These pesky pieces of software have malicious intentions of compromising your computer experience, slowing down your connection, corrupting your files, and often releasing your data to the rest of the world. Viruses are able to self-replicate without the user’s consent, eventually infecting your computer like a disease.
But, users can fight back against these viruses, namely through the use of antivirus software. In this article, we discuss the 2 best antivirus software packages on the market, emphasizing the benefits and drawbacks of each. Then, we compare the software packages we have selected, noting which product we think is most worthwhile.
When making our selections for the best antivirus software, we emphasized a combination of affordability, features, efficiency, and ease of use. While many antivirus software packages exist, we think these three options are the best at the end of the day.
- Speed-optimized, cross-platform protection for Windows, Mac OS, iOS and Android
- NEW: Microphone Monitor – know when apps have access; Anti-tracker – keep browsing data private, view and manage which sites can collect your data
- IMPROVED: Parental Controls – filter content, limit screen time, and track location; Safe Online Banking – a unique, dedicated browser secures your transactions; Advanced Threat Defense – uses smart behavioral detection to monitor apps in real-time; Wi-Fi Security Advisor – access the security of your Wi-Fi network and router from anywhere
BitDefender Total Security 2018 can be purchased for $54.99.
You can use this antivirus software on five of your devices for up to a year. After that, the antivirus software must be purchased again if you want to continue using it.
BitDefender Total Security 2018 offers protection if you are using a Windows operating system, a Mac operating system, or an Android operating system.
This antivirus software also features continuous updates, allowing you to constantly run the latest, best version of this software.
This continuity can be taken advantage of not only during your subscription but also in between subscriptions. This antivirus software allows you to automatically renew your subscription each year so that you can avoid any lapses in your computer protection.
Pros
Cons
The Benefits of BitDefender Total Security 2018 Antivirus Software
The Drawbacks of the BitDefender Total Security 2018 Antivirus Software
- Norton Security Premium secures up to 10 PCs, Macs, iOS & Android devices, and includes parental controls to help your kids explore their online world safely, with 25GB of secure cloud PC storage
- A physical activation key code will be mailed to you (select ‘PC/Mac Download’ option for instant download of activation code); Antivirus is included, and your protection is always up to date to defend against spyware, malware, and unsafe websites, while safeguarding your identity and online transactions
- Norton consistently outperforms the competition in independent, head to head tests; Winner of AV TEST’s coveted Best Protection Award and 39 time winner of PC Magazine Editor’s Choice Award
The Norton Security Premium antivirus software can be purchased for $49.99 for 1 year of protection. This price allows you to protect up to 10 different devices.
This plan also includes 25GB of cloud storage, and will let you automatically back up your files if you have a Windows operating system.
Furthermore, this antivirus software comes with the guidance of Norton experts, who guarantee that your device will be virus-free from the moment you purchase this plan.
Pros
Cons
The Benefits of the Norton Security Premium Antivirus Software
The Drawbacks of the Norton Security Premium Antivirus Software
Our Final Thoughts on Antivirus Software
At the end of the day, we think this suspicious attitude is actually quite rational. While we don’t necessarily think that all antivirus software companies are in cahoots with virus-makers, we do think that using a clean, fast, healthy computer should be considered more of a birthright than a luxury.
In this sense, charging any customer to return their computer to a state of balance could be considered a travesty.
Still, we think computers are such important tools for our modern world that a properly functioning one is a necessity. This might mean trusting your antivirus software temporarily for the sake of productivity and pleasure, as these things are greatly impacted when your computer is overwhelmed by viruses.
We think Norton has one of the best reputations in the industry, which is why we discussed their premium antivirus software package. BitDefender is also relied on by many users, which is why we discussed their Total Security package.
Even though cheaper, more basic versions of these antivirus software packages exist, we think the most expensive versions are worthwhile. If you are going to spend money on antivirus software, the price range is relatively narrow. The price discrepancy between the most basic and premium models is at most $30.
When you consider how this software will protect your computer every day for a year, these costs seem even more affordable, especially considering how viruses often try to coax money out of users. If you don’t have antivirus software, then you could get duped into paying for some sketchy service in order to appease a virus.
Alternatively, some users opt for free antivirus software which is not totally effective at preventing viruses. These users end up getting into some cyber-trouble at least once a year, making a premiere antivirus software package worthwhile.
Essentially, we think you’re better off investing in the most thorough and effective antivirus software because the potential risks of not doing so are so high while the costs are relatively minimal.
The Future of Antivirus Software
We think modern innovators will eventually discover a way to defeat viruses, as we think these annoying programs are akin to the viruses and diseases that affect the human body.
This means that we think a cure for both are on the horizon, as we believe there is some deeper connection between the two that we have yet to explicate mathematically and scientifically.
Ultimately, all viruses hijack energy from us and prevent us from controlling more parts of our experience. Even if we get a computer virus, we can feel the disempowerment instantly and yearn for the state of balance that we previously experienced.
We think that as more customers express their frustrations with viruses, eventually antivirus software will become so effective that it will destroy all viruses once and for all. Either that, or we think future computers will simply be designed to be immune to these risks.
Regardless, if you do happen to acquire a virus, just stay calm, as there are many options to choose from when returning your computer to a state of health.
