Thank you for attending this class on choosing antivirus software. In this session, we compared several popular antivirus programs and discussed how to evaluate them based on features, ease of use, device compatibility, performance, and cost.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Know What Antivirus Software Does
Antivirus programs scan files and downloads for threats, help block suspicious websites and emails, and may include extras such as password managers, VPN services, and identity theft monitoring.
Compare More Than Just Price
When evaluating antivirus software, consider ease of use, compatibility with your devices, customer support, automatic updates, and the impact on your computer's performance.
Free Options May Be Enough for Some Users
Microsoft Defender is included with Windows and provides solid basic protection. Avast One also offers a strong free version that is easy for beginners to use.
Paid Programs Offer Additional Security Tools
Norton 360, McAfee, and Bitdefender include features such as VPNs, password managers, identity monitoring, and privacy tools that go beyond basic antivirus protection.
Think About How You Use Your Devices
If you protect multiple devices, McAfee may be worth exploring. If you want strong malware detection with minimal impact on performance, Bitdefender and Webroot are popular choices.
Review Subscription Details Before You Buy
Antivirus pricing varies widely. Check what features are included, whether the price increases after the first year, and whether additional services such as VPNs or identity monitoring cost extra.