Security suites vs free antivirus: how to decide

The great thing about internet security software is that it’s easy to try before you buy – and if you’re after simple protection, there’s no need to spend a penny

When it comes to choosing security software, there’s one thing that can’t be ignored: security. That may sound obvious, but with so many packages drowning in other features, it’s easy to become sidetracked. However, avoiding infection by malicious software should be your top priority. That means that real-time malware protection is the critical feature of a security suite. This is a service that continuously monitors your PC for threats, primarily by scanning files and websites your computer encounters. It’s our minimum bar for inclusion in this group test. For example, the free edition of Malwarebytes is effective and justifiably popular but, unlike its paid-for version, only provides on-demand scanning. Every product here can protect your computer against the majority of malicious software. You can take their mere presence in our…

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PC Pro (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 2025

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