Maintaining a working computer is expensive. The initial cost is high, ranging anywhere from $300 to $1000, and then you have to purchase all the required software – Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and so forth – and additional accessories such as hard drives, mice and webcams. Plus, there's the monthly internet bill and the added electricity cost. Plainly, buying and maintaining a computer includes many additional costs. Everyone should protect their investment by protecting it with anti-virus software. Here are the top ten reasons why.

1. Protect your investment
No one wants to hand over loads of cash just to see it vanish at the intrusion of an intangible internet infection. At a small yearly cost – ranging anywhere from $25 to $70 – you can be certain that your investment is protected.

2. Avoid identity theft
Identity theft is the most common type of fraud found on the internet, with more than 10 million victims in 2008 in the United States alone. Good anti-virus software can strengthen your digital defenses and help you avoid identity theft. One common method of internet fraud aimed at identity theft is called "phishing." A victim receives an email stating that he needs to change his password in order to gain access to a common website. The victim clicks on a link that directs him to a false customer service site, where he is asked to supply his old password and a new one. The old password is logged and later used to conduct fraud. Good anti-virus software would flag the bogus customer service site as a threat, thus helping the victim avoid identity theft.

3. Prevent financial loss
Along with identity theft, simple theft is common among unprotected computers. Utilizing a variety of dastardly tricks, crafty hackers can gain access to your bank accounts, putting your finances in peril. An antivirus software can help prevent financial loss by maintaining a strong defense against the vilest hacking techniques.

4. Elude spying
Domestic spying is gaining traction as a way to investigate infidelity in a web-connected world. Myriad companies provide services dedicated to opening a spouse's email, checking web history or tracking her movements via GPS software. Many of these services utilize spyware that will alert any good anti-virus application. Undermine your spouse's attempts at intruding on your privacy and elude their spying.

5. Parental controls
If you're a parent, you know how important it is to protect your children from the darker corners of the internet. Most anti-virus software contains parental controls that can help steer your children in the right direction.

6. Maintain a speedy computer
Malware can slow down your machine by running nonessential processes in the background. This can be a frustrating experience, but with an anti-virus application, you can be sure to block this from happening and maintain a speedy computer.

7. Save time
The worst thing about having a computer lousy with malware is trying to fix it. The process of scanning a machine, deleting infected files and reinstalling the operating system can take up valuable time. Anti-virus software can help you save time by stopping malware in its tracks.

8. Save money
The financial costs of having an unprotected machine aren't limited to theft. Malware like worms and Trojans can cause irreparable damage to a machine, requiring the replacement of parts or a whole computer. Mitigate this risk and save money in the long run with good anti-virus software.

9. Avoid infecting other computers
No one wants to be a PC pariah – one of those people who inadvertently send spam email messages loaded with viruses and other malware. An anti-virus application can help you avoid the embarrassing case of being a technological Typhoid Mary.

10. Peace of mind
An antivirus application will allow you to surf the internet with the understanding that you're relatively safe from danger. No system is invincible, but solid anti-virus software can give you peace of mind by assuring you that your computer is well defended.

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