What is the Best Antivirus Software?

What is the best antivirus software? Well, it depends on what you're looking for in security software. If you are looking for software with the most features and easiest learning curve, then the best antivirus software for your situation is BitDefender Antivirus Pro. If you are looking for the best free antivirus software, then Microsoft Security Essentials is the best.

BitDefender Antivirus Pro has all of the features that you want in antivirus software. It protects your computer from viruses, worms, Trojans, malware, spyware and rootkits. This means that you, your network and your computer are safe from identity thieves, hackers, keyloggers, phishing, adware and more. Microsoft Security Essentials also protects your computer from these threats, though it doesn't have encryption features that keep your data safe as it travels onto the internet like its commercial counterpart BitDefender does.

Both antivirus software applications run around the clock to catch intruders before they can cause any damage to your system, but the constant security they provide doesn’t slow down your computer's performance. They are both light and fast, which is great for people with an always-on internet connection who need 24-7 security.

When it comes to security customization, BitDefender Antivirus Pro is definitely superior to MSE. Plus, it's easy for anyone to use, even if you are new to using a computer. To make it 100 percent foolproof, BitDefender gives you the ability to choose which type of control panel you would like to use to operate the software. The basic-view control panel only displays options that are of interest to someone who basically wants to set up the software and let it search for threats on its own. Intermediate or expert control panels let you get into more-detailed security options such as turning off online chat encryption. If you decide you want more control later, you can easily switch from the beginner control panel to the intermediate or expert view and back again.

Another tidbit that works in favor of BitDefender's bid to be the answer to the question what is the best antivirus software is its web-protection capabilities. BitDefender includes an anti-phishing toolbar that provides you with warnings about suspicious websites when you enter search engine queries online. BitDefender gives each search engine result a green checkmark beside it if it is safe, a yellow checkmark if it is questionable and a red checkmark if the site is malicious. This keeps you from stumbling upon a virus or malicious attack while browsing the internet, and prevention is the best way to keep your computer healthy.

Gamers will appreciate BitDefender’s gaming option. The software will not interfere with game play while its gaming mode is turned on. This is another option that Microsoft Security Essentials doesn't have, though MSE is so unobtrusive you probably wouldn't need this option anyway.

So what is the best antivirus software out of the two? Well, if you are willing to pay for security, BitDefender Antivirus Pro is the way to go. If not, MSE will stand in as an equally thorough free option. No matter which antivirus software you choose, both BitDefender and MSE will vigilantly protect your data and computer system.

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