Viruses and malware can paralyze your computer and damage your files. Antivirus programs are designed to find and repel viruses before they do any damage. An antivirus program is essential for a computer with a Windows operating system, and can be very useful for Macintosh and Linux users. Read this guide for whatever operating system you are using.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Windows Operating System
Step 1. Understand the need for an antivirus program
The Windows operating system is the most virus-prone operating system compared to the other two main operating systems (Mac OS and Linux). Windows operating system users are the most and have the lowest level of security. An antivirus program will defend your computer against malware that comes via email, flash drives, downloads, websites, and more.
Step 2. Get an antivirus program
There are several choices of free antivirus programs available that can provide good protection to the average user. The program is updated regularly with new antivirus definitions that can identify the latest threats.
- If you frequently encounter virus-infected files or websites, you may want to use a better paid program. Paid antivirus programs are usually available through an annual subscription.
- When downloading free or paid programs, make sure you download from a trusted source. There are many programs available that claim to be antivirus/antimalware but are actually viruses. Read reviews and download products from companies that have been around for a long time.
Step 3. Install an antivirus program
Make sure that no other program is running while you are installing the antivirus. You will most likely need to be connected to the internet to download additional files and updates.
Several free antivirus programs are provided as a package with a toolbar for web browsers. This toolbar can add protection but also change the internet search options on your computer and slow down older computers. You have the option of not installing the toolbar during the installation process
Step 4. Update the program
After the installation is complete, reboot your computer and update the antivirus program. The file you downloaded may not be the most recent version, so you will need to connect to the antivirus program's server and download the latest update. Most antivirus programs allow you to right-click on the icon in the System Tray while the program is running and click Update.
Update antivirus definitions weekly. Most antivirus programs are set to update automatically. Double-check the settings in your program to ensure that you receive the necessary updates
Step 5. Scan your computer
After you've installed your antivirus program and updated it, it's time to do a virus scan on your computer. This can take several hours, depending on the number of files scanned and the speed of your computer.
Step 6. Set a schedule for a virus scan
Antivirus programs are most effective when they run automatically. Open the settings of your antivirus program and look for the schedule settings option. Try to schedule a time when your computer is on but you are not using it. Ideally you should have a scan once a week; do more frequent scans if you are constantly dealing with potentially virus-infected files.
Step 7. Update Windows operating system
The best way to keep your computer protected is to make sure its operating system is always up to date. Microsoft issues security updates for Windows regularly, to fix security holes in Windows.
Method 2 of 3: Mac OS X
Step 1. Understand the need to use an antivirus program
Mac OS X has long been more secure than Windows, due to its software system design. In the past, few people used Mac OS, so there were very few viruses developed for Mac. Although Mac users have increased drastically, it is still not as popular as Windows, where some of the development of virus creation took place.
The most important use of an antivirus on a Mac is to stop the spread of malware to other computers. Viruses can spread easily via email, even if your computer is not infected with a virus, you can spread the virus to other computers that may not have the same protection as your Mac computer
Step 2. Get an antivirus program
Since your computer is less likely to catch a virus infection, you don't really need a paid antivirus solution. However, download a free antivirus designed for Mac OS X.
Step 3. Install and run antivirus software
Due to the low risk of getting a virus infection, you don't need to scan the system continuously. But use an antivirus program to manually check for suspicious files and emails.
Step 4. Update Mac OS X
The Apple company regularly issues security fixes to close security holes that have been discovered. Keep your Mac computer up to date to ensure that the system is as secure as possible.
Method 3 of 3: Linux
Step 1. Understand the need to use an antivirus program
Of the three main operating systems, Linux is the safest when it comes to viruses. This happens because of the small number of users and also because of the security of the software system in it. Since the application is directly installed by the distributor, there is very little chance of the file being infected with a virus.
The most important use of antivirus in Linux is to prevent the spread of malware to other computers. Viruses can spread easily via email, even if your computer is not infected with a virus, you can spread the virus to other computers that may not have the same protection as the Linux computer you are using
Step 2. Get an antivirus program
Check the Linux repository to find out what antivirus is available for the Linux operating system you are using. Most Linux operating systems have an antivirus program available for free. This program has been reviewed by the Linux community and is designed to use low system resources.
Step 3. Install and run antivirus software
Due to the low risk of getting a virus infection, you don't need to scan the system continuously. But use an antivirus program to manually check for suspicious files and emails.
Step 4. Update your Linux operating system
Perform system software updates with Linux updates and all the programs you use, to eliminate security holes that have been found. The process is mostly automated. Check the settings to make sure that the Linux installation is properly updated.
