Have you been using your current PC for longer than you can remember? Has your PC become noticeably slow?

I traveled with my first laptop for 7 years until its untimely death, and have traveled with my second since 2013 to this day! (Admittedly it’s on it’s last legs and held together with duct tape!)

It’s inevitable that, at one point or another, the time will come for us all to get a replacement. Buying a new computer can be a fun yet daunting task. You have to research, scroll through reviews, and potentially try out a few different models.

After doing all of that legwork, the last thing that you want is to get a virus. Especially as electronics can be difficult to replace or take into a shop when you’re on the other side of the world, in a completely different country.

Travel Laptop Safety: Pro Tips for Picking the Right Antivirus Software for PC

What is a Virus

A virus is an antiquated term for malicious software that is often defined by two primary characteristics: it needs to be triggered by a user, and it needs to be able to self-replicate. If the virus isn’t detected and dealt with promptly, it can potentially compromise your data or destroy your software.

The easiest way to keep your computer running trouble free is by downloading proactive antivirus protection software – most modern antivirus programs can protect your PC from a wide variety of cyber threats, including:

• Ransomware
• Data breaches
• Keylogging

However, there are several PC specific antivirus products on the market, and unfortunately, not all of them perform on the same level.

If you’re having a hard time finding the ideal antivirus software for you, be sure to continue reading.

Tip #1: Assess Your Needs

Before anything else, you should assess your needs and habits. It would help if you asked yourself a few questions, such as:

• How often do I plan on downloading content?
• Where will I be downloading this content from?
• Who else will be using this computer?

Taking the time to answer these questions beforehand is invaluable, as it gives you a clear idea of what you need before you begin going over your options.

Tip #2: Stay Within Your Budget

Now that you’ve established your needs, it’s time to talk about your budget. Different companies have their own rates and payment plans for their software.

Before committing to a company, you should compare each of these rates. Doing this will give you a better idea of how much bang you’re getting for your buck.

If you’re not sure that you’re willing to commit to an individual company, check if they offer a free trial of their software.

Some top antivirus companies provide a free trial for their premium antivirus software – this gives you a chance to test it out and get a feel for it before buying.

Tip #3: User-Friendly UI

Most people want an antivirus program with a simple user interface (UI), as it makes the program more comfortable to use.

A clean, straightforward UI makes a world of difference, especially if you aren’t tech-savvy. Having a user-friendly UI makes reading and understanding the program straightforward and simple.

Tip #4: Automatic Scans and Updates

One of the final things you need to consider is how the software scans and updates your PC.

It would be beneficial if you downloaded antivirus software that’s capable of scanning and updating your device automatically. This proactive approach allows you to deal with viruses before they become a concern.

After reading this list of tricks, you can now confidently pick the right antivirus software for your new PC.