Commercial feature – There are hundreds of online sites offering virus protection, but you might question if you really need it.

It is possible to spend quite a lot on antivirus software every year, depending on the level of protection you go for. When you are looking to spend this much you want to know it is worth it. Furthermore, you want to understand the importance of security and virus protection when browsing the web.

To determine if you need Mac Antivirus or Windows 7 antivirus you have to understand what Internet security your computer comes with, and what the additional purchase of PC virus protection will do for your computer. Through this you will learn that there is free antivirus protection you can obtain.

Most households have Windows-based machines, so concentration will be on what your Windows operating system comes with.

PC Security Protection

Windows 7 and Vista are sold with User Account Control (UAC), which searches for potential risks. If threats are found, it can suspend operations for that program or process. The UAC is meant to trap the malware, virus or other threat within that program, allowing the system to quarantine the bad sector or repair it.

Windows Defender is a free antivirus program installed on most new computers running Windows. It works to keep a computer free of malware, spyware and adware. The user controls allow the administrator to set up when it scans and what type of scan it performs. Windows is also fitted with a firewall. A firewall blocks incoming and outgoing traffic on the web, such as email traffic. It is meant to enhance whatever Internet security is installed on the computer.

Automatic updating features as part of UAC searches for updates to Windows programs including firewalls and Windows Defender. It can download security patches, enhancements and other features meant to help you block harmful entities from getting into your computer.

Another option your machine may offer is wireless network security. If you have a wireless Internet connection you can log on to get a wireless key or WEP. The code will secure your connection from hackers and other potential dangers. It also keeps anyone from using your network and taking away necessary download and upload speed from your Internet.

Threats to Your Computer

Your PC can become infected in a myriad of different ways. You may use an external hard drive, flash drive or disc that has been infected with malware, adware, spyware, trojans or viruses. Most of us realise the threats with these external options, thus we tend to stay away from using discs or other external drives we feel could be infected with malicious programs.

The main way your computer can become infected is through the web. You never know what Internet page might have a virus or other malicious entity. You want to trust sites, but with the anonymity online it makes it difficult. You also have to be aware of attachments that can come through opening emails. The best protection is to avoid dangerous, unknown sites and downloading information from online via email or any files you might download.

Why Purchase Antivirus Software and Mobile Antivirus?

The explanations above tell you that your computer is equipped with some online security measures. It even tells you that you can avoid certain threats by using common sense when you explore the web. However, the answer to why you need to obtain further Internet security has not yet been explained.

Programs such as Windows Defender, firewalls and computer updates are a first line of defence. These programs have been hacked by trojans such as Kido, conficker and win32. The only way to be certain you will not be infected by any trojans, viruses, spyware, malware or adware is to have further internet protection.

Consider an example: your home has a lock on the front door handle. You also have a deadbolt above the door handle. You have two systems to keep out thieves. Unfortunately, you do not have a security system. The thief breaks the door locks and steals your precious possessions including an heirloom ring you’ll never see again. If you had a security system the police would have been alerted quickly and chances are the thieves would be stopped in their tracks. You would still have the heirloom ring.

Now let’s consider antivirus software versus the free antivirus software that comes on your computer. The UAC programs are the first line of defence like your door locks. The antivirus software is the home security system. If your first internet security is breached you have additional protection. The additional protection would be like home security. It is much harder for a hacker to break through antivirus software when you have more than one variation.

What Does Internet Security Protect?

You know when you find free antivirus, mobile antivirus, Windows 7 antivirus or Mac antivirus you gain additional protection, but what is it protecting? The simple answer is your computer, but it is more than that. Computers house personal information such as your name, address, emails and it may even have passwords, financial details and pin numbers stored. Whatever you put into the computer for registration purposes, online banking, email sites, social networking sites or forums can be stored on your computer.

Any document you have scanned, downloaded or saved is also on the hard drive. If you store credit card numbers the information could be hacked. The point being that your computer has personal identification information that could be used to steal your identity, make fraudulent charges or otherwise be misused. A hacker could find out a lot about you by getting past your security.

Adding it All Up

Windows 7 and Vista computers come with security protection, but older Windows operating systems only have updates and firewalls, no Windows Defender. Microsoft and Apple both require you to have additional antivirus software, whether you purchase it or find a free antivirus. You have to have antivirus software to protect your identity and your computer from malicious threats when browsing the web.