Computer viruses and malicious software can paralyze your computer and destroy your files. Antiviruses are designed to intercept them and prevent them from doing any harm. An antivirus is essential for a computer running the Windows operating system and they can be very useful for Mac and Linux users as well. Review this guide to learn how to install an antivirus on the operating system of your choice.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Windows
Step 1. You must understand the need for an antivirus
Of the three major operating systems out there, Windows is the most prone to viruses. It has the largest number of users and at the same time has the weakest integrated security system. Antivirus will protect your computer from malicious software that comes through emails, external memory devices, downloads, web pages, among others.
Step 2. Get an antivirus
There are a few free options on the market that do a decent job of protecting the average user. These programs are frequently updated with new virus definitions that allow them to recognize the latest threats.
- If you frequently deal with web pages or files that are infected with viruses, you will want to opt for stronger paid protection. Paid antivirus are normally available with an annual subscription fee.
- When you download a free or paid antivirus, make sure you are downloading it from a reliable source. There are many programs that claim to be antivirus or antimalware but actually install malware on your computer. Read reviews and download products from companies that have been around for a long time.
Step 3. Install the antivirus
Make sure there are no other programs open while installing the antivirus. You will most likely need to be connected to the internet to download additional files and updates.
Some free antivirus come with task bars for your web browser. These bars can add protection but they also change your browser options and cause old computers to crash. Try to decline this option if you have the opportunity to do so
Step 4. Update the program
After completing the installation, restart your computer and update the program. It is likely that the file you downloaded is not the latest version so you will have to connect to your antivirus servers and download the latest updates. Most antivirus allow you to right-click on the icon in the system tray while it is running and click "Update."
Try to update it weekly. Most antivirus are configured to update automatically. Double check the options to make sure you are receiving the necessary updates
Step 5. Scan your computer
Once the program is installed and updated, it is time to scan your computer. This can take a few hours depending on the number of files to scan and the speed of your computer.
Step 6. Set a scan schedule
Antiviruses are most effective when they are automated. Open your antivirus settings and look for the "Scan Schedule" option. Try to schedule a time when your computer is on but you are not using it. Ideally, you should do it once a week; do it more continuously if you frequently deal with potentially infected files.
Step 7. Keep Windows up to date
The best way to keep your computer protected is to make sure your copy of Windows is up to date. Microsoft publishes security updates for Windows on a regular basis, thus fixing usable areas of Windows.
Method 2 of 3: Mac OS X
Step 1. You must understand the need for an antivirus
The Mac OS X operating system has always been more secure than Windows because of the way the system software was designed. In the past, fewer people used Mac OS, which meant fewer viruses were developed for this system. Even though the population of Mac users has increased dramatically, it is still not as popular as Windows, which is the system where the most computer viruses develop.
The most important use for an antivirus on Mac is to stop the spread of malware to other computers. Viruses are easily transmitted through emails and, although they do not infect your computer, you can relay them to other computers that do not have the same protection as your Mac
Step 2. Get an antivirus
Due to the low probability of infecting your machine, it is not so necessary to pay for an antivirus. Instead of paying, download a free option that is designed to work on Mac OS X.
Step 3. Install and run the antivirus
Since the risk of infection is low, you don't need to constantly scan your system. Instead, use your antivirus to manually inspect suspicious files and emails.
Step 4. Update the Mac OS X operating system
Apple publishes security patches regularly to close any gaps that have been discovered. Keep your Mac up to date and make sure your system is as secure as possible.
Method 3 of 3: Linux
Step 1. You must understand the need for an antivirus
Of the three major operating systems, Linux is the safest when it comes to viruses. This is due to the small user population as well as the inherent security of the system software. Because the applications are installed directly from the system distribution, the probability of the files being infected is quite low.
The most important use for an antivirus in Linux is to stop the spread of malware to other computers. Viruses are easily transmitted through emails and, although they do not infect your computer, you can relay them to other computers that do not have the same protection as your Linux system
Step 2. Get an antivirus
Check with your vendor about the antivirus options for your Linux system version. Most versions have free antivirus. These programs have been approved by the Linux user community and are designed to use the least amount of system resources.
Step 3. Install and run the antivirus
Since the probability of infection is low, you don't need to constantly scan your system. Instead of frequently scanning it, use it to manually check for suspicious files and emails.
Step 4. Update your version of Linux
Updating the system software with Linux updates also updates the version of all the programs you have installed and at the same time eradicates any gaps that have been found. This process is mostly automated. Make sure to check your settings to verify that your version of Linux is updating properly.