antivirus programs, and how are the ones you pay for different and better?
2007-05-31 16:03:40 · 9 answers · asked by Starscape 6 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Many software companies make millions of dollars and when they provide you with a free version of their software there is usually, no support, no background scanner, or automatic updates if it is antispyware, or antivirus.
Some software companies are criminals and will install trojans viruses, adware, spyware embedded into their free software.
And you will find many companies that believe in giving away their software for free and includes support and is 100% clean. (Good advertisement for their major software products).
Some free programs are far better in advanced technology then the ones that you must pay money for. Example, Nortons antvirus is a hugh resource hog, finds nothing and leaves 375 framgents all over your system if you remove. Will cause serious conflict.
You can get free from AOL, Active Virus Shield, powered by Kaspersky Lab Russia Rated # 1 in the world for virus detection with excellent background scanner and updates every hour on the hours for free. AOL, wants to see everybody secure without having to pay money.
If you do download a free program, always download to save. When you open scan with your antivirus/spyware to make sure the program is clean, before you install.
Minddoctor, France
2007-05-31 16:19:12 · answer #1 · answered by MINDDOCTOR 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well for the most part, it is the home user that is the most likely to get an infected computer, especially since they are also more likely to be inexperienced and more budget conscience. Their computer is then more likely to spread viruses, and providing free software to people who might otherwise not bother due to cost helps to reduce the overall spread of viruses.
This then make its easier for security companies to protect their business and corporate clients, who are willing to pay them a lot of money to protect their often critical computer systems.
2007-05-31 23:15:52 · answer #2 · answered by GMCastanza 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the free versions are limited function software. they will scan and remove many viruses and trojans and are free because of the prevalence of programmers who deliberately write malicious software because they can. the companies providing them use them to act both as a free for all protection, and as a draw to get some to purchase the full function versions.
most infections can be prevented by having at least one anti-virus program which resides inb memory and can be configured to scan at a given time and which also can be set to scan any files you may be getting, whether mail, or some other file from a website.
i have norton full function software, but i also have avg free just in case something is missed. i keep the avg up to date with auto update function and by updating it manually from a menu option. i rarely use it to scan since my norton scans every day.
with the prevalence of malware out there, why take any chances? i even go to other sites and get free scans just in case. but i don't buy anything if it says i need to buy it to get rid of the threat. that's just a marketing ploy to get you to buy something which may not really be needed.
2007-05-31 23:22:25 · answer #3 · answered by de bossy one 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The companies get the smallest package of their software suites out in the public domain. If people like it the will pay for the upgraded features.
2007-05-31 23:17:03 · answer #4 · answered by James J 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They get most out-of advertisements. And based on the good will and popularity they acquire by free software, they can get good market for other products they develop.
Its all business tricks.
2007-05-31 23:14:42 · answer #5 · answered by Arunagiri GT 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The ones that you pay for offer more features and support sometimes faster updates, these are the popular free ones http://www.basicspywaretips.com/freevirusremovaltool.html
2007-05-31 23:07:37 · answer #6 · answered by Tyler 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They get publicity for their brands.
For paid programs you may be getting some additional functionality, but if you are looking for basic stuff, free is good.
2007-05-31 23:10:06 · answer #7 · answered by desibandha2001 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it might be beta testing, or a simple way of getting people to use their product and when the develop a new one more then likely youd be willing to buy it
2007-05-31 23:06:36 · answer #8 · answered by Future Ms. Q 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i haven't the foggiest. i use the free ones. fine by me.
2007-06-01 20:24:43 · answer #9 · answered by oldtimer 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋