(Akiit.com) Apple used to market their computers as being free from PC viruses, however, they have since quietly dropped this claim. It’s essential that you have antivirus software installed on your computer at all times. Without a virus scanner, you are leaving your PC wide open to a whole host of nasty viruses which could cause damage and leave your personal information vulnerable.
Mac users are often quite proud of the fact that they think Apple OSx is secure and cannot be infected by computer viruses. This, unfortunately, is not true. There may be far more viruses which can infect Windows-based computers, but there are plenty which can wreak havoc with a Mac. Whether you use your Mac for business or pleasure, it’s vital that you install a good antivirus.
Virus scanners will protect your computer in numerous ways. They can scan all of the files on your PC looking for anything suspicious and then help to remove the danger. Most of the better Mac antivirus software scanners also include a resident real-time shield. This runs all the 
time you use your computer and will automatically scan new files. This is an important part of the protection of your PC since it takes much less time than scanning the whole hard drive. Every time you download a new file from the internet, it will be scanned before allowing you to run it. Virus scanners should be updated regularly to ensure that they are able to detect and remove even the latest viruses to keep your PC secure.
Mistakes People Make When Choosing Antivirus Software
Some Mac owners make errors when identifying and evaluating security products, and many end up choosing the wrong Mac online antivirus software for their business or individual use. Read on to discover some common mistakes to watch out for and avoid.
The security threats that all Mac users face are not the same. Depending upon the way you use your Mac, some features may become more important to you than others. For example, if you are using your computer for business purposes, you have more at stake, and you may have less control over user behavior. So, you need an antivirus for Mac that protects you even if users visit questionable websites, open malicious emails or install programs without due care. This is where specialist IT support services really show their worth. If your kids are using your computer, you need parental controls. It is not a good idea to buy Mac antivirus software just because it has a long feature list. You have to make sure that what you want is available in the product.
The second common mistake is buying a product just because it is free or has a low price. While the price point is not a disqualification, you have to still make sure that it meets your requirements and gives you adequate protection. Another common mistake is not evaluating the technical support offered by the company. If you have a problem with the software, you want to be assured that you can get the assistance you need.
It is also a mistake to think that the detection of a security issue is the same as protection. Ultimately, you need a product that provides preventative measures, and thus the product’s ability to block potential malware attacks is very important.
Finally, it is a common mistake to rely on reviews from questionable websites. Some websites may publish paid reviews or write the reviews themselves, which is why it is better to look for reviews on reputed and authoritative websites, as well as ratings on the App store.
Staff Writer; Ted Hall