When you’re looking for the best security protection software money can buy for your computer, you may have noticed that “Antivirus” and “Internet security” programs seem to be the top choices.
I’m sure you’ve noticed that almost every computer security software company provides both antivirus and Internet security software. For example, Norton’s security software entourage includes Norton Anti-Virus, Norton Internet Security and Norton 360.
If you’re like me, you may be confused as to which is better or why you need one versus the other. To quickly get to the point; Antivirus software gives you suitable protection, but actually doesn’t protect your computer from online threats like Internet security does.
Just recently I was wondering,
“I know I need virus protection; however, I also frequently use the Internet, so I need protection from online threats as well”.
Typically, most Internet security software will include all the features and protection included in antivirus software, just with added protection from the Internet. Remember, not everyone needs protection from the Internet, because not everyone uses their computer to browse the Internet.
A lot of people and businesses use computers for offline purposes, which is why many computer security companies provide Antivirus software as well as Internet security software. If you’re a typical “Internet-browsing-computer-user”, you should definitely install Internet security instead of antivirus software to have protection from the Internet as well.
I hope that helped you better understand why there are different options for computer security! Internet security usually costs more and comes with more features as well as more protection from the Internet. The Internet is the number one source for malware, so if you use the Internet frequently, the most basic protection you should get is Internet security.
Here’s the top PC security software companies and the security software they currently offer (you’ll notice each one has antivirus as well as Internet security):
McAfee
- McAfee AntiVirus Plus
- McAfee Internet Security
- McAfee Total Protection
You’ll notice McAfee’s description for their Antivirus program doesn’t say anything about protecting your PC from online threats. This protection is only included in McAfee Internet Security and Total Protection. Most other PC security software companies follow the same guidelines.
Norton
- Norton AntiVirus
- Norton Internet Security
- Norton 360
Avast!
Avast! has one of the most popular and widely used free antivirus program, Avast! 7 Free Antivirus as well as an Internet security program with added protection from the Internet.
- Avast! Free Antivirus
- Avast! Pro Antivirus
- Avast! Internet Security
