by Sarah Howell

Created on: July 17, 2009

Computer security is one of the most important aspects of anyone who actively uses their computer. Whether you read emails, check out news sites, download books, music, games or any other kind of web activity, you're vulnerable to infections from malicious software. Anti-virus software is generally expensive, so it really doesn't make sense to try every security solution until you find the right one.

Overall, BitDefender 8 is the best anti-virus solution that is available. BitDefender protects you in real-time, meaning that if you come in contact with malicious software, the program will stop it in it's tracks before it can do any harm. Unlike other security solutions, BitDefender runs quietly and smoothly in the background of your computer. It doesn't slow down your machine at all, so you don't have to sacrifice any of your computer activities or programs that you use because your anti-virus solution hogs up all your system's memory.

Aside from the outstanding performance that BitDefender offers, it's currently the cheapest solution available. Unlike other gimmicks like Norton and McAffe, you pay the same amount every year. BitDefender doesn't use any type of sales gimmick to get business, simply because they don't have to. Times have changed when it comes to computer security, even though some computer manufacturers still sell their machines with Norton Anti-Virus already installed, most of the users remove the software.

You shouldn't have to upgrade your computer's memory in order to be protected from viruses. In my opinion, this is the second-most important factor to consider when choosing security software. It's hard to find software that is just right for your computer, after all, scanning every single file for hundreds of thousands of viruses does take up a lot of memory no matter what, but somehow BitDefender took virus scanning and protection to a whole new level.

Most viruses are contracted when computer users download files that they shouldn't have, including attachments in emails and advertisements for free software. Today, you can be completely strict on what files you download and still be susceptible to computer infections. These days, your computer can be affected by what's called spyware from simply visiting a website that is designed to infect your computer. Most of the time, you have no idea it is happening, you aren't notified that you are downloading anything and most of the time, the software is obtained straight from your web browser.

Of course, BitDefender solves this issue as well. With BitDefender 8, you're already pretected real-time from any spy ware attacks. This is a really good feature, because you don't want to have too many security programs running on your computer, the fewer, the better. With more than one anti-virus or anti-spy solution, the programs can interact with each other, and create false positives. You don't need that kind of headache. BitDefender even goes as far as keeping you safe from phishers with it's Anti-Phishing for Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Last but not least, BitDefender gets the job done. Chances are very slim that the software will even let any malicious programs into your computer. If for some reason, your computer's security is breached, BitDefender will take care of the virus.

Learn more about this author, Sarah Howell.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.