The first step to install an antivirus program for a basic PC is downloading the program. Once the program is downloaded, double-click on it to start the installation process. The installer will guide you through the steps to install the software, including accepting terms and conditions and determining the location where the antivirus is saved on your computer. Based on the application you might be required to sign a form or establish an online account.
Once the antivirus software has been installed, you need to activate it to begin scanning for malicious software. Most programs will prompt you to sign up and provide personal information in the activation process, but this is usually optional. Once you have registered and confirmed your registration, a confirmation message or email will confirm that the antivirus program has been activated.
Depending on the antivirus program you use, you could be asked to perform an entire system scan or select a particular file or folder to scan. During the scan, it will look for and eliminate any malicious files or folders. Some applications run periodic or automated scans to identify any new malware and keep the computer free of any threats.
If you’re looking to find a strong antivirus for macOS, our Macworld colleagues Macworld recommend Intego VirusBarrier. It’s a complete suite that includes https://www.perfectsoftware.pro/bitdefender-threat-scanner VirusBarrier and NetBarrier, two utilities that can catch malware and other rogue software samples before they’re downloaded and launched on your Mac. VirusBarrier could detect every malware sample we gave it. It will also alert you if you download or run suspicious-looking software.