The Hidden Costs of Free Antivirus Software: How to Choose What's Best for You and Your Family

While free programs may seem attractive, research the market and know your needs to ensure you have the right protection.

Hi there, my name is Scott Steinberg. Today I'm going to be talking to you about the differences between free and purchased antivirus software. It sounds appealing—a quick, free solution to your computer security needs. But, in the long run, free antivirus software can cost you in a number of ways. Getting the right security solution will allow you to explore online without worry. I'm going to cover two key points. One: why antivirus software is necessary in the first place. Two: how free services stack up against paid antivirus support.

These days, we all spend a lot of time exploring the internet, making it all the more important to ensure we are surfing safely. When you leave your computer unprotected, you run the risk of getting infected with a virus or other malicious program. These can be very hard to stop once they've accessed your computer, but there are ways you can clean out infections and protect your system long term. Antivirus software bolsters your computer's defenses, fighting off bad code and alerting you when you stumble upon dangerous programs. Educating yourself about how to stay safe online, plus using proven computer security, will provide peace of mind that your computer will stay clean and your personal information secure.

Anyone searching online for antivirus software will probably come across one of the many free programs available. Free can be pretty attractive, and many of these programs will block most known viruses. But, as with most free goods or services, there are hidden costs.

Free antivirus options may not always detect malware as effectively as a paid service like ESET NOD32 Antivirus. Research the market for yourself. Look for independent 3rd party tests of detection accuracy. Places like Virus Bulletin, AV-Comparatives, and CNET can give you some guidance on their top performers. All it takes is one undetected virus and your free antivirus software could end up costing you more than a paid solution in the time and money spent repairing your stolen identity, canceling credit cards, or having a technician clean your system.

Another way you pay for "free" antivirus software is with pop-ups and other ads. These free programs are often designed to market the manufacturers' premium products, which can mean constant and intrusive pop-up advertisements. Besides detection accuracy, look for programs with low false positive results. A false positive means a legitimate program is wrongfully identified as malicious, which slows down your computer with unnecessary interruptions and can lead to a poor user experience. ESET antivirus solutions are known for their light, unobtrusive notifications, and industry-leading diagnostic accuracy. They run quietly behind the scenes without slowing you down. Your user experience with a purchased program is enhanced, not hindered.

What happens when you have a problem and need someone's help? When you pay, you also receive customer service. Free antivirus typically lacks phone support, so you're on your own when you encounter a problem, but most paid antivirus including ESET, support their products with complimentary, U.S.-based customer care from live technicians. To ESET, You're more than a user, you are their customer, and professional customer service means fewer hours spent in frustration and more time spent doing the things you enjoy.

It may be tempting to start looking into free virus scans or other free internet security options, but first consider how you'll pay in the long run. If you value your hardware, your personal information, your user experience and your time, it's smart to purchase a proven antivirus solution like ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
Ultimately, you have to decide whether a free solution will provide you with the peace of mind you want, for all the reasons we've discussed. The choice is yours! This has been Scott Steinberg with ESET. Good luck.