With so many anti-virus programs on the market, what should a consumer look for?
The clerks at Egghead Software sell quite a few anti-virus programs. And they list quality of technical support as one of the key factors. But there are really only three ways to find out how good tech support is: Read the reviews in computing magazines, talk to friends who have tried the programs or buy the program and see what happens.It also depends on what you're looking for. Most computer users will want a program that will run in the background and automatically scan for viruses after the initial scouring (think of it as dusting between cleanings).
Two I liked:
Touchstone's PC-cillin (review copy provided by the company, list price $49.45) is a cinch to use. It requires at least a 386DX processor and 4 MB RAM, as well as 4 MB disk space. It's also picky about the version. Windows 95 users, for instance, have to use PC-cillin 95.
Once loaded, it automatically scans the first 640k conventional memory, boot and system files every time the computer's turned on. It monitors programs entering the computer (including Internet downloads) and alerts the computer user to a potential problem. It also analyzes and cleans viruses and creates a great emergency bootup disk.
McAfee's ViruScan is a hit at Egghead Software because it contains Windows 3.1 and 95 in the same box, is affordable (about $47) and has reportedly great technical support. It will operate entirely from the DOS prompt, which is important to recover from actual infection. Version 2.1 (list price $120) combines DOS and Windows versions in a single operation. Although it does clean up, it specializes in detection. It removes what it can't "disinfect."
ViruScan requires 1 MB RAM and Windows 3.1 or later. Both programs are user friendly, with Windows-lovers drag-and-drop features.
We didn't test Symantec's Norton's Antivirus, one of the most popular anti-virus sellers, but Egghead and Software Etc. agree that they get few complaints. The Windows 95 version sells for about $75. "Combined with other Norton Utilities, it's hard to beat," said Chris Gibson of Software Etc.
Which works best?
I don't know. So far, my computer hasn't had a virus.