Computer virus was something that was unknown and undefined until 1983 when Fred Cohen actually defined malicious programs as programs that can infect computers and modify them, harming the data stored in the computer. He termed these programs as computer virus, and also explained that these programs can spread throughout the computer systems, through the internet to infect other computers. As the program keeps duplicating itself in each and every system, the infection grows.

Viruses can infect program files, certain data files causing a lot of harm. Every one knows that we need an anti virus software to guard our computers from the malicious programs that already proliferate the internet. However it is extremely difficult to find the right anti virus program. We are all end users and very few of us have the technical expertise to differentiate between virus programs. We need to exercise care while selecting the right one and not waste our money on useless anti virus software.

While selecting your anti virus software look for the following:

1. What does it guard against?

Check out all the reviews on the internet and check the product information of the anti virus program that you are buying. You will get a fairly good idea of the program you are buying and what it can protect against.

2. Is it easy to use?

One can never underestimate the usefulness of studying manuals of various programs, and also reading reviews of the products. Check if the product you are buying offers an easy to use interface and if it comes with a manual that is easy to read and follow. If you do not know how to use it, it can not be of much use to you.

3. Does it offer constant automatic updates?

New viruses are constantly infecting programs on the internet. Your antivirus should be providing you updates and patches to combat them. If it does not offer continuous protection, do not buy it.

4. Does it offer technical support?

Having technical support like call centers, live chat and quick response to mail is always useful. Most leading anti virus programs offer this service.

5. How much disk space does it require?

Some anti virus programs are bulky and take up too much space. You need to get a program that is effective and does not take up too much space on your computer and slows it down.

6. Does it offer continuous protection?

Some antivirus programs run in the background and do not require to be switched on. These are the best. We may forget to run them, but they do their job.

Once you have these basics clear, you can select the best anti virus software for yourself. Of course every one you discuss anti virus with has a favorite program and can give you valuable inputs. Price is another factor; however it is smarter not to pick up a cheaper product which is not effective enough. A mediocre antivirus is a waste of valuable computer space and money.