Guess everyone is wondering the same thing... hear what HP has to comment.
As computers become faster and more powerful, they can also seem to become slower. If this is happening, then the answer to your paradox may lie with your antivirus software.
Antivirus software is designed to keep your PC free of computer viruses and worms. It does this by scanning the file system of your PC looking for known viruses.
Many antivirus products also automatically check any files being transferred to and from your computer, as well as attachments in incoming mails. If a virus is identified, it will inform you and then take steps to remove the virus threat.
This is fine in theory, but because of their function, antivirus software does have an impact on performance. The question is by how much? If the response time on your antivirus-protected PC leaves you considering taking up reading the newspaper or macramé, then you have an issue. You need to ask is it worth the trade-off and find out how the performance loss can be minimised.
Defence against viruses
Antivirus software should be the seatbelt and airbag for your PC. But testing evidence produced recently on
ThePCSpy.com shows it can make you feel like you're driving with flat tires and the handbrake on? If this is your experience, what alternatives do you have?
The simplest form of defence is to avoid all interaction between the PC and the outside world. No mails, no network connection, and no files from other computers.
This is not really practical but extremely secure and cheap. Just don't expect colleagues to understand why you're faxing your mails and dictating your files over the phone. A whispered "Antivirus measures, level 8" as explanation may gain you an aura of mystery but not everybody wants to act like an extra in "The X Files".
A regime of less drastic steps can also keep you secure. These include:
Keeping up-to-date with updates: You may only have hours or days to protect your system.
Using a firewall: You really can't do without one today.
Scanning for viruses: Do this on a regular basis and whenever you suspect something is not right.
Use common sense: Especially in relation to plug-ins, chat clients and file-sharing clients.
The question is: are you prepared to implement these measures on a regular basis? If the answer is ‘no' or even ‘I'm not sure' then you should invest in the practical solution of having effective, up-to-date and correctly configured antivirus software running on your PC.
The compromise
It is clear that antivirus software does have an impact on performance. In extreme cases, it can make new PCs run with a performance equal to that of a three-year-old machine. While no one pretends that antivirus software is malicious in intent, this performance issue can leave you frustrated and questioning its value.
If you determine that you need an antivirus software to
keep yourself secure, then be sure to investigate its reputation and impact on performance. Bear in mind that you can configure your antivirus software to improve performance. While a downgrade in the security level may improve the performance, it can also increase you exposure to dangers.
For example, by clicking on the Kapersky icon and selecting settings, you can change the frequency the anti-virus database is updated, as well as the Real-Time protection level. With F-Secure and Norton, you can make similar changes to the level of protection raising it or lowering as appropriate. In all cases, it is advisable to read any product documentation before making changes.
If you work connected to a company network, it's probable that the IT department is already running a server based antivirus software. So find out what the minimum level of scanning is required on your personal PC and implement it.
Investigate how different configurations can be stored and activated, for instance when you use your office laptop at home. Investigate settings that allow the software to scan when your laptop is not running any other software. Keep you antivirus software up to date and schedule intensive tasks to start before you come into work or during your lunch break.