Downloading the program is the initial step to install the basic antivirus software on a computer. After the program has been downloaded, double-click on it to start the installation process. The installer will guide you through the necessary steps to install the program, such as acceptance of the terms and conditions, and determining the location that the antivirus will be saved on your computer. Depending on the software it may require you to enter a key or create an online account.

You must vipre business definitions activate the antivirus program in order to begin securing against malicious programs. Most antivirus programs will ask you to sign up and provide personal information in the activation process, however it is generally not mandatory. Once registered, you should receive a confirmation email or text message that confirms that the antivirus program has been activated.

Based on the software you have installed for your anti-virus you might be asked to conduct the system scan or select an individual file or folder to scan. During the scan the program will look for and remove any files or folders that contain malware. Some programs will also run periodic or automatic scans to identify new infections and keep your computer free from threats.

If you're looking for a reliable antivirus for macOS, our Macworld colleagues Macworld recommend Intego VirusBarrier. It's a powerful suite that includes both VirusBarrier and NetBarrier, two applications that can identify malware and fake software samples prior to their download or launch on your Mac. VirusBarrier could detect every malware sample we gave it. It also warns you to stay away from download or install suspicious-looking software.