Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Windows
• Method 2 of 3: Mac OS X
• Method 3 of 3: Linux

Viruses and malware can harm your computer and destroy your files. Antivirus programs are designed to search for and destroy viruses. Antivirus software is essential for a Windows computer and can come in handy for both Mac and Linux users.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Windows

1. 1 Understand the need for an antivirus program. Windows is the operating system that is most vulnerable to viruses. It has a large number of users and the weakest security system. Antivirus software protects your computer from malware found in email, flash drives, downloaded files, and websites.
2. 2 Download antivirus software. There are several popular free options that protect the average user well. These programs frequently update the virus database to block the latest threats.
   • If you frequently work with files or websites that are virus-infected, opt for a more powerful paid antivirus.
   • When downloading free or paid antivirus software, make sure you download it from a trusted source. There are many programs that claim to be antivirus but in reality you are installing malicious software. Read reviews on sites or download programs from the official sites of the developers.
3. 3 Install an antivirus program. Make sure that no other programs are running during the installation of the antivirus. You will most likely need to be connected to the internet to download updates.
   • Some free antivirus programs come bundled with web browser toolbars. They can add protection, but also change search options and slow down older computers. You have the option to opt out of such applications during the installation of the antivirus.
4. 4 Program update. After the installation is complete, restart your computer and update the program and anti-virus database. The file you downloaded is not always the most recent version of the program, so you will need to download the latest updates. For most antivirus programs, right-click the antivirus icon in the system tray and click Update.
   • Update your anti-virus database regularly. Most antivirus programs are set to update automatically. Check your program's settings carefully to make sure it downloads the necessary updates.
5. 5 Check your computer. When the software is installed and updated, scan your computer. This may take several hours, depending on the number of files scanned and the speed of your computer.
6. 6 Set up a scan schedule. Antivirus programs are most effective when automated. Open your antivirus settings and find the scan schedule. Try to schedule a time when the computer is on but not in use. Ideally, the computer is scanned once a week; check it more often if you regularly work with potentially infected files.
7. 7 Keep your Windows system up to date. The best way to keep your computer secure is to keep Windows up to date. Microsoft releases security updates for Windows on a regular basis.

Method 2 of 3: Mac OS X

1. 1 Mac OS X is much more secure than Windows due to other methods of operating system development. In the past, fewer people used Mac OS, so fewer viruses were written for that system. However, while the number of Mac users has skyrocketed, it is still not as popular as Windows.
   • The need to use antivirus in Mac OS is caused by the spread of malware to other computers. Viruses spread very easily via email, and although you cannot get infected yourself, you can spread the virus to other computers that are not as secure as your Mac OS.
2. 2 Download antivirus software. Due to the low probability of getting infected, there is no particular need to buy an antivirus program. Just download a free antivirus that works on Mac OS X.
3. 3 Install and run antivirus software. Since the risk of infection is small, you do not need to constantly scan your system. Instead, use an antivirus program to manually scan suspicious files and emails.
4. 4 Update Mac OS X. Apple releases security patches on a regular basis to address discovered vulnerabilities.

Method 3 of 3: Linux

1. 1 Linux is the most secure operating system when it comes to viruses. This is due to its powerful internal security system. Since applications are installed directly from repositories (special file storages), there is a negligible chance of downloading and installing an infected file.
   • The need to use an antivirus on Linux is caused by the spread of malware to other computers. Viruses spread very easily via email, and although you cannot infect yourself, you can spread the virus to other computers that are not as secure as your Linux.
2. 2 Download antivirus software. Search the repositories for antivirus programs that are compatible with your Linux distribution.Most antivirus software is free. These programs have been tested by the Linux community and designed with minimal resource consumption in mind.
3. 3 Install and run antivirus software. Since the risk of infection is small, you do not need to constantly scan your system. Instead, use an antivirus program to manually scan suspicious files and emails.
4. 4 Update Linux. Updating the Linux system updates all installed programs and fixes identified vulnerabilities. The update process is automated. Check your system settings and make sure Linux updates automatically.