Spybot doesn’t really do much to help you if your computer has major issues, as the program just isn’t designed to clean up the really big stuff.  Where Spybot’s central usefulness lies is in deleting the little spyware and adware stuff.  Such as internet cookies that count as spyware or adware that can load up your computer causing slower than normal performance.  Of which Spybot is very effective, cleaning up all manner of small issues that you never necessarily considered to be big problems for your computer, but you’ll still see some sort of a difference by getting rid of the small stuff.

Other free programs like AVG’s free version, or AdAware which is also free, are much more capable when removing the big stuff like trojans or worms.  In fact AdAware is probably the best resource you’ll find for free to clean up any issues you may be having with your PC when it comes to viruses and affected performance.

Which actually brings me to another point, and mistake that many people make, you don’t need to spend money on the big virus protection software brands like Norton Antivirus, or McAfee.  Most people never suffer a major issue using just Spybot, AdAware and AVG.  While it’s sort of an annoyance to have three different virus programs to juggle, your PC in the end will actually be safer, and you’ll have a few dollars more left over in your wallet.

The investment one is willing to make to acquire the Anti-virus. Expensive does not necessarily mean it is the best. Try to research on the features and advantages different anti-virus packages will give you when compared to their competitors

You own personal needs. Are you an entrepreneur or an organization? While you may take the necessary care to ensure that you follow all laid down guidelines to minimize all possible virus infections, your fellow man may not necessarily share the same interest. In cases like these you will need an Anti-virus program that offers protection against all possible viruses.

What are the features of the Anti-Virus you are considering? Does it have the latest updates against new viruses? You should always choose an Anti-virus program that has the latest definition and above all that is updated on a regular basis to protect your computer.

Ensure that the Anti-virus automatically updates itself as this will reduce the chances of virus infections if by chance you happen to forget to update it manually. This special feature not only guarantees that the update is done when you least expect it, it also can be configured to do so when you go online.

It is never advisable to use two Anti-virus programs at once. There can be conflict between the two programs and you end up creating a weak point for viruses to leash through on your computer. Therefore it is a myth to believe that two Anti-virus programs will guarantee maximum protection.

Ensure that your Anti-Virus offers you the option to eliminate the virus. It makes absolutely no sense detecting a virus and then not having features to be rid of it, after all who wants a virus ever present locked in quarantine on your computer?