Detect Viruses Without Antivirus Software

Most computer experts will tell you that you need anti-virus software to protect your computer from viruses, but do you really need it? Many people don't know that their internet browsers provide free protection from internet threats while browsing, downloading software or checking emails. The problem is that this protection may not be enough. Here is how to turn on your browser's protection, what advantages it provides and why you probably will still need security software.

How to Turn On Firefox's Protection

1. Open the Firefox browser on your computer.
2. In the upper left-hand side of the screen there will be an orange Firefox tab. Click on the tab. This will open a dropdown menu.
3. Choose "Options" from the dropdown menu.
4. Click on the "Security" tab in the options menu.
5. A list of options will open. Tick the top three security options.
6. Click "OK."

How to Turn On Chrome's Protection

1. Open your Chrome browser.
2. Find the button that looks like a wrench. It will be in the upper right-hand side of the screen.
3. Click on the "Options" choice in the menu.
4. Pick "Under the Hood." This will be in a menu on the left side of the screen.
5. Tick the box beside the choice that says, "Enable Phishing and Malware Protection."
6. Close out of the window. The options will be saved automatically.

How to Turn On Internet Explorer's Protection

1. Open the Internet Explorer browser.
2. In the upper right-hand side of the screen there will be a "Tools" button. Click on it. This will open a menu.
3. Select "Internet Options" from this menu.
4. Open the "Security" tab in the pop-up window.
5. Tick the "Enable Protected Mode" box.
6. Click the "OK" button.
7. Restart Internet Explorer.

Browser Benefits

There are many ways that browsers protect computers. Most browsers will warn you before a suspicious webpage opens to prevent you from going there. This will keep hacker sites from downloading viruses to your computer. Some more sophisticated browsers will also block malware and any automatic software downloads. Pop-ups can spread viruses, so almost all browsers have the option to block pop-ups from trusted sites and known malicious sites alike.

Browser Drawbacks

After turning on your browser's protection features, you will only have protection from infections that may come from the internet while you are using your browser. This limits the amount of protection you receive.

Anti-virus software can protect every aspect of your computer online or offline. While viruses are predominantly spread through infected file downloads and websites on the internet, they can also be spread through infected detachable drives and infected software.

So, the answer is yes, you do need some type of protection software on your computer. The best defense is to have both browser and security software running while you use your computer, since you can never have too much protection.