Do I need antivirus or internet security software?

Antivirus software provides critical defenses for any computer and can be especially valuable for devices that hold important personal files or business data. These programs — sometimes referred to as internet security software — defend computers and other devices from viruses and other threats that may infiltrate computers via the web.

To accomplish this vital goal, antivirus software programs proactively identify potentially threatening websites and scan downloaded files for security risks. Many also provide other security functions, such as identifying theft monitoring and virtual private network (VPN) services that keep personal data from bad actors across the internet.

What is utilities software, and why is it useful?

While most software programs instruct computers and other devices to perform specific tasks, utilities programs enhance the performance of the device itself and resolve common problems. Utilities software programs do so in various ways, including optimizing the utilization of the computer’s resources and removing malicious or unnecessary files. Sometimes called system maintenance software, utilities programs can restore a computer’s functioning to previous levels, improving its speed and extending its life span.

Utilities software programs often incorporate antivirus and internet security elements, as many causes of device malfunction result from viruses. Additionally, some allow users to restrict how a computer can be used, a valuable feature for employers or concerned parents who wish to protect their children from inappropriate content.

What software do I need to back up or recover computer files?

Computer backup software can prevent the loss of crucial data, saving a computer’s contents either automatically or whenever a user chooses. While these software programs typically run in the background, they can be hugely valuable in the event of a technical failure or when a user inadvertently deletes important files.

If important files have already been lost or damaged, data recovery software may play a vital role. These programs are designed to restore various file types, including documents, emails, photos, videos, and much more. This page carries a variety of specialized data recovery programs for many devices and file types, and many can be downloaded directly from this website.