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On most home PCs, this encoding task utilizes 100 percent of the CPU. Then we compare the overall scores to see if the decline between the two benchmarks is significant.ДЄs a harsher stress test, we also use Handbrake to transcode a video before and after installing the A/V.

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Then we install the software, have it run a full scan on our Windows 10 test machine, and start a second run of the benchmark at theВ same time. We run the benchmark before the security suite is installed. The first is PCMark 8вЂ™s Work Conventional test, which simulates a variety of workloads including editing spreadsheets, browsing the web, and running video chat. To test the suiteвЂ™s demand on system resources, we run two benchmarks. We try to discern whether any of these extra features are particularly useful, or just frills that look nice but donвЂ™t serve a practical purpose. We also examineВ the features on offer.В Every good antivirusВ suite should have the basics like scanning and real-time protection, but many vendors offerВ elements that go beyond basic security like password managers or firewalls.

How we testДЇirst, we take a look at the interface to determine how easy or complicated it is.В Does the interface make it easy to get at essential tools like PC scans and password managers, for example, or is everything buried under multiple clicks? Are there elements that look like they should be clickable but arenвЂ™t?В Are alerts interactive or purely informational, and does that make sense in context? Whether you need those extras depends on your personal situation. These days, many security suites come with extras such as a backup service for your most essential files, Android apps for mobile security, a more advanced firewall, family protection (read: child restriction) features, and the right to use the program on multiple PCs.

High detection rate for malware and other threats.

There are three basic requirements that an antivirus suite needs:

Windows Security review What to look for in an antivirus suite

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To learn more, see our video on How to use Windows Security.) Plus, you avoid the nuisance of a third-party suiteвЂ™s regular upgrade notifications. Windows Seucrity also has ransomware protection, which many free options donвЂ™t. If Windows is already working, why add anything else? If its built-in security suite, Windows Security, performs on par with the best of the free AV options-as we discovered in our roundup of the best free antivirus-why add the extra baggage of a third-party program? Sure other AV programs might offer marginally better protection, but not enough to outweigh the convenience of rolling with MicrosoftвЂ™s home-grown offering.

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