A computer needs to function properly in order to be able to get the required results in proper time and condition. The main advantage of computer usage is in its efficiency in producing output that is direct to the input in timely fashion and accuracy. When this is compromised, the merit of the computer ceases to exist. Malware, the shortened form for malicious software, is a big threat to this. As the word suggests, these are software and programs in the computer, aimed at stealing or corrupting data and slowing down processes in your computer. Malware includes worms, viruses and Trojan horses.  They are quite dangerous and you should deal with them appropriately. You can achieve this by the help of antivirus programs installed in computers. Antivirus software/programs combat this menace in the following ways. Make sure to consider all of the following five qualities before selecting the best free antivirus programs for windows. Protecting the computer completely ensures that you will suffer no harm in the near future.

1. Real-time Protection
This means that the software is able to protect your computer from incoming threats. This means that anything foreign will be analyzed first and if there is a threat, it will not be accepted. This is the primary function of the software so that it prevents infections from outside. Prevention is better than cure.

2. Threat Detection
This means that the software is able to ransack folders and files in your computer to detect any threats therein. A good anti virus program should be able to scan the whole computer in the shortest time possible and be able to detect as many threats as possible. The software then deals with the threats accordingly. This helps you to deal with threats that already made their way to the computer before acquiring the software.

3. Alerts
Another function of anti-viruses is to alert the computer user on the condition of the computer. You can program your software to do regular scans of the whole computer and give back reports on how many threats it detected and how it dealt with them. The software also alerts the computer user on threat detection and questions him or her on whether to allow or prevent access.

4. Automatic updates
Antivirus software needs to be up to date to deal with new and developed threats, which are more dangerous. The software should be able to update itself automatically. Manual updates are not ideal as the user may be forgetful and fail to remember to update the software. An outdated antivirus program is as good as no program at all.

5. Additional functions
Apart from threat detection and elimination, it should also be able to carry out other functions. These include prevention of window pop-ups and protection against outbound email, instant messaging and identity theft. The more capabilities antivirus software has the better. This ensures that at the end of the day your computer is fully protected from a wide scope of threats, whether common or rare.
Antivirus software is designed to eliminate all threats whether incoming or in-house. They are available online ready to install to computers.