This is not the first time that Intel is trying to enter the GPU field but its adventures so far were, well let us agree not so good. All of that is hoping to be changed with the upcoming ARC GPU. The first generation of Arc graphics, code-named Alchemist and previously known as DG2, will support desktop PCs and laptops and is set to arrive in the first quarter of 2022.
Alchemist will have hardware-based Ray tracing and AI-driven supersampling. This indicates that GPU is aimed to compete in the Hi-end spectrum and battle side by side with Nvidia and AMD on the market. Alchemist will also pack full DirectX 12 Ultimate support.
Intel also released names for the next upcoming future generations of ARC GPUs: Battlemage, Celestial & Druid. More information about ARC products will be released later this year.
“Today marks a key moment in the graphics journey we started just a few years ago. The launch of the Intel Arc brand and the reveal of future hardware generations signifies Intel’s deep and continued commitment to gamers and creators everywhere,” Roger Chandler, Intel vice president, and general manager of client graphics products and solutions.
Ehshell.exe is a type of .exe (executable file). This file functions as an essential component of the Microsoft Media Center. By default, it is located in a subfolder of C:\Windows.
Ehshell.exe application error is an error code that pops up when tasks in the Media Center freezes. The Ehshell.exe application error is usually displayed on the screen in the following format:
“ehshell.exe – Common Language Runtime Debugging ServicesApplication has generated an exception that could not be handled.Process id=0xa18 (2584), Thread id=0xa24 (2596).”
Solution
Error Causes
Ehshell.exe application error is triggered when PC users perform repetitive tasks in Media Center on a Windows XP Media Center Edition.
The computer stops to respond and the error message is displayed.
This error occurs if users perform one or more of the following repetitive tasks in the Media Center:
Repeated resize, restore and minimize the Media Center Window
Schedule TV shows to record
Repeatedly change the channel while Media Center is in a window
Ehshell.exe file corruption due to malware infection or registry issues
Though this is not a fatal error, to avoid any kind of inconvenience, it is advisable to fix the error right away.
Further Information and Manual Repair
To fix the ehshell.exe application error on your system, you don’t have to hire a professional and spend hundreds of dollars on repair. Here are some of the best and most effective do-it-yourself methods that you can try to resolve this issue on your PC immediately.
Method 1 - Install the Latest Service Pack for Microsoft Windows
To repair the issue, install the latest Windows service pack. A service pack is basically a Windows update, often combines previously released updates that help make Windows more reliable.
These are offered free of charge on Microsoft’s official website. To get started, simply log on to Microsoft’s official website and download the latest service pack compatible with your Windows version.
The installation process may take 30 minutes to install. And you will be prompted to restart your PC about halfway through the installation process.
Once the Windows Service Pack is installed, the ehshell.exe application error will be fixed. If the error still persists, then try method 2.
Method 2 - Scan for Malware
Ehshell.exe application error may also appear on your PC due to malware infection. Malware programs like viruses, Trojans, and worms deliberately give their malicious processes similar .exe file names, so it is hard to identify the malware.
In such an event, it is advisable to download a powerful antivirus and scan your entire PC. Run it to remove all the hidden malware programs on your system. Once malware is removed, the ehshell.exe application error will be resolved.
Method 3 - Clean Registry
Sometimes .exe files can also get corrupt when the registry gets overloaded with unnecessary and obsolete files. If this is the underlying reason for the error code occurrence then it is advisable to download Restoro.
This is a multi-functional and user-friendly PC Fixer deployed with a registry cleaner. It removed all the unnecessary files, cleans and repairs the registry in seconds thereby fixing all registry-related errors.
Click here to download Total System Care and resolve the Ehshell.exe application error on your PC.
Corsair is well known for RAM memory modules for PC but then it has expanded to PC peripherals and even selling some pre-build computers as well in past few years. New Corsair expansion now includes a laptop line, starting with their new gaming laptop Voyager.
Voyager laptop is packed with a mechanical keyboard and MacBook-like touch bar for your typing and pointing needs. It is built with a 16-inch QHD+ screen packing 240Hz that is run by Radeon 6800M GPU. Also inside lurks AMD 16 thread Ryzen 9 6900HS CPU, Wi-Fi 6E support, Dolby Atmos audio, and full HD 1080p WEB camera.
The keyboard has low-profile mechanical Cherry MX switches with per-key RGB lightning and above is what Corsair calls a macro bar, with 10 shortcut buttons and a small LCD in the center.
Corsair is also including a few features that tie in with its other products. Many of the company’s keyboards, mice, and other accessories use the ‘Slipstream’ USB wireless adapter, which is built into the Voyager laptop. The macro bar is also configured using the same software used for the Elgato Stream Deck, a popular product sold by Corsair.
AI and neural networks are more and more being used in all parts of our lives. From face detections to deep fakes it is both amusing and frightening to watch at the same time.
From some really bad uses of neural networks and AI overall, looking at you deep fakes, upscaling videos or images are mostly harmless pieces of work not harming anyone.
There is one cool YouTube channel, well there are more but this one seems to have most of the videos on it and if I am wrong I apologize.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC33rC3GO1UZFAkMcCCwjyWg
So upscale is like previously mentioned a YouTube channel that hosts old game trailers and into videos but in full 4K or 8K video resolution, fully upscaled using neural networks.
There are some videos that are not maybe top-notch but the large quantity of them is pretty well upscaled and they do indeed look great.
So if you have some time and want that old nostalgia fix, go and check it out. You might find something that will bring that old you out and you might even drop a smile or two remembering old good days, I know I have.
Dnssd.dll is a type of dynamic link library. It is developed for Windows Operating System by Apple Computer Inc.
The latest version of fnssd.dll is 3.0.0.10 used in Windows Vista. This file also functions like a typical dynamic link library. DDL files are small programs similar to executable files which are used by multiple programs to load and run properly.
Dnssd.dll error occurs when the dnssd.dll file fails to function properly and load to run the desired application/program. The error may occur most often during computer startup and program startup.
The dnssd.dll error message may be displayed on your PC on either one of the following formats:
"Dnssd.dll not found."
"Dnssd.dll Access Violation."
"Cannot register dnssd.dll."
"The file dnssd.dll is missing."
"Cannot find C:WindowsSystem32\dnssd.dll."
"This application failed to start because dnssd.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem."
"Cannot start Bonjour. A required component is missing: dnssd.dll. Please install Bonjour again."
Solution
Error Causes
To narrow down the cause of the dnssd.dll error is difficult virtually because there are multiple reasons why this error occurs on your system. However, here are the most common causes for this error:
Missing Dnssd.dll file
Corrupt and damaged Dnssd.dll file
Invalid dnssd.dll registry entry
Viral Infection
Improperly shutting down your PC
Poor PC maintenance
Broken registry keys
Hardware failure
Dnssd.dll file deleted when uninstalling another program
It is advisable to fix this error right away, as it can create many troublesome problems on your PC such as slow system performance, computer freeze up, blue screen of death errors, system failure, and crash.
Further Information and Manual Repair
Here are some of the best and easiest DIY solutions that you can try to resolve this issue on your PC without hiring a professional.
1. Use System Restore Function
Since this error largely indicates poor PC maintenance, it is advisable to use the System Restore function built-in Windows to resolve the Dnssd.dll file error.
It will help you restore the system back to its previous healthy status. It can also help you get a fresh copy of damaged and corrupted files. Here’s what you need to do:
Go to the start menu of Windows, type restore in the search box.
Choose the option that says ‘choose a different restore point’ this presents customizable options for users.
Here you will be presented with a list of restore points, choose the one that you believe has most likely caused the dnssd.dll error.
Confirm your selection.
This will help resolve the error. Now restart to see changes made. If the error still persists then try other solutions given below.
2. Reinstall the Program Causing the Dnssd.dll Error to Pop Up
As dll files are shared files, there is a possibility that the file got deleted when you tried to uninstall a certain program. Therefore, if this is the reason, then try to reinstall the program that is causing the error message.
By doing so, you can set up the dnssd.dll file again on your PC.
3. Scan for Viruses and Registry Issues
Other reasons for the error are associated with viral infection and registry issues. Therefore it is advisable to download software to scan for these issues and remove them from your PC. Viruses can also corrupt dll files.
On the other hand, dll errors like Dnssd.dll can also occur if the registry is not cleaned frequently.
The registry becomes corrupt due to the accumulation of invalid/wasted and irrelevant files. This also causes disk defragmentation and hard disk problems which can also lead to hardware failure and dll file damage and corruption.
Now to repair it you can either download 2 different programs, an antivirus, and a registry cleaner, or you can install multi-functional and advanced software, Restoro.
Downloading 2 separate programs can reduce your PC performance even furthermore. Therefore we recommend you opt for Restoro.
This is a one-stop solution for all your PC problems. It includes multiple utilities like an antivirus that detects all malicious software including spyware, malware, adware, Trojans, and viruses.
A powerful registry cleaner that resolves all registry issues, wipes out bad registry entries and repairs broken registry keys, damaged dll files like Dnssd.dll, and restores the registry back to its optimum health.
This software also functions as a system optimizer that boosts the speed of your PC dramatically.
It is safe, bug-free, and efficient. All PC issues are resolved in seconds in just a few clicks. It is user-friendly and compatible with all Windows versions.
Click here to download Restoro and resolve the dnssd.dll file error right away!
This error 80070490 code may occur when you try to update your PC either through the Microsoft Update website or with a Windows update. The error message is displayed in the following format:
Error 80070490 (Element not found)
Solution
Error Causes
Error Code 80070490 is triggered because of a couple of reasons. It indicates the file CBS Manifest that is needed to install Windows update is corrupt or damaged.
CBS (Component Based Servicing) Manifest is the file that is used to help your computer recognize various components inside your PC.
Another reason for error occurrence is registry corruption.
If the registry that stores all the information and activities performed is not cleaned frequently, the obsolete files saved in the registry like the junk files, bad entries and cookies eventually accumulate and corrupt it thereby generating such error codes.
Further Information and Manual Repair
Here are some effective and proven methods that you can try by yourself to resolve error code 80070490 on your PC.
Method 1 - Use the System Update Readiness Tool
Download the System Update Readiness Tool from the Windows website and run it on your PC.
This tool is designed to detect and scan for abnormalities and inconsistencies that could be preventing and causing problems during the system update.
Once you have downloaded and scanned your PC, try to install the updates again. If the error still persists, try other methods illustrated below.
Method 2 - Repair Windows
Here are the steps that you need to follow to repair Windows:
First, close all programs and then reboot your PC. Insert the Windows DVD into the computer’s disk drive and wait for the setup to begin.
If for any reason, the setup doesn’t start automatically, then don’t worry simply click start, then type Drive: setup.exe in the search box. Please note, in the drive insert the letter of your computer’s DVD drive for example D:setup.exe.
Now in the programs list, click setup.exe And then click install now.
After that click ‘go online to obtain the latest updates for installation’, if you are asked for the Windows Product Key, then simply type it to proceed.
In the ‘Which kind of Installation do you want?’ option, click Upgrade.
When the Windows installation is complete, restart your PC and then run Windows update.
Method 3 - Clean the Registry
If the cause of error code 80070490 on your PC is related to registry corruption, then it is advisable to download Restoro. This is an advanced and easy-to-use PC Repair Tool embedded with a registry cleaner.
The registry cleaner scans your entire PC, removes all obsolete and unnecessary files corrupting the registry, and cleans it right away.
Click here to download Restoro to repair error code 80070490
On September 18th, 2017, Cisco’s Talos announced that CCleaner, a popular utility with billions of worldwide users, had been compromised by hackers, and was used to unwittingly distribute hidden malware in its installer. Later in the day, Piriform, the publisher of CCleaner, confirmed the problem.
Undetected by all but 1 major antivirus including CCleaner’s own parent company, this occurred for over a month and impacted over 2.7 million users. Users of CCleaner v5.33.6162 and CCleaner Cloud v1.07.3191 for 32-bit Windows are affected. These downloads were live on CCleaner’s official site from August 15th to September 12th, 2017. Anyone who downloaded the program during this time could be affected.
The company claims that while the hackers set up the backdoor and many users were impacted, that the perpetrators have been arrested and that the malware never successfully performed its full task and compromised user’s PCs or sent out their data; in the wake of recent security breaches such as Equifax, users are understandably worried. Given the severity of the threat of hacking and data theft, users should take action immediately if they have CCleaner.
Technical Details of CCleaner Malware Injection
First reported by Talos, the malware, which was hidden in the CCleaner installer without the publisher noticing (despite them being owned by Avast, a massive Anti-virus company), modified a core program DLL file to evade detection, and creates several registry keys. Not only were these files not flagged by any major Anti-Virus, but they were also even digitally signed by Piriform via their Symantec certificate, meaning your PC and security program would likely whitelist and trust the malicious installer. The malware gathers personal information on a user’s PC, including IP address and running programs, and sends it to a remote server. In our testing, the program sent data to IP 216.126.225.148.
Restore Your PC (If Possible)
As of the publication of this article, there have been no assurances given that updating or even uninstalling CCleaner will remove the malware is installed. The only action thus far has been shutting down the remote server where user data was being sent has been shut down by authorities. For this reason, it is best to remove the underlying malware separately, as its presence represents a serious security threat. Unfortunately, as this could have been installed as far back as August 15th, 2017, your System Restore points may not go back that far, or even if they do, restoring to such an outdated point may cause unintended problems with other programs you use and potentially lost files and data. Manually backing up files and doing a full format or clean Windows installation would likely be successful in fully removing the malware, but is extremely time-consuming and can be difficult for many PC users. Unfortunately, this makes a PC Restore or format an unattainable option for many.
Update CCleaner to the Latest Version
While CCleaner has told users to update to the latest version of the program. Prior to doing so, we recommend fully uninstall CCleaner, ensuring you check its program files folders and registry keys, manually deleting any remnants, and then re-downloading the latest version from the official site and reinstalling clean.
In every task carried out in the Windows 10 operating system, some of them don’t go smoothly and it could encounter a couple of errors along the way. One of these errors you could encounter is the Windows Update error code 0x8007000e. This particular error was reported to occur a lot when downloading and installing a Feature update via Windows Updates. And recently, it has been reported to occur a couple of times for the Windows 10 1903 May 2019 update. According to security experts, this error could be caused by a lack of memory or disk space as well as issues in the Windows Update mechanism. Whatever the cause is, troubleshooting this problem shouldn’t be hard as this post will give you some potential fixes you can check out.
To fix this error, here are some options you need to consider:
Option 1 – Clear up temporary or junk files
The error could be caused by some temporary or junk files in your computer and so you need to clear them up to fix the problem. You can achieve that using the Storage Sense feature.
Open Setting > System > Storage from the WinX Menu.
From there, you will see a list of all the local and connected storage devices along with the details on the free space. Make sure that Storage Sense is on.
Next, find a link that says “Free Up Space” and click it to open.
After that, a screen which is the built-in program in Windows 10 will appear and will scan your computer for the following junk files so you can free up disk space:
Windows Upgrade Log Files
System created Windows Error Reporting Files
Thumbnails
Temporary Internet Files
Previous Windows Installation Files
Delivery Optimisation Files
DirectX Shader Cache
Choose the files you want to get rid of and then click on the remove files option. Note that you’ll have an idea of the total size as you select any of the junk files listed above.
Now go to the “Free Up Space Now” section and click the Clear Now button. This will get rid of all the temporary or junk files in your computer and should hopefully fix the Windows Update error 0x8007000e.
Option 2 – Reset the Windows Update components
If by any chance that the second option didn’t work, resetting the Windows Update components could also help you resolve the problem. How? Refer to the following steps:
Open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
After that, type each one of the following commands and hit Enter after you key in one after the other.
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptsvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Note: The commands you entered will stop the Windows Update components such as Windows Update service, Cryptographic services, BITS and MSI Installer.
After disabling WU components, you need to rename both the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders. To do that, type each one of the following commands below and don’t forget to hit Enter after you type one command after the other.
Next, restart the services you’ve stopped by entering another series of commands. Don’t forget to hit Enter after you key in one command after the other.
net start wuauserv
net start cryptsvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Close Command Prompt and reboot your PC.
Option 3 – Try configuring the Windows Update-related Services
Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Then type “cmd” in the field and tap Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt.
Next, execute the following commands. Note that you have to type and enter each the command one after the other.
SC config wuauserv start= auto
SC config bits start= auto
SC config cryptsvc start= auto
SC config trustedinstaller start= auto
The commands you executed will make sure that the Windows Update-related services are available. Once it’s done, restart your computer and see if the Windows Update error is now fixed.
Option 4 – Try running the Windows Update troubleshooter
Windows 10 have various troubleshooters that can help you resolve many system issues. So if you’re dealing with Windows Update errors like Error 0x8007000e, you can run the Windows Update troubleshooter to resolve it.
To run it, go to Settings and then select Troubleshoot from the options. From there, click on Windows Update and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button. After that, follow the next on-screen instructions and you should be good to go.
Option 5 – Try to use the Media Creation tool
The Media Creation tool in Windows allows you to use the ISO installation file to make a bootable device that you can use to install Windows on your PC. Note that this is kind of different from the usual installation process as it could erase your computer’s current settings and data on the primary drive. Thus, before you proceed, you need to backup all your data into some removable drive and then use the Media Creation tool to make a bootable drive.
After making the bootable drive, you need to plug it in your computer and then reboot.
Next, tap the F10 or Esc key to open the boot options.
Now set the boot priority of the removable drive the highest. Once the setup comes forth, follow the next onscreen instructions and install Windows without any problems.
This post will guide you in fixing the “Communication with service process failed” error in Windows 10. This error is related to the Intel Driver and Support Assistant application. Although this error does not reportedly cause any loss of functionality in the computer, however, it still indicates that there is something wrong with some of your driver modules.
Intel has taken a bold step and combined its older modules into this new application (Intel Driver and Support Assistant) recently. This application enables users to scan their computers for any available updates from Intel. This is the main application of Intel and provides users a way to update their driver software automatically instead of manually updating it. However, with the recent reports submitted by some users, it seems that something is wrong with this application, and users to have to deal with the “Communication with service process failed” error. This error might be caused by several reasons, for one, it could be that the application is corrupted or incomplete in its nature which is possible since this is still a developing and newly released app. It could also be that there are other utilities or modules that conflict with the Intel software. Whichever the reason may be, you can try out the options given below to resolve the problem but before you proceed, make sure that you have an administrator account as well as an active and stable internet connection.
Option 1 – Disable DSATray in Startup
If you receive this error message every time you start your computer then this means that the application is not able to launch properly. Like pointed out, it could be that it is still incomplete in nature or it conflicts with other applications. Thus, you can try to disable the service from the startup and check if it fixes the problem.
Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Then type “taskmgr” in the field and hit Enter to open the Task Manager.
After that, go to the Startup tab and look for the Intel Driver and Support Assistant app.
Right-click on the app and select Disable.
Restart your PC and check if the error is now fixed or not
Option 2 – Reinstall the Intel Driver and Support Assistant
If the first option did not work, you can try reinstalling the Intel Driver and Support Assistant app. To do so, follow these steps:
In the search box, type in “control” and then click on Control Panel (desktop app) among the search results.
After that, select Programs and Features from the list which will give you a list of all the programs installed on your computer.
From there, look for Intel Driver and Support Assistant and select it and then uninstall it.
After you have the app uninstalled, open your browser and go to Intel’s official website. From there, download the driver utility manually.
Once the download is finished, right-click on it and select “Run as administrator” and install the app on your PC with elevated access.
Restart your PC and then check if the error is now fixed.
Regsvr32 (Microsoft Register Server) is a command-line utility in Microsoft Windows Operating System. This is used for registering and unregistering OLE controls such as ActiveX controls and DLLs in the Windows Registry.
This is executed as Regsvr32.exe. The filename extension .exe is the abbreviation for executable. It is installed in the %systemroot%System32 folder in Windows XP and new Windows versions.
The Regsvr32.exe is an error that occurs when you attempt to run Regsvr32.exe to register a 32 bit DLL (Dynamic Link Library) on a 64-bit version of Windows.
The error message is displayed as the following:
Filename.dll is not an executable file and no registration helper is registered for this file type.
Unrecognized flag: /invalid_flag
No DLL name specified
Dll_Name is not an executable file and no registration helper is registered for this file type.
The module "%1" failed to load.
Solution
Error Causes
There are multiple causes for the Regsvr32.exe error code. These include:
Invalid entry (command) path
Active X control errors
Missing or Damaged .dll files
Viral infection (Trojans) (.exe can easily get infected by viruses)
Registry issues
If you come across the Regsvr32.exe error code, it is advisable to repair it immediately before the damage sets in. Since this may occur due to viral infection, it can pose privacy and data security risks to your PC.
Further Information and Manual Repair
Here are solutions that you can implement to resolve the Regsvr32.exe error code on your system:
If an invalid entry point is the cause of the error, then simply open an elevated command prompt. If the 32-bit DLL is in the %systemroot%System32 folder, then move it to the %systemroot%SysWoW64 folder. After that run the following command: %systemroot%SysWoW64regsvr32 <full path of the DLL>. This will help resolve the Regsvr32.exe error.
If the cause of the error is a viral infection, then you will need to run a powerful antivirus to detect and remove viruses from your system to resolve the Regsvr32.exe error on your system.
Nonetheless, if the causes for Regsvr32.exe are either Active X controls or registry corruption, then you will need to scan your computer with different tools to resolve each issue separately.
This can be time-consuming and too many program installations at one time can also slow down your system’s performance. This means you’ll also have to compromise on your PC’s speed.
Repair Regsvr32.exe Error With Restoro
To avoid all this hassle yet repair the Regsvr32.exe error, download Restoro.
This is a multi-functional and innovative PC repair tool deployed with multiple utilities in one program including features like a registry cleaner and an Active X controls error fixer. It also functions as a system optimizer.
It is a one-stop solution for all your PC-related errors including the Regsvr32.dll error.
It is safe, efficient, and user-friendly. It is compatible with all Windows versions.
When the RAM overloads it leads to damaged dlls and registry corruption. The registry cleaner utility repairs the damaged dll files and the corrupt registry. It wipes out all the unnecessary files cluttering the RAM including the junk files, invalid registry entries, and temporary files.
Restoro also has an Active X controls scanning utility. This utility can be of great use if the Regsvr32.exe error is triggered by Active X control-related issues.
Click here to download Restoro and resolve Regsvr32.exe on your computer right away.
What software are you using to keep your information and all your files and memories safe?
None? Yikes. Let’s hope no damage has been done to your data yet then. Because with how the digital world has evolved, your data might be getting leaked and you have no idea.
Why do you need to invest in security software?
There’s really no good excuse not to purchase a quality platform for PC protection. Especially since top security solutions are available at such affordable prices nowadays, your wallet would barely even notice it.
At this point, only people who barely use their PCs and have zero sensitive information on them can get away with simply using the built-in Windows 10/11 security software. But we guarantee that those people are extremely hard to find and that you’re not one of them, and here’s why.
Even if you don’t use your computer for things that are very obviously sensitive, such as internet banking, you still have some personal data at risk of being stolen. How so? Well, think about the data you enter into your social media profiles, for example. How devastating would it be if somebody got a hold of any of it? Yep, that’s what we thought.
In the hands of a skilled cybercriminal, your phone number alone could put you at risk of scams, ransomware, identity theft and more. Also think about the stuff you share in texts and social media chats. Think about the websites you visit and how many times you may have accidentally clicked on an ad, which could very well contain malicious software. Those all seem harmless until someone’s actually used them against you.
Now imagine the dangers involved when you actually store truly confidential data on your PC and browsers. Sends shivers down your spine, doesn’t it?
In the case of a successful cyberattack of whatever type (virus, phishing, worms, etc.), there’s so much that is at stake. Businesses/legal persons will suffer from financial loss and damaged reputation, at the very least. Natural persons may be threatened or exploited, get their banking or medical information and even their identity stolen, etc. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
These are our biggest reasons for investing in Windows PC protection software:
Cyberthreats are constantly evolving to the point where built-in or free software won’t cut it anymore.
Those working remotely can have peace of mind knowing both personal and business data is completely secure.
Businesses using top security solutions ensure their customers trust them.
Data breaches are a pain in the you-know-what to handle. Fighting a cyberattack and going back to normal is a demanding process, and not to mention the stress it’ll cause. We’d rather prevent all that by using trustworthy security products!
It helps parents worry a little less about their children’s safety in the online world.
Added bonus: with most products, you get an ad-free browsing experience!
Obviously, there are a lot more reasons to get your PC secured. But we think you get it. So let’s cut to the chase and take a look at our 6 favorite protection solutions and the wonders they can do for you.
*Note that in this article we’re looking at products primarily suited for households and home offices, some for small businesses. No enterprise solutions will make the list today, but stay tuned for a future article on those.
Top 6 best PC protection solutions
1. Bitdefender Total & Internet Security\
One of the biggest security product vendors out there, Bitdefender offers several awesome solutions. We want to introduce two of our favorites, Bitdefender Total Security and Bitdefender Internet Security.
Bitdefender Total Security is great for both households and smaller offices. You can choose to protect 5 or 10 devices, and not necessarily just Windows devices. It also works for macOS, Android and iOS. It offers a range of powerful features, such as:
Real-time data protection
Webcam and microphone protection
Device optimization options
Anti-phishing/-fraud/-spam technology
Ransomware protection
Anti-loss and anti-theft tools
VPN and privacy firewall
Anti-tracking technology
Parental controls
24/7 support
Bitdefender Internet Security shares almost all of these features, but there are a few important differences to note. Unlike Total Security, Internet Security has more options in terms of the number of protected devices: 1, 3, 5 or 10. However it’s only compatible with the Windows platform and it doesn’t offer device optimization tools or anti-theft options. Whether or not this is a deal-breaker depends on your needs alone - we still find it a great security tool.
2. ESET Internet Security
An award-winning Windows security product, ESET Internet Security is essential on this list. It has an outstanding protection rate of 99.9% and a range of amazing options you’ll definitely want to make use of. It can be installed on up to 10 devices, making it an awesome tool for your household, home office or a small business. It’s also compatible with macOS and Android.
These are ESET Internet Security’s best features:
Protection against ransomware and spyware
Protection against malware specifically designed to avoid detection
In-depth scans when the computer is not in use
Firewall to prevent unauthorized access to your PC
Anti-spam tool
Anti-phishing and botnet protection technologies
Tool to scan your router and smart devices for vulnerabilities
Special browser for secure internet banking
Parental controls
Prevention of unauthorized webcam access
If you ask us, ESET has it all!
3. Kaspersky Total & Internet Security
Having a deja vu? Didn’t you just read Total Security and Internet Security somewhere? Oh, that’s right - the first entry on our list! But here we’re talking about Kaspersky, a vendor you’ve also definitely heard about before.
Just like Bitdefender, Kaspersky is another one of those renowned names in the cybersecurity world that always make it to every ‘best of’ list. And for good reason - its products really fulfill their purpose. So let’s take a closer look at the two we chose.
These are the features both Kaspersky Total Security and Kaspersky Internet Security have in common:
Real-time virus and spyware blocking
Webcam protection
Wi-Fi security notifications
Advanced identity theft protection
Free technical support on several channels
Remote security management
Multiple devices (up to 10)
The main difference between Kaspersky Total Security and Internet Security is that the former offers more capabilities. These are the features KTS offers that KIS does not:
System cleanup
File shredding
Password management
Data backup and encryption
Both are excellent security tools, though we do prefer KTS a little more because of these additional options.
4. Norton 360 Deluxe
Of course one of the industry-leading solutions makes the list. Norton 360 Deluxe can protect up to 5 devices, be it Windows, iOS, macOS or Android. It’s worth noting that its features are best developed for Windows. Here’s what you get with Norton 360 Deluxe:
Protection against viruses, hackers, malware
100% virus protection promise
VPN included for all devices
Unlimited VPN on Windows
Password manager
Parental controls
So is there anything aside from these standard protection features that makes it such a favorite among us techies? Let us tell you! Norton added a little bit of spice here with two really powerful capabilities. The Deluxe product offers 50GB of cloud backup and dark web monitoring. The latter means the software notifies you if any of your personal information is found on the dark web, which helps protect you against identity theft.
5. McAfee Antivirus
Don’t be misled by the name of this product. Antivirus software may have started as protection against viruses only, but it’s developed quite a lot. The name simply stuck. All that to say that McAfee Antivirus - another award-winning security solution - protects you against several different threats.
The basic and essential plan allow 1 and 5 devices respectively, while McAfee+ Premium and Advanced work on an unlimited number of devices. The latter two also offer more capabilities, as you can imagine. Here’s what you can expect from all of them:
Secure unlimited VPN
File shredder to delete sensitive files completely
Ultimate safety while browsing
Protection against hackers
100% virus protection promise
Advanced firewall to block dangerous traffic
Online support from specialists
Protection score (shows how safe you are and detects vulnerabilities)
Identity monitoring (notifies you if any of your information is on the dark web)
Password management
Unlike the previous products, McAfee Antivirus does not offer parental controls. Otherwise it’s a pretty strong and comprehensive protection tool and might just be the right choice for you!
6. Trend Micro Maximum Security
Last but definitely not least, we’ve got Maximum Security by Trend Micro. And yes, you guessed it, Trend Micro is also an award winner in terms of cybersecurity. Its products have been recognized as industry-leading security solutions by AV-Test since 2003. Among all its fantastic solutions, our favorite for households or small offices is Maximum Security.
You can use Trend Micro Maximum Security to protect 3-5 devices for a year or two years before needing to renew your license. Aside from Windows, it’s compatible with iOS, Android, Mac and Chromebook devices. Here’s what you can expect from this protection software:
Powerful malware protection
Phishing detection and prevention (email)
Password management and protection
Maximum security for online banking and shopping
System optimization
Social media privacy protection
Parental controls
24/7 technical support
No notifications during gaming
It’s truly one of the most effective platforms out there dedicated to protecting your digital life. Using this product, ransomware, identity thieves and malicious websites don’t stand a chance.
The bottom line
If you’ve made it all the way here, congratulations, you’ve made the right choice: to invest in securing your valuable data! Now the question is: which one of these 6 awesome antivirus/antimalware products to select?
The paradox of choice is a very real thing - we feel you. As mentioned, it comes down to what your specific needs are. So before you go ahead and purchase your security software, make sure to explore all options.
And if you really can’t handle the decision-making anxiety, feel free to reach out. We’ll happily assist you in finding the right product to keep your digital life secure!