Antivirus comparison: Which option is best for your PC or Mac?

If you browse the internet regularly, you can’t get around the fact that you need antivirus software. Viruses can pop up in unexpected places, and you want your device to be able to fight one off if it appears.

Dangerous malware making the rounds is what makes having antivirus software protecting you so critical. But what’s the best antivirus software for a Mac or Windows computer? Keep reading to see the best options.

TotalAV

TotalAV works with Windows PCs, Macs, Android phones and iPhones. TotalAV is Kim’s pick and a sponsor of her national radio show. As far as features go, it stacks up compared to the other names on the market you already know. And you can get a killer discount using Kim’s special offer.

Here are the pros and cons.

The good

  • Blocks phishing URLs through its SafeSite extension, which stays up-to-date on the latest malicious phishing URLs.
  • Spots, quarantines and eliminates ransomware, viruses, adware, spyware, trojans and more.
  • Provides remote firewall access to stop unauthorized access to private data.
  • Schedule scans so you don’t have to mark a date on your calendar for your next scan.
  • Lets you choose the type of scan you want to run (it’s hassle-free).
  • Cleans your disk, app cache and duplicate photos to save disk space.
  • Enhances your computer’s performance.

The bad

  • No boot-time scanning.
  • No email security features.

Get the best security suite and save 85% at TotalAV.com/Kim. That’s just $19 for a year of protection on up to five devices.

Bitdefender Antivirus

Bitdefender Antivirus can be used on Mac and Windows computers, and mobile versions for your smartphone also exist. A $39.99 subscription can cover five devices.

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How to take Apple’s hearing test – and what to do if your hearing loss is more than mild

Apple really pulled off a great feat. You can now test your hearing with your AirPods Pro 2 and an iPhone running iOS 18. It’s a groundbreaking feature, FDA-approved and perfect for catching mild to moderate hearing loss early.

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🏈 What’s the score? In the Alexa app, open Settings > Sports Update. Add your teams (you’ll find all major American sports leagues). Now, say, “Alexa, give me my sports update” for scores and schedule info.

How to change settings to speed up your TV

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Is your menu screen constantly buffering or your remote lagging? Check out these three easy tips to boost your TV’s performance and get back to watching fast!

🆕 Sweet Windows 11 upgrade: A new optional update lets you pass files between your PC and Android phone faster and more easily using Microsoft’s Phone Link app. Bonus upgrade: Windows Narrator (the screen reader function) can scan more text. To update: Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Make sure you download KB5041587 and then Restart your PC.

Stop annoying political texts

I’ve heard from the presidential candidates, their families and every politician within a 100-mile radius. The texts don’t stop in October of an election year, especially when it comes to a presidential election.

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6 ways tech can solve life's little annoyances

Minor tech annoyances can seem small at the moment. But in the grand scheme of things, they can cause stress and wasted time. If you don’t want tech issues to have a significant impact, cut them off with these tech life hacks.

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Stalking celebrity Venmo accounts

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If you use a peer-to-peer payment app to pay rent or split bills, be careful with your privacy settings — you could be sharing more than you think. Even stars like Travis Kelce and Jon Hamm aren’t immune.

Update your iPhone: iOS 18 is live for every model newer than the iPhone X. No Apple Intelligence (aka Apple’s take on AI) until next month, but it’s still worth updating. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Follow the on-screen steps, then you’re good to go.

🤖 Try Apple Intelligence first: Test some of Apple’s AI features with the iOS 18.1 beta on an iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates > iOS 18 Developer Beta > Back. Then select Upgrade to iOS 18 and hit Update Now

Update to iOS 17.6 ASAP: It packs 35 security fixes, tackling vulnerabilities that could let hackers control your phone. Don’t wait for it to pop up. On iPhone XS or later, go to Settings > General > Software Update now. Update your iPad, too, if you have one.

How to stop spam texts for good

Remember back in the day when you didn’t think twice about putting your cell number and email address into any form that asked for it? If you’re thinking, “Uh, Kim, I still do that,” I’m about to make your life so much easier.

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3 reasons you shouldn't go another day without antivirus software

If you don’t have antivirus software, you’re putting every internet-connected gadget you own at risk. Something as simple as an unchanged router password can be an entry point for an invader to shut down your phone or even taunt your children through a security camera or smart speaker.

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Update your iPhone, too: iOS 17.5 is here and it’s a big one — 1.5GB, to be exact. What’s new? An offline mode for Apple News+ and a notification when an unknown Bluetooth device is traveling with you. And you can finally send your phone in for repairs without having to turn off Find My — nice! Hit Settings > General > Software Update, and tap Download and Install.

Patch Tuesday: Updates for Windows 11 versions 23H2, 22H2 and 21H2 just dropped. Top of the list? A fix for that annoying bug that caused VPN connections to fail. Your PC should handle this update automatically, or go DIY if you’re feeling antsy: Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for Updates.

How to deal with a cyberstalker

Let me tell you, more and more victims of cyberstalking are reaching out to me for advice using my Ask Kim page. Here’s one note I received recently from P.W. in Oklahoma:

“I’ve been cyberstalked for three years. I recently discovered it was my roommate. I moved out and he launched another attack. He’s on my and my fiance’s phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth — everything. He has stolen financial data, pictures, erased accounts, taken over emails and harassed me through VOIP. … He admitted to sitting outside our house all night. I thought he was spying on me. Now I know he was also gaining access to my Wi-Fi. I can’t do this anymore and need expert advice/help terribly.”

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5 ways to improve your LinkedIn profile

If you’re trying to find a job on LinkedIn, you’re facing stiff competition. It’s estimated that around 40 million people look for jobs on the site weekly. That means you should do everything possible to stand out from the crowd.

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Job hunting on LinkedIn? Change this setting to keep your searches private

LinkedIn has become quite the powerhouse since its launch in 2003. What began as a platform to connect with other professionals has expanded into a revolutionary workspace for building partnerships, hiring new talent, and finding rewarding new jobs.

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Best TV settings for the game

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Pumped up for the football game? Let’s make sure you’re all set to catch every thrilling moment. 

Look your best on video calls

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Feeling ill or didn’t manage to shower? Use these settings to always look your best on video calls.