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How do I install antivirus software?

If you have your own Windows PC, you must make sure that you have antivirus software installed.

1. Download an antivirus installer

Download the installer for the antivirus program you are going to use and save it in a suitable location (such as Downloads or Documents). Download links for some popular antivirus programs:

• Avast free antivirus
• AVG antivirus (free edition)
• Microsoft Security Essentials

2. Remove any existing antivirus programs

It's always important to remove any existing antivirus software before installing a new one. New computers often come with a trial version of antivirus software. If you decide not to buy it when the trial expires, you should uninstall it and replace it with one of the free programs.

You can uninstall an antivirus program using add/remove programs in the Control panel or, if it is available, with a specialised removal tool provided by the manufacturer - download the appropriate tool or follow the removal instructions:

• Norton Removal Tool
• Kaspersky removal tool
• F-Secure Uninstallation Instructions
• McAfee Uninstallation Instructions 

3. Run the new antivirus

When complete, go back to the installer you downloaded earlier and double-click on the file to install it.

When the installation has completed, the software will update itself with the latest information about the viruses it needs to be looking for. This can take some time (up to twenty or thirty minutes) but when it's finished, it should confirm that you are protected.

Most antivirus software gives you the opportunity to run a scan of your computer to check for potential problems. This can take a long time to complete (several hours for a full scan) but it's a good idea to do this soon after you install a new program.