In 2025, the digital threat landscape is more complex than ever. From sophisticated ransomware and phishing schemes to sneaky spyware and zero-day exploits, your computer is constantly under attack. Relying on outdated or insufficient protection is like leaving your front door wide open in a bad neighborhood.
At AS Computer Solutions here in Onoway, we see the devastating effects of malware every week. Lost data, compromised privacy, and hours of frustrating recovery—all often preventable with the right antivirus solution. The question isn’t if you need antivirus, but which one should you really use in 2025?
The answer isn’t a one-size-fits-all, but it certainly isn’t to rely solely on wishful thinking. Let’s break down what’s essential in modern antivirus and recommend top contenders.
The Evolution of Antivirus: Beyond Simple Scans
Today’s threats demand more than just signature-based detection. A truly effective antivirus in 2025 needs:
Real-time Protection: Constantly monitoring for suspicious activity.
Behavioral Analysis: Identifying new or unknown threats by their actions.
Ransomware Protection: Specialized layers to prevent and recover from ransomware attacks.
Phishing Protection: Blocking malicious websites designed to steal your credentials.
Firewall: Monitoring incoming and outgoing network traffic.
Web Protection: Warning you about dangerous links and downloads.
Performance Impact: It shouldn’t slow your computer to a crawl.
Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface is crucial.
✅ Our Top Recommendations for 2025
Based on independent lab tests (like AV-Test, AV-Comparatives, SE Labs) and our practical experience, here are the antivirus solutions we recommend in 2025:
1. Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus) – The Baseline
Why it’s good: It’s built into Windows, free, and has significantly improved its detection capabilities over the years. For many users, especially those who practice safe Browse habits and don’t download questionable software, Defender offers a solid baseline of protection.
What it lacks: While good, it often doesn’t match the advanced features, zero-day protection, and comprehensive suite of tools (like advanced parental controls, VPNs, or password managers) offered by premium third-party solutions. It also has a slightly higher false-positive rate than top-tier paid options.
Verdict: Excellent for basic users who are careful online. If you want more robust protection, especially against advanced threats, consider a paid option.
2. Bitdefender Total Security – Our Top All-Round Pick
Why it’s good: Consistently ranks at the top for protection, performance, and usability. Bitdefender offers comprehensive protection against all types of malware, excellent ransomware defense, a robust firewall, VPN, password manager, and effective anti-phishing. Its impact on system performance is minimal.
What it offers: Multi-device coverage, parental controls, microphone and webcam protection, and a secure browser.
Verdict: If you want premium, set-it-and-forget-it protection with a rich feature set, Bitdefender is an outstanding choice for individuals and families.
3. Norton 360 – Feature-Packed Security Suite
Why it’s good: Norton 360 offers an incredibly comprehensive suite of security tools beyond just antivirus. This includes a VPN, password manager, cloud backup, dark web monitoring, and parental controls. Its malware detection rates are consistently high.
What it offers: Excellent identity theft protection features (in some regions), secure VPN, and a strong firewall.
Verdict: A great option for users looking for an all-in-one security bundle, especially those concerned with online privacy and identity protection. Can be a bit resource-intensive on older machines.
4. ESET Internet Security – Lightweight and Effective
Why it’s good: ESET is known for its excellent detection rates combined with a very low system footprint. If you have an older PC or simply value performance above all else, ESET is a fantastic choice. It includes solid anti-phishing, banking protection, and a firewall.
What it offers: Anti-theft features for laptops, UEFI scanner, and botnet protection.
Verdict: Perfect for users who want strong protection without sacrificing system speed. Ideal for gamers or those with less powerful hardware.
5. Kaspersky Total Security – Powerful & User-Friendly (with a caveat)
Why it’s good: Kaspersky consistently scores top marks in independent lab tests for malware detection and removal. It offers a very intuitive interface and a wide array of features, including a VPN, password manager, and parental controls.
The Caveat: Due to geopolitical concerns, some organizations and individuals may choose to avoid Kaspersky products. For private users, its performance remains top-tier, but it’s a decision based on personal comfort level.
Verdict: If you prioritize raw protection power and a user-friendly experience, and are comfortable with its origins, Kaspersky is a very strong contender.
What About Free Antivirus?
Aside from Windows Defender, many other companies offer free versions of their antivirus software (e.g., Avast, AVG, Avira). While these can offer basic protection, they often come with limitations:
Fewer Features: Lack advanced protections like ransomware shields, firewalls, or phishing blockers.
Less Frequent Updates: May not get definition updates as quickly as paid versions.
Nag Screens: Frequent prompts to upgrade to the paid version.
Data Collection: Some free versions are known to collect and sell user data.
For robust protection in 2025, especially against the ever-evolving threat landscape, a paid solution or Microsoft Defender (if you’re a careful user) is generally recommended.
Mouse or Keyboard Not Working? Try These Quick Fixes Before Calling for Help
Few things are more frustrating than a suddenly unresponsive mouse or keyboard—especially when you’re right in the middle of something important. Whether you’re replying to emails, working on a spreadsheet, or just Browse, losing control of your input devices can grind your entire workflow to a halt.
At AS Computer Solutions here in Onoway, we get calls about this issue all the time. The good news? You might not need a new mouse or keyboard—or even a service call. Most of the time, the fix is quick and simple. So before you panic or start shopping for replacements, try these easy steps first.
✅ Step 1: Rule Out the Basics
Let’s start with the obvious (but often overlooked):
🔄 Reboot Your Computer
It sounds cliché, but a quick restart often clears up temporary bugs or software glitches affecting input devices.
🔌 Check the Connections
For Wired Devices:
Unplug and reconnect the USB cable.
Try a different USB port—especially one directly on the back of your desktop or laptop.
For Wireless Devices:
USB Receiver (Dongle): Make sure it’s securely plugged in. Try another port if needed.
Power Switch: Double-check that it’s turned ON.
Batteries: Swap in fresh batteries—even if the old ones were “just replaced.”
Re-pairing (Bluetooth): You may need to re-sync the device to your computer. Refer to the manual for instructions.
🛠️ Step 2: Targeted Troubleshooting
Depending on what’s acting up, here’s what to do next:
📌 Scenario 1: Only the Mouse or Keyboard Isn’t Working
When one device works but the other doesn’t, it’s likely a fault with the device itself or its connection.
Try This:
Test the device on another computer.
If it works there, your original system may have a driver or port issue.
If it doesn’t, the device might be faulty.
For Windows Users:
Press Windows + X, select Device Manager.
Expand Keyboards or Mice and other pointing devices.
Look for any ⚠️ yellow exclamation marks or ❌ red Xs.
Right-click the affected device and select:
Update driver
Or Uninstall device → then reboot to reinstall it automatically.
For Bluetooth Devices:
Windows: Settings > Bluetooth & Devices → Make sure Bluetooth is on. Remove and re-pair the device.
macOS: System Settings > Bluetooth → Remove and re-add the device.
⚠️ Scenario 2: Neither Mouse nor Keyboard Is Working
This can be tricky since you can’t easily navigate menus.
Try This:
Unplug everything except power and monitor. Restart the system.
Then plug in just the mouse or keyboard one at a time.
Test multiple USB ports—front and back. Try both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 if available.
Boot into Safe Mode:
On Windows: Hold Shift during restart, or tap F8 repeatedly during boot (older systems).
On Mac: Hold Shift immediately after powering on.
If things work in Safe Mode, a software or driver conflict is likely.
Inspect cables, connectors, and ports for physical damage.
🔄 Scenario 3: Mouse Works, Keyboard Doesn’t (or Vice Versa)
This often indicates a driver issue or hardware failure in the non-working device.
Follow the steps under “Check Device Manager” and test the faulty device on another computer to isolate the issue.
🧰 Still No Luck? Bring It to the Pros
If none of the above fixes do the trick, don’t stress—AS Computer Solutions is here to help.
We can:
Run advanced diagnostics to identify system or driver conflicts
Repair or replace damaged ports or input devices
Check for underlying issues like malware or system corruption
Recommend reliable replacement options that suit your needs
🏡 Local. Reliable. Ready to Help.
Serving Onoway and surrounding communities, AS Computer Solutions is your go-to for friendly, affordable tech support.
Don’t let input issues slow you down. Try the steps above first, and if you’re still stuck, give us a shout. We’ll get your mouse, keyboard—and your productivity—back on track.
Call or visit us today:
📞 (780) 967 0215
📍 Onoway, Alberta
Leave a Reply