As many as one of every out five gamers in a recent survey admitted that they turned off their antivirus software when playing online, because they found it interfered with their playing. Yet, with so many viruses, worms and Trojans all over the internet, they’re taking a big risk.
Antivirus software can cause problems for many people when gaming as they receive constant warning and alerts from the internet security software so that it disturbs the screen layout and their playing concentration. The firewall can also cause interruptions, with requests to update during the time people are playing online.
What those players may not have known though, is that there is now antivirus software available that has a game mode, so you can play without being disturbed but stay protected in the meantime.
How does that work?
Switching to game mode means keeping the antivirus, firewall and antispyware running while you play in full screen, but you won’t get alerts popping up during play. Updates and virus scans are delayed until you have switched back out of game mode.
Some security suites have a function where you can make a game profile. When the security application recognises you are playing a game, it will automatically reduce any system processes until later.
Other antivirus software will rely on you to switch out of game model manually, in order to return to a full security level. Some programmes come with a keyboard command for this, so it’s not a pain to chop and change between the two. You can still get free antivirus downloads if you’re a gamer, but it’s unlikely to have the same level of features as you’ll find in a pay-for package.
Whether you get antivirus specifically designed for gamers, or you just have the bare minimum, any internet security protection is better than nothing at all, as long as you remember to keep it switched on!