Anti Virus Software - Why This Is Essential

Anti Virus Software is and essential piece of software consisting of computer program that attempts to identify, stop, quarantine or eliminate computer viruses and other malicious software (malware).

Two main ways Anti Virus Software Work-

Examining or scanning files located on your computer and matching definitions with its database of known viruses.

The other method is identifying suspicious requests or behaviour from any computer program that might indication possible infection or intrusion. These can be data captures, port monitoring and other similar methods. Most Anti Virus Software today uses both of these methods to ensure your internet activates and experience is trouble free. There are many Anti Virus Software packages available today including

Norton Anti Virus

MacAfee Virus Scan

Bit Defender

Kaspersky

Pc-Cilling

F-Secure Anti Virus

Norman Virus Control

And lastly AVG Virus Control

The most important thing to remember with all these essential programs is keep the Anti-Virus up to date.

Viruses can be sub-divided into a number of types these include-

Boot sector viruses

Companion Viruses

Email Viruses

Logic Bombs and time Bombs

Macro Viruses

Sentinels

WB Microworm

Cross-site scripting virus

The invisible Halo Virus

Two other types of Malware are often refereed to as viruses, but are actually forms of distributing malware

Trojan horses and Worms

Installing New Software and Devices

When upgrading or installing applications to your PC, you will be prompted to disable your anti-virus whilst you complete the install. This is essential and can enable you to have trouble free access to the new device or application. The one thing you must remember is to disconnect from the net while the installation takes place. Statistics show it takes less than 5 minutes for an unprotected PC to be infected with a virus attached to the net.

Anti Virus and Firewalls

It is recommended to buy Anti Virus with built in Firewall as these two devices need to work in parallel to be sure of maximum protection for your computer. It is almost impossible to filter all viruses using a firewall and anti-virus. You will still need to be aware of suspicious activity and perform periodic, complete scans of your computer. These can time-consuming but it is essential requirement to keeping your computer running safe. Remember Spam email will surely eventually get through for as long as you're accepting e-mails. Just remember to never open an attachment to you e-mails unless you are sure of the sender.

In Summary

Anti-Virus is essential for trouble free online experience. Remember it has to be up to date, scan periodically and working. It along with your Firewall is the only devices protecting you from the multitude of malicious code and virus out there. Just one infection can ruin an entire network, even large companies are susceptible. The loss of work and general hassle these virus cause cannot be underestimated.