Anti Virus Software FAQ’s
What is a computer virus?
Most viruses are comparatively harmless, and may be present for years with no noticeable effect: some, however, may cause random damage to data files or attempt to destroy files and disks. Others cause unintended damage. The virus can cause significant damage by occupying disk space and/or main memory. Many viruses are disguised in e-mail attachments with an interesting name. When a curious computer user receives the mail and opens the attachment, the virus attacks. The virus attempts to modify the registry in order to copy itself into the Windows directory. The virus will then attempt to send infected mail messages to the addresses in the Windows Address Book. By causing congestion through self-propagation, the virus can also cause mail server performance problems. The subject line and attachment name may change as the virus spreads.
How should I protect myself?
- Install virus-protection software. Make sure to update the product at least once a week. Because an increasing number of viruses cannot be “cleaned” by simply running the “latest” virus checker if you are already infected, preventing infection is the wise course of action.
- Beware of e-mail attachments. Do not open any e-mail attachment unless you are expecting the file and know it is from a reliable source, especially if you are using Windows.
- Back up your files. On a regular basis, back up your files (somewhere other than on your machine). This can save hours, days, even years of work should you lose data because of a virus problem.
- Make a rescue disk. If you own an IBM-type system create a bootable floppy disk, put the antivirus software on it, and set the write-lock tab. This may be useful later.
Stay informed. Keep up with the latest news about viruses
What is anti virus software?
Antivirus software is a program that either comes installed on your computer or that you purchase and install yourself. It helps protect your computer against most viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and other unwanted invaders that can make your computer “sick.” Viruses, worms, and the like often perform malicious acts, such as deleting files, accessing personal data, or using your computer to attack other computers.
Why should I use anti-virus software?
You can help keep your computer healthy by using antivirus software. Remember to update your antivirus software regularly. These updates are generally available through a subscription from your antivirus vendor. The first is when a computer virus is reported, the virus is examined and a file is created to clean up or inoculation of the virus, this is called a signature file. The inoculation is added to the antivirus software database, a .dat file, and is used when scanning to identify and destroy viruses. The other way of identifying viruses is called heuristics. Heuristics monitors all activity on the computer and if a program is acting like a virus then it is destroyed or contained.
How does anti virus software work?
Antivirus software works in two ways. The first and the staple of the industry is based on signature files. When a computer virus is reported, the virus is examined and a signature file is created for inoculating the virus. This inoculation is added to the antivirus software database (.dat file) and is used when scanning computers to identify and destroy viruses. Unfortunately this is a reactive process so someone has to be the guinea pig and get infected. The other more progressive way of identifying viruses is called heuristics. This method will be the future of the industry and is basically the only hope we have in eliminating computer viruses. Heuristics monitor all activity on your computer and if a program is “acting” like a virus, then a red flag is raised and it is destroyed or contained and reported. The biggest hurdle for advancement in this area is the difficulty of determining what constitutes virus-like activity. For instance, replication is a common attribute of virus activity, but there can also be valid replication, like in program association. During program association, programs check to see whether or not they are the default. If they are not and you want them to be, then the program will change all of the files, which is akin to replication.
What should I look out for when purchasing anti virus software?
There are many different vendors of Antivirus software, and you are probably wondering which one is the best. There is unfortunately no simple answer to that question. Whatever solution you choose for your computer, make sure of the following specifications:
- The software can automatically update itself
- The software can integrate into your email program and scheduled to run automatically
- Virus scans can be scheduled to run automatically
- The software has a proven track record
- The software provider eleases timely and accurate information about new viruses
Is anti virus and anti-spy software the same thing?
No. Antivirus software helps protects against viruses. Antispyware software helps protect against spyware and other unwanted software. Some security services help protect against viruses and spyware.
Do I need a firewall if I use anti virus software?
Yes. You should use a firewall in addition to antivirus software to help protect your computer.
How can I find out if I already have antivirus software on my computer?
Check the Programs list on the Start menu and look for an antivirus program, such as McAfee or Symantec which is often provided on a trial basis by the computer manufacturers.
How can I make sure my anti virus software remains effective?
Purchase an annual subscription of your antivirus software to make sure your antivirus software stays current and effective. If you have purchased a subscription, most antivirus software will update itself when you are connected to the Internet. To ensure your software is up to date, open your antivirus program from the Start menu or the taskbar notification area and look for update status. When I want to install a new software programme, the installation process is telling me to turn off my anti virus software. Is this safe? Sometimes when you install new software, you may need to turn off your anti virus software during installation. Make sure that you that you turn your anti virus software back on again when you are finished.
I disabled some settings on my antivirus software, and now I’m not sure I should have done that. What are the most important settings to enable?
A number of settings should be enabled when you install the software and shouldn’t be disabled. If you have to, disable these settings to install new software or for any other reason, be sure to re-enable them as soon as possible. “On-access” or “real-time” scanning should be enabled. You should not disable this option as it will leave you vulnerable to threats. An icon should appear in the notification area of the taskbar to indicate that this setting is enabled. Clicking on Programs list in the Start menu should give you the same information.
- Anti-virus software should be configured to scan emails for viruses by default.
- Antivirus software should be set to perform a scheduled scan of your hard disk.
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