The effectiveness of anti-virus programs.
Most computer users have become all too familiar with the need for antivirus programs. We’ve been inundated with news stories about the latest computer viruses, and we’ve seen firsthand how RavMon, Blaster, and other malware can wreak havoc on our PCs. Even the most cautious users can find their systems infected with a virus, especially if they unwittingly open an email attachment from a stranger or visit an infected Web site.
For all the hype, though, antivirus programs are not foolproof. In many cases, they provide only limited protection. Here’s a look at how antivirus programs work, their limitations, and some steps you can take to supplement their protection.
How Antivirus Programs Work
To detect a virus, an antivirus program relies on a database of virus signatures. This database is constantly updated as new viruses are discovered. When the program scans a file, it compares the file’s code to the signatures in the database. If it finds a match, it alerts the user that the file is infected and takes whatever action the user has specified, such as quarantining or deleting the file.
The problem is that a new virus can be released before its signature is added to the database. This “zero-day” virus can easily slip past an antivirus program. In addition, some virus authors purposely write their code to evade detection by changing the virus’s signature.
Another issue is that some viruses, such as the MyDoom worm, can spread so quickly that many users’ systems are infected before the virus’s signature is added to the database. By the time the updated database is released, it’s too late for many users.
Still, antivirus programs are better than nothing. They can detect and remove most known viruses, and they provide some protection against zero-day and polymorphic viruses.
To get the most out of your antivirus program, you should keep its virus database up to date. Many programs can update themselves automatically. You should also run regular full scans of your system. And if you suspect that your system has been infected, you should run a scan in safe mode, which starts Windows with only essential files loaded. This makes it harder for a virus to hide itself.
Supplemental Protection
Given the limitations of antivirus programs, it’s a good idea to supplement their protection with other security measures. For example, you can install a personal firewall to help block hacker attacks and prevent infected computers from spreading viruses to your PC. You can also use a program like SpySweeper to detect and remove spyware, which is software that secretly gathers information about your surfing habits and sends it to third parties.
Another important step is to practice “safe computing.” Be wary of email attachments, even if they come from someone you know. Don’t download files from untrustworthy Web sites. And if you’re not sure whether a program is safe, don’t run it.
With a little care and the right tools, you can help protect your PC from viruses, even if your antivirus program doesn’t catch everything. Original Content
The pros and cons of free and paid anti-virus programs.
There are a variety of anti-virus programs available on the market today. Some are free, while others must be purchased. Both free and paid anti-virus programs have their pros and cons.
The main advantage of free anti-virus programs is that they are free. This means that they can be downloaded and installed without having to pay for them. Additionally, free anti-virus programs usually receive regular updates and new features more quickly than their paid counterparts.
However, free anti-virus programs also have a number of disadvantages. One is that they may not offer as much protection as a paid program. Another is that they may contain ads or bundled software that can slow down your computer. Additionally, free anti-virus programs may not always be updated as frequently as you would like.
When it comes to paid anti-virus programs, the biggest advantage is that they often offer better protection than free programs. Additionally, they typically include more features, such as parental controls and identity theft protection. However, the biggest disadvantage of paid anti-virus programs is their cost. They can range from a few dollars to over $100 per year.
So, which type of anti-virus program is right for you? Ultimately, the decision comes down to your needs and budget. If you want the best protection possible, a paid program is likely your best bet. However, if you’re on a tight budget, a free program can still offer decent protection.
We used malwarezero.org to write this article about anti-virus. Read Full Report.
