Anti-Virus sends shivers down your spine when you think of all the damage they can do and the word tool gives us a primal instinct of safety and help. When you think about this is exactly what Anti-Virus Tools is designed for, peace of mind and a way to keep your computer form catching a cold.
Pros
What can one person say, there are more pros to this than there are letters in any alphabet but to name a few of them at the very least are, the protection it provides you while doing something as simple as checking your email, or chatting on one of the various Instant Messengers out there. Another fact is that all can and will continuously scan on their own or when you command them too. You can also determine how deep a scan is or isn't. In addition another Pro is the level of Defense the Anti-Virus Tools can provide, you can set it so high that nothing is getting in, unless of course you let it.
Cons
When it comes to Cons well there are a few to consider, one being whether or not your Anti-Virus tool is up to the job, some only protect against certain attacks while others cannot handle or keep up with the daily changes to the Anti-Virus world. Another and probably the biggest problem is the size of these programs, there are some out there that do not leave much room for anything else to be running, while others themselves are so large that unless you are running 128 MB or higher you do not have enough resources to use the program anyway.
User ability
The ease of use in these programs can be as different as day and night, however in most cases if you let it set up and install then run itself in the default settings then they are relatively easy to use. Another thing to consider is, before you install one is whether the product is right for you and if the Anti-Virus Tool does the job you need it to. Once these things are out of the way the User Ability turns into simple issues like deciding when the best time for it to run a scan is, remember the PC has to be turned on at the time and it is generally best to not do anything else during the scan.
Safety and Security
When it comes to Anti-Virus tools the safer you are in your choices and settings the more secure you will be. If you turn on your PC then you need to have an Anti-Virus tool, whether the computer ever gets put on line or not. A major Security for all of us is our own personal information and whether we are comfortable giving it out or not. There are very few of us who will willingly give out much more than our name and email, there are even more who do not like giving even that out. I suggest an alter-net email address for those who do not like giving out there own, and take into consideration that if the Anti-Virus tool you choose wants more information from you to download it then maybe you need to consider where you are downloading it from.
Summary and Rating
Summing up something as complex as Anti-Virus Tools, with all the options out there, and all the more reasons to use one is a huge undertaking in itself. I can only make suggestions on where to go from here. First choose carefully and wisely, do not be afraid to spend a few dollars to protect your computer. The thing to remember about the cost is, it has to be cheaper than having to buy an new PC. When choosing a tool, see what its minimum requirements are, what it protects against and how often it updates. Also whether or not you can set it to scan all the time and run your own deeper scan whenever you want.
As far as the Rating goes, it will and should always get a 10 and be one of the first things you do for your PC.
About the Author:
Dee Owens writes articles and reviews for Software download sites. Follow the link to download your Freeware or Shareware.
Article Tags: antivirus, scan, tool
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=106066&ca=Computers+and+Technology
Article published on December 04, 2006 at iSnare.com
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
How Computer Viruses Work And How To Protect Your Computer
Many people are afraid of tinkering with their computers because of the fear that they might inadvertently introduce a computer virus into the computer system.
Computer viruses have become the technological bogeyman that scares computer users all over the world. We have all heard of how dangerous computer viruses are and how it can damage your data. Of course, aided by the bloated images Hollywood movies paint with regards to computer viruses, a big majority now have this insane (but mostly unfounded) fears about it.
It is true that computer viruses are dangerous. Anyone who has lost vital information in their computers because of a computer virus will know how big a damage it can cause. But computer viruses are not these insidiously little pieces of code that could wreak havoc on the world. If you know what to do when you get a virus in your computer then you can definitely limit, if not totally stop, the damage it can cause.
But what is a computer virus? Well, it is a software with a small imprint that would usually attach itself on to a legitimate program or software. Every time this program is executed the virus is also executed and it tries to reproduce itself by attaching to other programs or it immediately starts affecting the computer. A computer virus and email virus basically have the same modus operandi, the difference though is that an email virus would attach itself to an email message or automatically send itself using the addresses in the address book in order to infect the people who receive the email.
A computer virus is usually embedded in a larger program, often a legitimate piece of software. The virus will be run when the legitimate software is executed. The computer virus would load itself into the memory of the computer and then it will seek out any programs where it can likely attach itself. When a likely program is found then the virus would modify the file in order to add the virus’ code to the program. The virus would usually run before the actual legitimate program runs. In fact, the virus would usually perform the infection first before it commands the legitimate program to run. This process is so fast that no one would even notice that a virus was executed. With two programs now infected (the original program and the first infected program), the same process would be repeated whenever either program is launched worsening the level of infection.
After the infection phase, or even within the middle of the process of infection, the virus would usually start its attack on the system. The level of attack can range from silly actions like flashing messages on the screen to actually erasing sensitive data.
Fortunately, there are steps that you can do in order to protect your computer from viruses. Among the steps that you can take are:
* The simplest way to avoid a virus is to install a legitimate and effective antivirus program in your computer. The antivirus program is designed to look out for any kind of activity that could be seen as similar to a virus attack or infestation and it automatically stops it.
* You can opt to use a more secure operating system in your computer. For example, Unix is a secure operating system because the security features built into it prevents a virus from actually doing what it is programmed to do.
* Enable Macro Virus Protection in all of the Microsoft applications resident in your computer. Additionally, you should avoid running macros in a document unless you have a good idea of what these macros are going to do.
* Avoid using programs that you have downloaded on the internet especially when they come from dubious sources.
* Never open an email attachment that contains an executable file – these are files with the EXE, COM and VBS extensions.
About the Author:
Matt Gundesen is a certified expert in the field of antivirus software. To download Norton Antivirus as well as many other tools in the battle against computer viruses, please visit: http://www.antivirusdownload.com
Article Tags: computer, program, virus
iSnare Articles Trademark Balls
Read more articles by: Matt Gundesen
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=103346&ca=Computers+and+Technology
Article published on August 07, 2007 at iSnare.com
Computer viruses have become the technological bogeyman that scares computer users all over the world. We have all heard of how dangerous computer viruses are and how it can damage your data. Of course, aided by the bloated images Hollywood movies paint with regards to computer viruses, a big majority now have this insane (but mostly unfounded) fears about it.
It is true that computer viruses are dangerous. Anyone who has lost vital information in their computers because of a computer virus will know how big a damage it can cause. But computer viruses are not these insidiously little pieces of code that could wreak havoc on the world. If you know what to do when you get a virus in your computer then you can definitely limit, if not totally stop, the damage it can cause.
But what is a computer virus? Well, it is a software with a small imprint that would usually attach itself on to a legitimate program or software. Every time this program is executed the virus is also executed and it tries to reproduce itself by attaching to other programs or it immediately starts affecting the computer. A computer virus and email virus basically have the same modus operandi, the difference though is that an email virus would attach itself to an email message or automatically send itself using the addresses in the address book in order to infect the people who receive the email.
A computer virus is usually embedded in a larger program, often a legitimate piece of software. The virus will be run when the legitimate software is executed. The computer virus would load itself into the memory of the computer and then it will seek out any programs where it can likely attach itself. When a likely program is found then the virus would modify the file in order to add the virus’ code to the program. The virus would usually run before the actual legitimate program runs. In fact, the virus would usually perform the infection first before it commands the legitimate program to run. This process is so fast that no one would even notice that a virus was executed. With two programs now infected (the original program and the first infected program), the same process would be repeated whenever either program is launched worsening the level of infection.
After the infection phase, or even within the middle of the process of infection, the virus would usually start its attack on the system. The level of attack can range from silly actions like flashing messages on the screen to actually erasing sensitive data.
Fortunately, there are steps that you can do in order to protect your computer from viruses. Among the steps that you can take are:
* The simplest way to avoid a virus is to install a legitimate and effective antivirus program in your computer. The antivirus program is designed to look out for any kind of activity that could be seen as similar to a virus attack or infestation and it automatically stops it.
* You can opt to use a more secure operating system in your computer. For example, Unix is a secure operating system because the security features built into it prevents a virus from actually doing what it is programmed to do.
* Enable Macro Virus Protection in all of the Microsoft applications resident in your computer. Additionally, you should avoid running macros in a document unless you have a good idea of what these macros are going to do.
* Avoid using programs that you have downloaded on the internet especially when they come from dubious sources.
* Never open an email attachment that contains an executable file – these are files with the EXE, COM and VBS extensions.
About the Author:
Matt Gundesen is a certified expert in the field of antivirus software. To download Norton Antivirus as well as many other tools in the battle against computer viruses, please visit: http://www.antivirusdownload.com
Article Tags: computer, program, virus
iSnare Articles Trademark Balls
Read more articles by: Matt Gundesen
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=103346&ca=Computers+and+Technology
Article published on August 07, 2007 at iSnare.com
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Discovering The Best Antivirus Software For You
Antivirus software refers to computer programs or tools that are used for identifying, blocking, and removing malicious applications such as computer viruses and malwares from the system. They have become essential tools for any computer user in today’s world of constant threat from virus attacks, spywares, system hijackers, etc.
An antivirus application performs two basic functions. The first is to scan all files, according to user preference, and identify the virus based on matching definitions in its database. This is known as virus dictionary or database approach of identifying viruses. Secondly, if run in real time, it tries to identify and suspicious activities occurring in the system, which may be triggered by other computer programs in the operating system. This is known as suspicious behavior approach. These two functions are the basis on which most antivirus software programs are built.
The Database Approach:
When the antivirus identifies a virus that matches any code or definition in its database, it will alert the user, and the user has the option of repairing, quarantining, deleting or analyzing the infected file. If the virus cannot be removed from the infected file, it is usually set to quarantine. However, users also have the option of immediately deleting the file thereby eliminating any further threats, or before the virus can execute itself. The infected file can also be sent to the software company for analysis and inclusion in the database, or if the antivirus has the feature, the user can analyze the infected file by self.
Since new viruses are created everyday, the virus database of the antivirus has to be updated continually. Almost all database updates are free and they can be scheduled or done manually.
Suspicious Behavior Approach:
There is no attempt to identify known viruses here like in the dictionary approach. Every activity and behavior in the system is monitored here by the antivirus. Therefore, this approach may protect from new viruses which has not yet been identified out of suspicion. However, this approach has mostly been abandoned by many antivirus companies because of its tendency to sound too many false positives. And today, there are so many non-malicious programs which can modify other executable files in disregard to the false positive issue. So this technique has become almost obsolete.
Popular Antivirus Software:
Norton Antivirus: One of the most well-known antivirus software, Norton automatically detects and removes viruses, rids computer of unwanted spyware, and scans email and IM attachments for threats.
McAfee VirusScan: The antivirus detects, blocks, and removes viruses and spyware, and protects irreplaceable documents such as digital photos, family movies, and financial spreadsheets, identity theft and slower PC performance.
PC-cillin Internet Security: From Trend Micro, it is an award-winning antivirus security and a personal firewall. Protects against viruses, worms, Trojans, and hackers, detects and removes spyware and blocks spam. Also protects your wireless network with Wi-Fi Intrusion Detection.
Panda Titanium: It uses TruPrevent Technologies, offering a double layer of protection against unknown viruses and intruders. It also protects system from hackers, phishing and other online fraud.
About the Author:
Antivirus HQ: your online resource to help protect your PC from viruses and spyware.
Article Tags: antivirus, database, viruses
Read more articles by: George Royal
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=32844&ca=Computers+and+Technology
Article published on February 05, 2006 at iSnare.com
An antivirus application performs two basic functions. The first is to scan all files, according to user preference, and identify the virus based on matching definitions in its database. This is known as virus dictionary or database approach of identifying viruses. Secondly, if run in real time, it tries to identify and suspicious activities occurring in the system, which may be triggered by other computer programs in the operating system. This is known as suspicious behavior approach. These two functions are the basis on which most antivirus software programs are built.
The Database Approach:
When the antivirus identifies a virus that matches any code or definition in its database, it will alert the user, and the user has the option of repairing, quarantining, deleting or analyzing the infected file. If the virus cannot be removed from the infected file, it is usually set to quarantine. However, users also have the option of immediately deleting the file thereby eliminating any further threats, or before the virus can execute itself. The infected file can also be sent to the software company for analysis and inclusion in the database, or if the antivirus has the feature, the user can analyze the infected file by self.
Since new viruses are created everyday, the virus database of the antivirus has to be updated continually. Almost all database updates are free and they can be scheduled or done manually.
Suspicious Behavior Approach:
There is no attempt to identify known viruses here like in the dictionary approach. Every activity and behavior in the system is monitored here by the antivirus. Therefore, this approach may protect from new viruses which has not yet been identified out of suspicion. However, this approach has mostly been abandoned by many antivirus companies because of its tendency to sound too many false positives. And today, there are so many non-malicious programs which can modify other executable files in disregard to the false positive issue. So this technique has become almost obsolete.
Popular Antivirus Software:
Norton Antivirus: One of the most well-known antivirus software, Norton automatically detects and removes viruses, rids computer of unwanted spyware, and scans email and IM attachments for threats.
McAfee VirusScan: The antivirus detects, blocks, and removes viruses and spyware, and protects irreplaceable documents such as digital photos, family movies, and financial spreadsheets, identity theft and slower PC performance.
PC-cillin Internet Security: From Trend Micro, it is an award-winning antivirus security and a personal firewall. Protects against viruses, worms, Trojans, and hackers, detects and removes spyware and blocks spam. Also protects your wireless network with Wi-Fi Intrusion Detection.
Panda Titanium: It uses TruPrevent Technologies, offering a double layer of protection against unknown viruses and intruders. It also protects system from hackers, phishing and other online fraud.
About the Author:
Antivirus HQ: your online resource to help protect your PC from viruses and spyware.
Article Tags: antivirus, database, viruses
Read more articles by: George Royal
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=32844&ca=Computers+and+Technology
Article published on February 05, 2006 at iSnare.com
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