Why
Anti-Virus
Software Is Important
Any
computer and internet user, regardless
of the reasons that they are online,
need to have the latest antivirus
software programs installed on their
computer. Even thought most of these
programs come already installed
with your computer and are free,
antivirus software is absolutely
essential to safe and uninterrupted
internet usage. It also plays and
important role in computer safety,
as it can protect your vital documents
and files from becoming damaged
or lost forever.
How
does an antivirus software program
detect and eliminate potential virus
threats? This can be accomplished
in one of two ways. First, the computer
security program on your PC or laptop
scans any files looking for virus
definitions that match a virus dictionary.
If a matching virus is found, the
software alerts the user about the
virus. The second method of locating
viruses is to identify and suspicious
virus behavior, such as port monitoring,
spyware or data capturing. When
these behaviors are detected, the
antivirus software springs into
action and gets rid of the infected
files.
Every
so often, you'll hear on the radio
or see on the news about a potential
virus or worm that is spread via
email. It may come with a subject
line like "open this to see
a funny video". Once the video
is opened and downloaded, the virus
infects your computer and starts
eliminating or damaging files. Antivirus
software can help minimize the overall
threat that viruses cause. As certain
as you would lock your doors at
night, or hide away valuable items
in a safe location, computer safety
depends on having antivirus software
installed in your machine.
There
are certain free antivirus software
programs that you can trust to safely
install and operate on your CPU
or laptop. Programs such as McAfee
and Norton are proven and respected
names in the computer security industry.
These companies continuously monitor
and update their respective antivirus
software applications as new and
more dangerous viruses are released.
While the potential for completely
eliminating computer viruses and
their ramifications from online
users is remote, having these -
and other antivirus programs on
your computer can greatly reduce
the risk that viruses can cause.
As
with any threatening issue, there's
always an element of conspiracy
that's involved, and it's no different
with antivirus software companies.
Think about it, if viruses were
completely eliminated, then there
would be no longer any need for
purchased or free antivirus software
programs? Some people theorize that
computer security companies actually
benefit from viruses and they actually
keep virus writers on their payroll!
Of course, this has never been proven,
but it would make for an interesting
movie.
Regardless
of whether or not you believe in
conspiracy theories, one thing is
for certain: that computer security
is dependent on antivirus software
and vice-versa. New worms and programs
are being developed all the time.
Some viruses target specific files,
like word documents or excel spreadsheets.
Other more malicious programs can
actually shut your computer right
down. However, by installing the
latest and most effective antivirus
software programs on your computer
or laptop, security will increase
and you'll have peace of mind as
a luxury. Travel and visit some
computer retailers in your area
to learn more information on the
newest antivirus software programs.
About the Author
Patrick Flouster is experienced
in helping people keep their computers
safe with easy to follow tips
& advice.
