Antivirus Programs
What is an antivirus program? An antivirus program is software designed to detect and delete computer viruses, worms, trojans, and other malicious software from your computer’s email, random access memory (RAM), and disk drives.
You need to make sure that all email is checked for viruses before you open it. Depending on what type of email program you use, your virus checking software or the email provider will check unopened email for viruses.
Note: Most free Web email providers e.g. Hotmail, check incoming email for viruses. However, those of you that read their mail with Outlook, Outlook Express, or other mail programs are typically responsible for providing their own resident email virus checker.
What kind of antivirus program should you use?
There are two major types of antivirus programs; resident programs which reside on the user’s computer, and free web-based programs that are online.
Most people connected to the Internet, should use a resident virus checker. Resident virus checkers provide full-time protection to your computer, however updates from the manufacturer are needed to keep abreast of new viruses. Resident virus checkers should always be on and checking your computer for viruses and other threats.
Examples of resident virus checkers include: Norton Antivirus, Mcafee, and PC-cillin.
Web-based free virus checkers are accessed online from an antivirus manufacturer’s Web site. Online virus checkers are free and always up-to-date, but will not detect viruses unless you are online and at the manufacturer’s Web site. Only people that think they have a very low virus risk should solely rely on Web-based virus checkers.
Online virus checkers can also be used in conjunction with resident virus checkers when updates to resident programs have not been obtained. Examples of free online virus checkers include: HouseCall and Symantec Security Check.
If you would be interested in having your computer looked over by one of our technicians, please contact us here. We are currently offering a free check over your computer to make sure you aren’t receiving viruses through your email! Contact a technician here.
