Computer Antivirus Solutions

Why do you need Antivirus Software?

A computer virus is a program that is loads itself onto your computer without your knowledge. Computer viruses can replicate themselves and make your computer do things that you would not approve of. The problems that computer viruses cause can vary. Some will replicate themselves so many times that they use all available system memory thus bringing your computer to a halt. Others are able to invade your e-mail program and send themselves to everyone in your e-mail address directory. Antivirus Software is important not only for the protection of your computer, but also the protection of the computers that you are linked to.

Test your computer's exposure to online security threats and learn how to make your computer more secure.

What can be done to avoid infection?

Most common viruses are spread by email, sharing files over the Internet or by moving floppy disks from one computer to another. To detect, remove and prevent the spread of computer viruses, you should have Antivirus Software installed on your computer.

Can I still get a virus even though I have Antivirus Software installed?

YES! A common myth about virus protection is that once the program is installed you will not be able to get a computer virus. This is not true. Even with Antivirus Software installed on your computer, you will still need to run software updates to avoid getting a virus. Most Antivirus Software can be set up so that they run these updates for you automatically (It is also possible to get a virus even with the latest updates). Unfortunately, there are situations that occur when the virus spreads faster than your computer will update the virus definitions. These situations are rare. These updates are used to protect you computer from viruses that have been created or discovered since your software was made. Even brand new Antivirus Software will have to be updated right out of the box.

What kind of files can spread viruses?

Viruses have the potential to infect any type of executable code, not just the files that are commonly called 'program files'. For example, some viruses infect executable code in the boot sector of floppy disks or in system areas of hard drives. Another type of virus (known as a ‘macro' virus) can infect word processing and spreadsheet documents that use macros. It's possible for HTML documents containing JavaScript or other types of executable code to spread viruses or other malicious code also. Since virus code must be executed to have any effect, files that the computer treats as pure data are safe. This includes graphics and sound files such as .gif, .jpg, .mp3, .wav, etc., as well as plain text in .txt files. For example, just viewing picture files won't infect your computer with a virus. The virus code has to be in a form, such as an .exe program file or a Word .doc file that the computer will actually try to execute.

What is a Trojan Horse?

A type of program that is often confused with viruses is a 'Trojan Horse'. This is not a virus, but simply a program (often harmful) that pretends to be something else.

For example, you might download what you think is a new game. When you run it, though, it deletes files on your hard drive or the third time you start the game, the program E-mails your saved passwords to another person.

Summary

Viruses come in many different shapes and forms. Some are practically harmless, but most are malicious and dangerous to your data and secure information. Keeping your Antivirus Software up to date, and being cautious of suspicious files or e-mails, is the best way to protect yourself. You never have a 100% guarantee that you system won't be infected by a virus but a guarantee that can be made is that if you do not have virus protection it is just a matter of time before you get one of the thousands of computer viruses currently circulating around the internet. For more information please call The Byte Shop Computers at 239-434-0222.