Anyone who feels concerned about the possibility of a malicious attack or security problem should invest in a good antivirus program. There are several methods involved in the identification of viruses and the protection of computers and networks from viruses, each with their own positives and negatives.
Most anti-virus programs use a virus dictionary method to scan for problems. The antivirus software contains a list of viruses which have been known to be harmful in the past, and this list is kept accurate through periodic updates downloaded from the internet. In essence the anti-virus software scans the computer for any files or programs which match the definitions downloaded. Once identified, the glitches can be fixed (the contaminated file can be rid of its virus and left); or they can be quarantined (sealed from other programs); or they can be deleted. If the virus is a serious one, it is always recommended that they be quarantined or deleted. The only real issue with the virus dictionary method of removal is that the space between one update and another can see the introduction of hundreds of new viruses into cyberspace – and for the anti-virus software programmers to be notified of the malware, they need someone to be effected first.
Some anti-virus systems will also monitor your computer’s activity, watching for erratic or suspicious behaviour. This rules out the problem of having to wait for virus dictionary updates, but can also lead to false alarms which after awhile can drive users to become complacent.
Most anti-virus programs use a virus dictionary method to scan for problems. The antivirus software contains a list of viruses which have been known to be harmful in the past, and this list is kept accurate through periodic updates downloaded from the internet. In essence the anti-virus software scans the computer for any files or programs which match the definitions downloaded. Once identified, the glitches can be fixed (the contaminated file can be rid of its virus and left); or they can be quarantined (sealed from other programs); or they can be deleted. If the virus is a serious one, it is always recommended that they be quarantined or deleted. The only real issue with the virus dictionary method of removal is that the space between one update and another can see the introduction of hundreds of new viruses into cyberspace – and for the anti-virus software programmers to be notified of the malware, they need someone to be effected first.
Some anti-virus systems will also monitor your computer’s activity, watching for erratic or suspicious behaviour. This rules out the problem of having to wait for virus dictionary updates, but can also lead to false alarms which after awhile can drive users to become complacent.