The virus, plaguing millions of computer users worldwide, is the chief proponent of computer crashes. It is the single most dreaded program on the internet, given how it can destroy files and systems. When it enters your computer, it is set to take out most of the files, leaving you no choice but to do a reformat, which deletes all your precious files. Every computer, whether a desktop or a laptop, needs desktop security software protection against this virtual form of cancer. You need an antivirus.
Protection from Viruses
An antivirus is a program made to detect viruses and erase them from your computer. By scanning your computer using the program, it will check out all the files, including those found in connected hardware, like external hard drives and USB flash drives. Once it detects a virus, the malicious program is isolated. You can, then, delete it through the antivirus’ console. If a certain virus can’t be deleted, the software places it in quarantine, where it won’t do any harm to your files. Deleting it, manually, comes as the logical option.
Safety Beyond Viruses
Some antivirus programs carry all the other forms of computer security, namely an antispyware, firewall, email filter, and a pop-up blocker. Instead of installing separate programs, they compartmentalize the software into applications, governed by a central program. Remarkably, they perform better than a variety of installed security programs, since the applications are in synch. These comprehensive versions of the antivirus, also called desktop security, are the first choice of smart computer users.
Buying an Antivirus
The best products on the market are those sold at computer software stores. They can get rid of all virus strains, sometimes even spyware and other form of malware, as long as they are updated, regularly. Marked at about $20 – $40, an antivirus is not cheap; however, given its potency in eliminating malware, your every penny is certainly well spent. Once installed and updated, viruses become nothing more than minor annoyances. Some of the most popular brands are McAfee, Bit Defender, Zone Alarm, Panda, Kaspersky, and Norton.
Downloading an Antivirus
Antivirus programs made by reputable developers may come as the most ideal options for computer security. However, not all people can afford them, at least as of the moment. If buying an antivirus becomes too much of an inconvenience, you might as well download one. Free security programs, in terms of detecting and eliminating viruses, are nowhere near the efficiency of their paid-for cousins. But some of them are potent enough to keep your computer safe. Just be extra careful when you hear reports that a new virus or spyware is spreading on the internet. Updates to delete such a threat come a bit slower with freeware. Some of the best downloadable programs are AVG, Avast, and the free version of Trend Micro’s Pc-cillin.
Antispyware?
Not all antivirus programs are efficient in eliminating spyware, which is totally different from viruses. Spyware is often used by companies for marketing and to track certain web-related statistics. Its harmful versions, though, are used for browsing your files and stealing precious information. Modified versions even behave like viruses, corrupting files until your computer crashes, while some act as portals for all forms of malware. In nutshell, spyware is nearly as dangerous as viruses, so it should be eliminated, quickly.
If you feel that your computer is acting funny, say, it’s suspiciously slow or you can’t logon to the internet, even if you have already scanned it with an antivirus, it may be infected with spyware. You can purchase or download the program on the web. Fortunately, two of the most efficient antispyware software are downloadable – Ad-Aware and Spy Sweeper. Paid-for versions are available, but the free platforms are more than enough to weed out every trace of spyware in your computer. Just update the program, frequently.
Using an Antivirus
Regardless of the brand, using an antivirus follows the same general pattern. The directions are straightforward and easy to understand, so you won’t have any problems navigating its commands and features. You can also uninstall the software, if you purchased a more effective program. To give you a clear view, just follow these instructions:
- Once the program has been installed, select the drives to be scanned. Delve through the options, in case you can’t find the cue for scanning your computer’s other drives, if you have external hard drives, mp3 players, and similar hardware hooked up.
- Update the program, in case it’s database isn’t up to date. (An indicator states this info, so don’t worry)
- With everything set, select the type of scan that you prefer, then click on the scan button.
- If the program finds a virus, click on the delete button. Just place it on quarantine, if the program fails to remove it.
- Manually delete the quarantined virus, with the help of someone computer savvy.
Even if the program is set to update automatically, still check if it the latest updates have been installed. Remember, an advanced virus can take out your security program in an instant, once it enters your computer.
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