VIRUS-Vital Information Resources Under Seize
A computer virus is an executable program. A computer virus is a
computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer. The term
"virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types
of malware, including but not limited to adware and spyware programs that do
not have the reproductive ability. A true virus can spread from one computer to
another (in some form of executable code) when its host is taken to the target
computer; for instance because a user sent it over a network or the Internet,
or carried it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, DVD, or USB
drive.A virus must be permitted to execute
code and write to memory. For this reason, many viruses attach themselves to
executable files that may be part of legitimate programs.
There are at least four reasons.
The first is the same psychology
that drives vandals and arsonists.
The second reason has to do with the thrill of watching things blow up.
The second reason has to do with the thrill of watching things blow up.
The third reason involves bragging rights.
Viruses can trick you into buying fake software, steal your personal
information and use it to get to your money, or be sold on the digital
equivalent of the black market. Powerful viruses are valuable -- and
potentially lucrative -- tools.
But Don't worry Today there are lots of Free antivirus available to protect your computer.
it's one of the most recommended free Windows antivirus options. One
nice thing about Avast is that the installer only installs the
antivirus program – there's no toolbar or anything else to dodge.
Definitions update automatically, scans can be scheduled, and the
boot-time scan tool does a good job at uprooting even stubborn
infections.
You do need to register for a product key, though Avast will never email you anything other than the confirmation message.
AVG has been a popular free antivirus option for Windows users for a
number of years. It provides solid protection against viruses and other
malware, and there's no registration required. Virus definition updates
are automatic, and scheduled scanning is supported. Version 8 ships with
the optional AVG Security Toolbar, which may be a good idea for some
users. It provides security ratings for known websites and provides a
little added protection in your browser – a place some users desperately
need it.
Comodo's free antivirus application comes as part of their Internet
Security suite. Comodo's firewall software has always been very
well-respected, but you can choose to only install the antivirus during
the install if you prefer. It's a solid performer, with good scanning
speed and detection rates, and few false positives.
PC Tools are the same people that produce Spyware Doctor, one of the
most popular anti-spyware applications around (though not my personal
choice). Its interface is simple and easy to understand for novice
users, though advanced users are likely to be frustrated by the lack of
more sophisticated options that are available in other free programs.
Scheduled scanning is supported, as are automatic definition updates.
Even with the regal lion face logo, Rising hasn't garnered a lot of
respect yet. Still, those who do use it seem very pleased with the
protection it provides and also report that it's easy on system
resources. A complete scan with Rising is a bit more sluggish than with
more popular options, but most of you probably run scheduled scans when
you're AFK anyway – so it's not a big downside.
NOD32 is the choice of a number of Download Squad crew members. It's
very well-respected by system admins and technicians and one of the best
programs available to protect your PC from infection. Downloading the
current version gets you 30 days to try it out.
