Introduction
This section examines not only antivirus issues, it also covers spyware, malware, Trojans and assorted other 'virus like' problems.
It describes what the problem is, why it exists and what you can do about it.
What is a virus?
Most computers, are connected to each other and can communicate via cables and even though the airwaves. This aspect of computing is called networking and is essential - without this communication, a PCs usefulness diminishes severely - you would not be able to send email or surf the web, for example.
However the huge advantages of networked computers does come at a price - viruses, fraud, spyware, malware etc - all sorts of evils await the unsuspecting, that have malicious or just plain irritating behaviour.
Viruses are actually small computer programs, that have
been designed to perform specific tasks - which are
sometimes very alarming!
Though not an exhaustive list, they can:
- Delete files from your hard disk.
- Stop your PC from starting up.
- Gather information from your PC and mail it out to someone.
- Create strange effects like change the system or video settings.
Why?
These programs are created by people for all sorts of reasons, some (rare), are malicious and are designed purely to cause havoc on your PC - while others (more common) are designed to grab personal information or useful sales and marketing data.
The Solution?
There are things that you can do to limit your exposure and (almost) eliminate the risk:
- Install and keep updated a real time antivirus scanner. AVG would be a good pick - but don't install / use more than one.
- Install a product like Comodo Internet Security - the firewall part only or Online Armor. For very basic security use Windows Firewall - though not as good as the others - and don't use two at the same time - switch one firewall off.
- Use an AntiSpyWare product like SuperAntiSpyware and do full scans every other month.
- Don't open an email if you don't know where it has come from - delete it instead.
- Don't surf dubious sites like bit torrent or file sharing websites - unless you have to!
- Keep your computer up to date with Windows Update.
That's about it for basic virus security - there is more you can do, see the security pages - but for average use, these simple rules should suffice.