Viruses and Anti-virus Software Programs
Viruses - should I worry?Viruses are created and released onto the Internet by people for various reasons. Some are created just to cause havoc, while others are created to open a door onto your computer so the bad guy can steal your information, watch your surfing habits or even turn your computer into a email spam-machine!
In simple terms a computer virus is a specially written computer program that distributes copies of itself, without the permission or even knowledge of the user. Viruses are sneaky things as they can be hidden within other programs - this way they disguise themselves to trick the user into executing their viral payload onto your computer to infect it.
Well there are ways you can protect yourself. Some are very easy and cost you nothing. Remember never to open an email attachment if you don't know the sender, and even if you know the sender but suspect they would not send you such an attachment - don't open it. Simply delete any suspect emails from within your email program. As well, never execute (double-click an executable file - ie - .exe, .pif, .bat, .vbs and others) any file that has not been scanned with an anti-virus program. Last but not least, always keep your computer software up to date.
Be sure to install an anti-virus program and keep it up to date. Most have built in mechanisms for staying up to date, but if you find yourself unsure if yours does check the help file or contact the maker for more information.
Anti-virus software works by using either a list of virus signature definitions, or they use what is called heuristic algorithms to detect any viruses based on a common set of behaviours. Good anti-virus software will use both methods together to ensure the best protection.
For our complete anti-virus protection software tests and final reviews please see Anti-Virus Protection. To find the very latest anti-virus software and anti-spam protection coupons for all software makers try our new anti-virus coupon site.