antivirus

Simple Tips to Compare Anti-virus Applications

June 6, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Computers are easily affected with virus and other malicious codes. Most virus are today spread through Internet as most users are always online and these viruses are finding new ways to enter and damage the system. With the increasing threats, anti-virus software applications are also increasing to combat them. Most applications are available in paid version and some are available free.

Image via Wikipedia

Most of the applications have different features and with each version, the features also increases. Users must compare different applications before choosing one, comparing the applications is very easy when the user is clear on what are their expectations. Here are few simple instructions to select an anti-virus software application. First, user must decide whether they want to go for paid version or free version as this will actually help the user to narrow down their choices. Most people think that the paid applications are better than the free applications, but it is not true all the time.

Before purchasing any application, user should completely analyze it, let it free or paid. Therefore, it is better to test the trial version in the system. Some of the important features are automatic updates and scheduled scans, it is better to choose an application that doesn’t occupy too much space on the system and does not affect the system speed.

Other than this, users must read reviews and ratings, check running speed, support, features, updates, and finally the performance of the applications. Finally, users must test the applications and review the results before buying an anti-virus software.

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks Tagged With: antivirus, PC User, Windows Update

How does Anti-virus Applications Work

June 2, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Anti-virus software application is very important for protecting the computers, it acts like a defense to protect sensitive data and information. The main aim of this application is to scan the entire system to identify and remove any virus or other threats. In addition, these applications also fight all the new virus and other threats before entering into the system.

Image via Wikipedia

This anti-virus application identifies virus from the files and also identifies other application that might plant any infectious virus into the system. The anti-virus application uses two approaches to eliminate threats: suspicious behavior approach and virus dictionary approach.

In the suspicious behavior approach, the anti-virus monitors the software applications and its function. In this method, the anti-virus never try to identify known virus, but it flags any program that tries to write any executable code on the system. This approach flags the suspected application and issues warning message to the user with the recommendation for any actions.

This suspicious approach is very useful in identifying the new virus as it does not rely on the virus dictionary. This method is very much annoying for the user because it raises many false alarms and user gradually ignores the warning message which may lead to plant any virus.

In virus dictionary approach, after detecting new virus, it is added to the dictionary with all the information about the virus such as name, author, causes, and behavior. The anti-virus programs compare the suspicious programs or files with the dictionary and delete or repair it. In this method, to stay updated, the anti-virus must update the dictionary regularly.

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks Tagged With: antivirus, Personal computer, Security

Antivirus Updating – Is Yours Up to Date?

May 5, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Image by livibetter via Flickr

Antivirus programs are one of the most important tools that computer and Internet users have to manage their systems. Without the right protection in place, you could lose your business data, your personal identification or your entire computer system. The good news is that most antivirus programs can be helpful at stopping this threat from playing out.

Updating It

The problem with antivirus programs is that you have to ensure they are up to date. As soon as something changes in terms of the threats your system could face, your software protection is out of date. Here are some tips to keeping it updated.

Be sure that your program automatically checks for updates from its manufacturer. Most programs do this and it is critical to ensure they do.
Daily or at least every other day, check to ensure the latest update from your antivirus program is in place. You simply need to open the system up, check for updates and ensure they are downloaded.
Schedule antivirus scans to happen on their own, without you having to start them. There is no better way to protect your computer than to make the process as automatic as possible.
Know what the threats are. Do you know what could happen to your computer? More importantly, know how to prevent cyber attacks from happening to you.
Purchase and use a quality program. None of this is possible if the program you are using is not up to date in terms of its technology.

Take the time to find out if your antivirus protection is in place and is working at its best. Otherwise, your system could be at risk.

Filed Under: Security Tagged With: antivirus, Malware, Security

Internet Searching Safety

March 27, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Internet searches can be time consuming, especially when you are searching for a general topic. It is important when you are doing general searches that you are careful and make certain that you are searching sites that are not a threat to your computer system. There are a few systems that will help you remain safe even though you are doing a wide search on the internet.

First and very important is that you have some type of anti virus software installed and updated on your computer. There are a large variety of choices include some that are free to users. Just because it’s cost is high does not mean that that software is the best. Check ratings and reviews. Choose your software wisely, but make sure you choose one of them.

Second and also important is that you consider your familiarity with the source of the website you are visiting. When at all possibly enter in the URL of a site you know and trust yourself. Clicking links is easily done, and can lead to negative results just as easily.

Third and not least important is to know the security settings on your web browser and search engine. Available to you are a number of security options at each of these levels. There are even filters that will also effect what types of content will be allowed to come through your search engine.

There are a wide variety of controls available to you. Make sure that you know what those are. Be aware of what settings you have chosen and how they are set. Most of all stay aware and vigilant, every program isn’t going to stop every possible encounter.

Filed Under: Security Tagged With: antivirus, Uniform Resource Locator, Web search engine

Simple Ways to Protect Your Computer While Connected to the Internet

February 16, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Windows Security Center (not antivirus softwar...

Image by xoan via Flickr

The Internet is a very popular place in today’s modern world. From the wide assortment of various activities that can be performed online; to the increasing ease of use and overall access, the Internet is quickly becoming a basis of our culture and lives. However, with the positivity that the Internet presents, there are also dangers that people who regularly utilize the Internet, and particularly those who newer to the online world, need to know prior to utilizing it. Among one of the most commonly associated issues that consistently pops up pertaining to online dangers is the prospect of getting a computer virus. Computer viruses can be caught in a number of different ways, and can do a wide range of different things to your computer.

Fortunately, there are some quick and simple things a new computer user can do to ensure their computer remains safe from the majority of dangers lurking online. The first of these items pertains to the use of a viable anti-virus software. Anti-virus software is generally a program that runs in the background of the computer, utilizing few system resources, and acts a barrier of safety, catching any potential threats that occur in real-time. Additionally, most anti-virus developers utilize automation processes within the software so that regular scans are run at scheduled times to ensure the user does not have to worry about forgetting to do so.

Secondly, and something that is commonly overlooked, is to ensure your operating system is adequately updated. Timeframes vary in terms of when updates or patches are released, but it is vital to ensure you download and install these patches as soon as possible. Not only do they fix known bugs, but they also repair any known security risks that were not known prior to the patch implementation.

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks Tagged With: antivirus, Computer virus, Security

Do Not Rely Solely On Anti-Virus Software for Protection

February 8, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

The Internet is a vast and wondrous place, full of entertainment in droves of various forms. However, in conjunction with that entertainment and the large amount of people it attracts on a daily basis comes the prospect of danger. As more people turn to the Internet to find pieces of information, do shopping, and play the many available video games; more viruses are popping up to take advantage of the large and growing population. To help neutralize these threats, anti-virus software was developed to help combat the known issues that consistently plague the Internet and put users computers in jeopardy. However, the viruses that exist on the Internet currently are always evolving and morphing to adapt to the various loopholes that are left open, additionally, there are new and improved viruses popping up on a regular basis. Due to this fact, the droves of different anti-virus software that is utilized to combat these threats consistently has to be updated in order to stay ahead of the fold.

Unfortunately, anti-virus software is not the only safety net that you should utilize against viruses. This is primarily due to the fact that the software needs to be updated on a consistent basis to be effective in blocking out the many potential threats that are looming in the online world. However, not all anti-virus updates are perfect, and on many occasions, they miss plenty of areas that need attention. As a result, it is vital to ensure you do your own monitoring in conjunction to running an anti-virus program as another safety net for your computer. By checking the various processes that are running, you can easily get an idea of where your system resources are being allocated to. Additionally, if you happen to notice something that is running you do not recognize, you can investigate it further manually, giving it more attentive detail.

In all, anti-virus software is a necessity, but it is not perfect. Ensure you have other forms of virus protection to supplement your anti-virus software.

Filed Under: Programs & Software Tagged With: antivirus, Computer virus, Malicious Software, Viruses

Anti-Virus Software – Beware of Free Trials

February 1, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

As the necessity for households to have at least one computer connected to the internet becomes more prevalent in modern society, more people who are unfamiliar with computers as well as the potential dangers that lurk on the internet will fall victim to various scams and viruses. Additionally, when their computer begins to hiccup a little, or run strangely, they will resort to searching online for a solution as opposed to consulting a trusted technician in person. The unfortunate potential consequence of going the online route as someone who is unfamiliar with how viruses function, how they are contracted by the computer, as well as the various problems that can persist, is that you can fall victim to the many virus software scams that pollute the internet.

The largest and most widespread problem that pertains to the above scenario is the free trial hook that many legitimate as well as illegitimate anti-virus software developers use to snag the initial interest of a potential client. These types of free trials require the downloading and installation of a specific program in order to have it perform a free comprehensive scan of your potentially damaged system. The problem lies in the fact that more times than not, these free trials are merely viruses that have been cloaked to pose as a legitimate anti-virus software. As a result of this, unsuspecting down-loaders are actually doing the hackers job for them by downloading and installing the virus onto their machine without even knowing it.

When these viruses are set loose on your machine, they can run rampant and pose many problems that are vastly more detrimental to the system than the initial problem that the download was sought for. If you are still new to the computer and internet scene, before going the route of trying out some of the many free trials available in anti-virus software, ensure you consult someone in person. The advice you receive will be much more trustworthy, and hopefully they will be able to either remedy the issue them self, or point you in the right direction.

Filed Under: Programs & Software Tagged With: antivirus, Computer virus, Malicious Software

How to Protect Your Computer from Hackers While Playing Online Casino Games

January 28, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Playing online casino games is a fun way to pass the time and unwind. As with any activity on the computer, it is important that you protect yourself from hackers while playing. There are many people who have malicious intentions, and are looking to steal personal information from other computer users or spread viruses. Here are a few tips that will help protect your computer from hackers while you’re playing online.

Verify or Install Anti-Virus Software

The first thing that you should do is verify that you have some sort of ant-virus software installed on your computer. If you do not, you need get it. Actually, many people have two or three different kinds of anti-virus programs installed on their computer. There are many options available, from paid to free versions. It is usually best to stick with a popular brand so that you know it will work properly. AVG and Ad Vast are two of the most popular free anti-virus programs available. Do a search to locate a free download.

Play Online Casino Games on a Reputable Site

Make sure that the casino site is reputable by doing some research. Look for reviews from other players and see if they are positive or negative. You also want to make sure that the casino site has been tested or accredited by a business that does independent audits to be sure the company is playing fairly and by the rules. Casinos with good track records usually display this information on their website. All gambling websites must be licensed, so check out the site’s terms and conditions to verify that they are licensed.

Keep Your Personal Information Secure

Before playing online casino games, look at the casino website and find the security policy to make sure they are using encryption software to keep your information safe. If you can’t find this information, don’t hesitate to call up the company and ask!

Filed Under: Hacking Ethics Tagged With: antivirus, Casino, Gambling, Malicious Software, Online casino, Personally identifiable information, Security, Viruses

Protecting Your New Computer Against Computer Hackers

January 21, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Buying a new computer is exciting and using free software tools, such as PC Tools Free Antivirus, helps to keep your new computer running smoothly. Without antivirus software, your computer is at risk for malicious malware that can lead to costly repairs and loss of important files and data.

Reasons to Install Antivirus Software

Everyone has heard the horror stories of new computer owners whose machines were attacked by computer hackers and viruses. It’s relatively easy to be in this predicament if you are running your computer without antivirus software. An innocent and accidental visit to a malicious website can flood your computer with unwanted malware. Clicking on an email attachment from an unknown source can expose your computer to a virus. Downloading a file with a perfectly harmless title can be an attacker’s way of invading your computer. When you install antivirus software, you eliminate your computer’s risk of being attacked in this way.

Using PC Tools Free Antivirus Software

Given the large selection of antivirus software, many of which cost money, using free antivirus software from a trustworthy and well-known source is a good option. PC Tools Free Antivirus software protects your computer against all manners of malware, including viruses, Trojans and worms. When you surf the web, you also run the risk of your computer picking up intrusive spyware and adware that monitor your web activities.

When you use antivirus software, you no longer have to worry about these issues. You can work comfortably on your new computer, knowing that no one will steal your identity, send spam emails from your computer or have access to your computer files. With PC Tools Free Antivirus software, you get all of this protection at no charge. The program runs automatically and effectively while you work, keeping out all invaders and allowing you to enjoy your new computer.

Filed Under: Hacking Ethics Tagged With: antivirus, Computer file, Malicious Software, Malware, Security, Trojan Horses, Virus, Viruses

Signs of Sickness: Detecting a Computer Virus

January 18, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

As destructive as computer viruses can be, you would think they would be easy to detect. In reality, they’re only easy to detect if you know the signs and symptoms of an infection. A slowed down computer might not indicate much more than a system in need of a disk cleanup, but coupled with other indicators, it may be evidence of a virus. The following list includes symptoms of a virus-contaminated machine.

An audible hard drive when the computer’s not in use.
Programs that won’t open or run properly.
The system jams up and restarts often.
One or more drives aren’t functioning.
Messages appear on the screen detailing various errors.
The printer is unresponsive.
There appear to be excessive files or duplicated files in your folders.

If, after analyzing your computer’s operations, you suspect a virus, there are a number of measures you can take to confirm your suspicions. Since viruses attack from the Internet, detaching your system and observing the response can inform you whether or not the Internet is the culprit. If your computer runs better disconnected from the Internet, chances are more than likely that a virus is the problem.

Another litmus test for corruption is to locate the “Add/Remove Programs” folder and check for excessive or duplicated files. A computer virus is an infection that spreads by creating reproductions of tainted files. Finding these types of files verifies the existence of a computer virus.

Most importantly, if you have anti-virus protection but have confirmed that your system is infected, examine your software. The program may somehow have been deactivated or deleted or simply was not updated enough to secure your system from relevant threats. If you do have a virus, install the latest anti-virus software and run a full scan of your system. The program should detect, and, if possible, delete the offending files. Learning to detect viruses before they spread is the key to ensuring the least amount of damage.

Filed Under: Security Tagged With: antivirus, Computer virus