| Simple Q/A about Why It Is Important to Keep Your | | | | or "definition package". These files or packages |
| Anti-virus Product Updated | | | | contain the patterns that the engine uses to identify |
| Q: Why is it important to make sure your anti-virus | | | | offending viruses, spy-ware, or malware. The definition |
| program is updated? | | | | files tell the engine scanner what to detect and mark |
| A: The program itself contains an "engine" that powers | | | | as a virus, spy-ware, or malware. If the program finds |
| the scanner program to search and detect the | | | | a file pattern of a file that is also listed in the file pattern |
| malicious software. It is important to keep the program | | | | listed in the definition file, then the program marks this |
| updated regularly because the engine may have some | | | | "positive" match as a "virus", "spy-ware", "malware" |
| "bugs" or "vulnerabilities" in it and the developers may | | | | etc. Keeping your definition file updated is vital because |
| have improved the program and released an update. | | | | if a piece of malicious software contains a malicious |
| This is why makers of anti-virus products regularly | | | | pattern of activity that your definition file does not |
| release new versions or upgrades to their product. | | | | have, and this malicious software finds your computer, |
| Anti-virus software companies do not do this (or | | | | then you will be infected. |
| should not do this) to get more money out of you. But | | | | Consider how important immunizations are for child |
| be careful, if your current anti-virus product is | | | | immunizations. The state health department requires |
| performing well, meaning it is detecting, quarantining, | | | | that children entering public school to have a minimum |
| and even eliminating viruses, then you really do not | | | | number of specific immunizations. Children will not be |
| need to upgrade. Of course, you can, but why? | | | | enrolled in the public school system unless they have |
| Q: I heard that free versions of software were not | | | | been properly immunized. If the Health Department did |
| quality programs like the paid versions. Is this true? | | | | not have this regulation, then non-immunized children |
| A: There is a consumer and even technical perception | | | | would be at a higher risk for catching an infectious |
| that the "free" versions are simply "dumbed-down" or | | | | disease. As a parent, I would not want my children |
| lesser quality versions as the paid versions. I believe it | | | | exposed to such a risk. |
| is a question of "quality" versus "quantity". There are | | | | Similarly, out of date anti-virus, anti-malware, or |
| many high-quality free computer security products | | | | anti-spyware programs will cost you either time, |
| available. These free versions may not give you the | | | | money, or pain somewhere down the line. Do not let |
| quantity of "bells and whistles" but they should be the | | | | malicious software to get in and take down your entire |
| exact same quality as the paid versions. | | | | system! |
| Q: What are virus "definitions"? Why is it important to | | | | Take Home: Keep Your Anti-virus Product Updated |
| make sure your definition files are updated? | | | | and Running Always! No Exceptions! |
| A: The short version: As new viruses become | | | | P.S. If your anti-virus product is too much of a burden |
| "known" the virus definition database needs to be | | | | for your system (your computer "bogs" down |
| updated to know and be able to identify the known | | | | because of it) then you may need to find another |
| threat. The longer your virus definitions are out of date | | | | (free) computer security product! |
| the greater risk you are at receiving or attracting a | | | | Q: Do you have any examples of how important it is |
| virus and being attacked. | | | | to keep your anti-virus program updated? |
| The longer version: For those who want a more | | | | A: Yes. My son just emailed me this link to the exact |
| technical explanation. Every virus, spy-ware, or | | | | attack he encountered - and listen to the last few |
| malware protection package has an "engine" that | | | | words of this video - my point exactly! |
| scans current files and traffic against a "definition file" | | | | Click here to watch the video. |