| Any computer and internet user, regardless of the | | | | CPU or laptop. Programs such as McAfee and Norton |
| reasons that they are online, need to have the latest | | | | are proven and respected names in the computer |
| antivirus software programs installed on their computer. | | | | security industry. These companies continuously |
| Even thought most of these programs come already | | | | monitor and update their respective antivirus software |
| installed with your computer and are free, antivirus | | | | applications as new and more dangerous viruses are |
| software is absolutely essential to safe and | | | | released. While the potential for completely eliminating |
| uninterrupted internet usage. It also plays and important | | | | computer viruses and their ramifications from online |
| role in computer safety, as it can protect your vital | | | | users is remote, having these - and other antivirus |
| documents and files from becoming damaged or lost | | | | programs on your computer can greatly reduce the |
| forever. | | | | risk that viruses can cause. |
| How does an antivirus software program detect and | | | | As with any threatening issue, there's always an |
| eliminate potential virus threats? This can be | | | | element of conspiracy that's involved, and it's no |
| accomplished in one of two ways. First, the computer | | | | different with antivirus software companies. Think |
| security program on your PC or laptop scans any files | | | | about it, if viruses were completely eliminated, then |
| looking for virus definitions that match a virus dictionary. | | | | there would be no longer any need for purchased or |
| If a matching virus is found, the software alerts the | | | | free antivirus software programs? Some people |
| user about the virus. The second method of locating | | | | theorize that computer security companies actually |
| viruses is to identify and suspicious virus behavior, such | | | | benefit from viruses and they actually keep virus |
| as port monitoring, spyware or data capturing. When | | | | writers on their payroll! Of course, this has never been |
| these behaviors are detected, the antivirus software | | | | proven, but it would make for an interesting movie. |
| springs into action and gets rid of the infected files. | | | | Regardless of whether or not you believe in |
| Every so often, you'll hear on the radio or see on the | | | | conspiracy theories, one thing is for certain: that |
| news about a potential virus or worm that is spread | | | | computer security is dependent on antivirus software |
| via email. It may come with a subject line like "open this | | | | and vice-versa. New worms and programs are being |
| to see a funny video". Once the video is opened and | | | | developed all the time. Some viruses target specific |
| downloaded, the virus infects your computer and | | | | files, like word documents or excel spreadsheets. |
| starts eliminating or damaging files. Antivirus software | | | | Other more malicious programs can actually shut your |
| can help minimize the overall threat that viruses cause. | | | | computer right down. However, by installing the latest |
| As certain as you would lock your doors at night, or | | | | and most effective antivirus software programs on |
| hide away valuable items in a safe location, computer | | | | your computer or laptop, security will increase and you'll |
| safety depends on having antivirus software installed | | | | have peace of mind as a luxury. Travel and visit some |
| in your machine. | | | | computer retailers in your area to learn more |
| There are certain free antivirus software programs | | | | information on the newest antivirus software |
| that you can trust to safely install and operate on your | | | | programs. |