| Viruses can infect computers and play havoc | | | | manually to scan selected files. |
| with files on the computer. They can destroy | | | | |
| and cause irreparable crashes. Computers can | | | | • Before installing new antivirus |
| be protected from virus by installing anti | | | | software you need to remove old antivirus |
| virus systems. The internet being an | | | | software, reboot the computer and then |
| information highway has in depth articles on | | | | proceed with the installation of the new |
| antivirus systems and how a computer user can | | | | antivirus system. |
| choose an appropriate system and what the | | | | |
| latest anti virus software are. You must | | | | • Always choose an antivirus system |
| always choose antivirus products that are | | | | that is recommended by experts. Read ZDnet or |
| certified by either Checkmark, ICSALabs, or | | | | PC magazine online and find out what their |
| VB100%. Choose an antivirus system that has | | | | editors recommend. Popular choices are |
| passed the rigorous tests conducted by | | | | BitDefender, McAfee, and Kaspersky Lab, these |
| AV-Test org. | | | | are suitable for both known and unknown |
| | | | malware. |
| What an anti virus system does is it scans | | | | |
| the computer files for any known viruses | | | | Computer experts recommend that the computer |
| matching definitions in the virus dictionary. | | | | should be scanned regularly to detect |
| It will also identify suspicious behavior for | | | | infections. There are antivirus packages that |
| existing computer programs that is indicative | | | | permit automatic scans, this will scan |
| of infections. Antivirus systems act by: | | | | specified files or directories automatically |
| | | | and warn you of any infections. |
| • Repairing infected files by removing | | | | |
| the virus from the file. | | | | To protect your system completely it is |
| | | | important to scan files before opening them. |
| • Quarantine the virus infected file so | | | | Always scan email attachments and web |
| that it does not spread. | | | | downloads before opening the files in your |
| | | | system. Always scan DVDs and CDs for viruses |
| • Delete the infected file. | | | | before opening any files. |
| | | | |
| • Choose antivirus software that is | | | | Keep the antivirus system updated and read |
| simple to use and suits your particular | | | | reviews as well as blogs written by experts |
| computer system. | | | | on anti virus software systems. Visit sites |
| | | | like for the latest updates on computer |
| • Determine whether you will require an | | | | viruses. |
| antivirus and anti-spyware scanner. Very | | | | |
| often antivirus systems like McAfee have | | | | The World Wide Web has several online |
| spyware protection as well as anti virus | | | | resources where you will find valuable |
| protection in one system. | | | | information on antivirus systems for your |
| | | | computer. Popular sources are: and . |
| • According to experts you must only | | | | |
| have one kind of antivirus system running on | | | | If you keep your computer protected from |
| your computer. Or if you do need two separate | | | | viruses you will never have to worry about |
| systems then one must be enabled for real | | | | loosing valuable data. |
| time scanning while the other can be used | | | | |