Antivirus (or “anti-virus”) is a type of software designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, also known as malware. It is one of the most essential parts of any computer security system, and it is important for all computer users to understand the importance of running antivirus software.
Antivirus software works to identify and block malicious programs before they can cause damage to a computer. It does this by scanning for known malicious software and by monitoring certain types of activities that can indicate malicious programs are running. Some antivirus programs are available as stand-alone programs, while others even come pre-installed on newer computers.
Antivirus software comes in two basic forms: on-demand scanners and real-time protection. On-demand scanners are available for manual scanning of computers, while real-time protection constantly monitors the system and blocks any known malicious programs before they can install. Most antivirus programs provide both real-time and on-demand scanning, so users can choose the type of protection they want.
For effective antivirus protection, it is important to keep the antivirus program up to date. This is because malicious programs are constantly evolving and can outwit antivirus programs that are not up to date. Most antivirus programs regularly check for new definitions of malware and malicious software, so it is important to make sure to turn on this feature if given the option.
It is also important to be careful when downloading files from the internet, or from USB drives. Malicious programs may not always be detected by antivirus software, especially if they are not yet included in the program’s current database of malicious software. It is always important to check the file with several antivirus programs before opening it.
Antivirus programs are an important part of a comprehensive computer security system. By using up-to-date antivirus software and following basic security practices, users can protect their computers from malicious programs.
