- Anti-virus programs use many different virus detection techniques.monitor with padlock image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
According to Microsoft, a computer virus is "small software program that spreads from one computer to another and interferes with computer operation." Viruses come in different types such as worms, Trojan horses, direct action viruses, boot viruses, macro viruses, polymorphic viruses, overwrite viruses, resident viruses and a host of others. The primary focus of a virus, just like those found in nature, is to replicate, grow and spread. They collect information from the user's computer, remove or corrupt files, stop some programs from working correctly, install secret programs, use the infected PC as a tool for spreading information such as spam or completely delete the hard disk. All Windows operating systems and major anti-virus programs use a range of techniques to find, stop and fix the ever growing threat of viruses for home and business computer systems. - Also known as script blocking, this anti-virus technique exists as a detection tool that is running as long as the anti-virus software is actively turned on in the PC. Behavior blocking usually begins as soon as the operating system boots. It first scans the boot or startup sectors of the hard disk, then the system files, and primary Windows files before the system starts up. It then notifies the anti-virus removal system of any changed files, possible known issues with the changes and then notifies you of the dangers. Most behavior blocking mechanisms move the possible tainted files to a quarantine zone. It also acts as an active guard while the system is running. When a possible malicious threat enters the PC environment, such as during Web browsing or software installation, the system warns you and blocks the virus before it causes damage to your system. Always follow all instructions from your anti-virus program.
- Every major anti-virus program on the market has a standard disk scan operation. After installation, the software usually asks if the user wants to perform a scan at that time, schedule regular scans and prepare the system for daily updates. A weekly anti-virus scan is a must for all standard computer users who spend any amount of time on the Internet, use email and install programs on their systems. It is best to allow the anti-virus program to update itself, perform scans late at night while you are sleeping and remain active during regular operation. You should never stop anti-virus updates or turn off regular weekly scans; they are there to protect your PC from the thousands of harmful viruses that regularly infect computers.
- Rootkits are an advanced form of virus that attempt to hide themselves from standard Windows and anti-virus detection methods. They mask themselves as a different program, thereby tricking the detector into thinking they are a safe program. Anti-virus experts combat this type of metamorphic (changing) virus through the use of dynamic or heuristic methods. Instead of looking for a known virus signature like behavior blocking and standard scans, these new dynamic anti-virus systems continually watch for minute changes in the PC file system. Heuristic scanning uses a large amount of system resources, so is not turned on in most out-of-box anti-virus programs. To turn it on, open the anti-virus control window, go to the scanning area and check the heuristic scan boxes. This will differ depending on the particular anti-virus program.
- In the 21st century, there are thousands of possible virus threats on the Internet. Every day viruses infect innumerable computers worldwide. This is due to users not being careful with the email attachments they open, Internet sites they browse and out of date anti-virus programs. It is necessary to always keep your anti-virus program updated and in good working condition and to perform regular scans.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
