What Does Anti Virus Software Really Do?

Anti-virus software is like penicillin for your computer. An anti virus is software installed or loaded on your computer that identifies harmful viruses and attempts to remove them from your computer before the viruses cause damage.

Antivirus software is more sophisticated than ever before and uses many different tactics to keep your computer virus free and running smoothly. Typically, these antivirus programs scan your computer and check for known viruses. The programs use up to date technology to detect any virus that may be lurking in your computer and then find the most effective way to get rid of the virus. Most antivirus software programs on the market alter your computer so that the antivirus software loads first and checks immediately for any viruses that your computer may have been infected with. The software also searches your computer for any suspicious activities from any other computer programs that might be infected with a virus, and in turn, could infect your computer. When the antivirus software has finished its analysis, it will typically show you a result of its findings and whether it has detected a virus.

One way antivirus software works is by utilizing signature detection. Signature detection works if the virus database is up-to-date and contains the signature of a virus. Anti-virus programs also identify suspicious behaviour on your computer. An example of this would include an application attempting to write to an executable file, suspicious attempts at registry entrees, or adding to the list of items that automatically start when your computer is turned on. Signature detection helps protect your computer from unidentified or encrypted viruses. It also alerts you to suspicious behaviour that may be happening on your computer.

No matter what type of anti-virus software you decide to use, it is important that you are familiar with it so you can determine just how protected you are. Always check for updates every month or so, because there are new viruses showing up every day. If your anti-virus software is not updated regularly, your computer is in danger of being infected.

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