Anti virus software runs in the background of the operating system. This means that from the moment you turn your computer on, until you switch it off, the anti virus program is watching your system in case anything untoward occurs.
A virus is
A computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without permission or knowledge of the user.
Source: Wikipedia
They are usually not installed intentionally, and are very different to spyware or malware. They are usually sent through emails, but not always. If you check your emails through a web based account (e.g. Yahoo or Hotmail) then you have added protection. Yahoo and Hotmail use anti virus software to scan all the attachments that are attached to your emails. If you use a program such as Outlook to check your emails, though, you leave yourself more open to the possibility of a virus attack.
If you are connected to the internet, it is good practice to have an anti virus program. Like I said before, if you use Yahoo or Hotmail that reduces your chances of accidentally downloading something, but it doesn't make you immune. So practise the following steps to help maintain the safety of your computer:
1) Install an Anti Virus Program
There are two ways to get hold of anti virus software. You can download it, or you can purchase it. Any computer store such as Best Buy or Future Shop will have the latest versions of Norton Anti Virus or McAfee, and for a 1 year purchase these will cost you about $40-$50 (Canadian!). After 1 year has passed, you are given the option to renew your license at a discounted price. This is perfect for anyone who is very new to using the computer.
If you're pretty comfortable with installing software and downloading programs, I recommend Avast or AVG. These are both free for home users, and are very easy to use.
2) Keep your Anti Virus Program Up-to-Date
If you never look at your software again after installing it, you're really wasting your money. Go through the instruction manual and learn how the software works. Learn how to tell the software to Automatically Update, and set it to look for new virus definitions every day. That way you're always running the latest version of the software.
3) Scan Your System AT LEAST Once a Week
The anti virus software is always looking for any viruses that try to run on your computer, but a file that is downloaded and hasn't been opened can still contain a virus. If you share your computer with anyone (e.g. your kids!) then you may not even be aware these files are on your computer. Scanning the computer locates these files and allows you to deal with them before they cause problems.
Hopefully you've learned something new, something interesting, or both! Please email me if you have any questions, and until then GESUNDHEIT! (Bless you!)
If you are connected to the internet, it is good practice to have an anti virus program. Like I said before, if you use Yahoo or Hotmail that reduces your chances of accidentally downloading something, but it doesn't make you immune. So practise the following steps to help maintain the safety of your computer:
1) Install an Anti Virus Program
There are two ways to get hold of anti virus software. You can download it, or you can purchase it. Any computer store such as Best Buy or Future Shop will have the latest versions of Norton Anti Virus or McAfee, and for a 1 year purchase these will cost you about $40-$50 (Canadian!). After 1 year has passed, you are given the option to renew your license at a discounted price. This is perfect for anyone who is very new to using the computer.
If you're pretty comfortable with installing software and downloading programs, I recommend Avast or AVG. These are both free for home users, and are very easy to use.
2) Keep your Anti Virus Program Up-to-Date
If you never look at your software again after installing it, you're really wasting your money. Go through the instruction manual and learn how the software works. Learn how to tell the software to Automatically Update, and set it to look for new virus definitions every day. That way you're always running the latest version of the software.
3) Scan Your System AT LEAST Once a Week
The anti virus software is always looking for any viruses that try to run on your computer, but a file that is downloaded and hasn't been opened can still contain a virus. If you share your computer with anyone (e.g. your kids!) then you may not even be aware these files are on your computer. Scanning the computer locates these files and allows you to deal with them before they cause problems.
Hopefully you've learned something new, something interesting, or both! Please email me if you have any questions, and until then GESUNDHEIT! (Bless you!)
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