How does an anti-virus work?
An anti-virus program works by scanning all of the files on your computer, and then comparing those files to a database of known viruses. If the anti-virus program finds a match, it will quarantine or delete the infected file.
There are two different types of scans that an anti-virus program can perform: a real-time scan and a full scan. A real-time scan will check files as they are accessed or created, and will block any infected files that it finds. A full scan will scan all of the files on your computer, and is usually performed on a schedule (such as once a week).
Anti-virus programs also have the ability to remove viruses that are already present on your computer. When you run a virus removal scan, the program will scan all of the files on your computer and attempt to repair any that are infected. In some cases, the virus will be completely removed and the file will be repaired. In other cases, the virus will be removed but the file will be damaged and will need to be replaced.
It is important to have an anti-virus program installed on your computer, and to keep it up-to-date with the latest virus definitions. However, even the best anti-virus program is not 100% effective, and it is still possible to get a virus even if you have an anti-virus program installed. The best way to protect yourself from viruses is to practice safe computing habits, such as not opening email attachments from unknown senders, and only downloading files from trusted websites.
What is the most effective anti-virus software?
When it comes to identifying and blocking viruses, no one does it better than Norton AntiVirus. It consistently ranks at the top of independent testing organizations’ lists, and it offers features like Symantec’s proprietary sonar technology, which can detect new viruses that other programs miss.
However, if you’re looking for free antivirus software, you’ll want to choose one from our list of the best free antivirus programs. All of these programs provide solid protection against viruses and other malware, and most offer some advanced features as well.
Visit malwarezero.org to learn more about anti-virus. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.