Antivirus Facts
- Antivirus software is an application that runs on the computer. The software loads when the computer boots up, so the application always runs. Users are able to stop and start antivirus software applications to avoid conflicts during activities like online gaming or installing software. While the software runs, it scans any file that is open on the computer or comes through email.
- When the user purchases an antivirus application, the virus definition come with the software. Since new viruses develop continually, new definition files need to be installed every month. Most antivirus software companies offer several months and up to a year of free definition file updates. These are important, since the computer is not protected against newer viruses without new definition files installed.
- Some antivirus software applications cause false-positive results with newly developed software. Antivirus software detects viruses using a signature that is in the code. Some recently released software has a similar signature that triggers a false positive. This is a rare occurrence, and the issue is raised soon after the software release. Check the antivirus software website for any news of false-positive alerts.
- Network administrators can improve network security by installing antivirus software on the server. By scanning email before it's delivered to the user, the network administrator reduces potential hazards within the network. Most large software companies have enterprise editions that scan emails on servers.
- Some antivirus software applications come with firewall options. Firewalls work well with antivirus software by limiting the network traffic that goes out from the computer. This means that any trojan or malware application that isn't caught by the antivirus software is not able to upload or send messages to the hacker. Using firewall software with antivirus definitions is the most effective way to control malicious code.
The Software
Definition Files
False Positives
Firewall
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