Anti-virus software is working overtime at the moment. Today new viruses sweep the planet in minutes and can corrupt data or turn the inside of your computer into a green mush. Well, not quite, but they might as well do. A virus or worm is a computer program that can spread across computers and networks by making copies of itself, usually without the user's knowledge. Viruses can have harmful effects - these can range from displaying irritating messages to stealing data or giving other users control over your computer.
A virus program has to be run before it can infect your computer. Viruses have ways of making sure that this happens. They can attach themselves to other programs or hide in code that is run automatically when you open certain types of file. Sometimes they can exploit security flaws in your computer's operating system to run and spread themselves automatically.
The options
As fast as those nasty people create viruses, companies are scurrying around to make programmes to detect and fix them. Virus scanners detect, and often disinfect (not with bleach, don't worry), the viruses known to the scanner. Scanners are easily the most popular form of anti-virus software but they have to be updated regularly to recognise new viruses. There are on-access and on-demand scanners. Many packages offer both.
- Antivirus software - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Antivirus or anti-virus software is used to prevent, detect, and remove malware, including but not limited to computer viruses, computer worms, trojan horses, spyware ...
- en.wikipedia.org
- AVG Free | Antivirus | Best Free Virus Protection
- Free antivirus and anti-spyware security software for Windows. Get free antivirus protection now!
- free.avg.com
Find a supplier
On-access scanners stay active on your machine whenever you are using it. They automatically check files as you try to open or run them, and can prevent you from using infected files. On-demand scanners let you start or schedule a scan of specific files or drives.
Heuristic software tries to detect viruses - both known and unknown - by using general rules about what viruses look like. This software doesn't rely on frequent updates. However, heuristics can also be prone to false alarms, so try not to treat them like the boy who cried wolf.
Any extras
As well as the sourcing the appropriate software, there are other steps you can take to help protect yourself and your company from a virus. For instance, make regular backups of important work and data, and check that the backups were successful. You should also find a safe place to store your back-ups, perhaps even off-site in case of fire.
There are certain file types that are often virus carriers, which need blocking. These include EXE, COM, PIF, SCR, VBS, SHS, CHM and BAT file types. It is unlikely that you or your organisation will ever need to receive files of these types from the outside world - so send them, and the flea in their ear, from whence they came.
- Free Antivirus Software: Legally protect your PC for free...
- Fully protect your PC from viruses, adware, spyware, worms, trojan horses and the rest, without paying a penny.
- www.moneysavingexpert.com
The act of taking the first step is what separates the winners from the losers. 
