Anti-Virus software consists of computer programs that attempt to identify, thwart, and eliminate computer viruses and other malicious software (Malware). Anti-Virus software typically will use two different techniques to accomplish the following things, Examining, also known as scanning your files on the computer to look for familiar viruses that will match definitions in a virus dictionary.
The Anti-Virus software will also identify suspicious behavior from any computer program which might indicate if it has infection. Some of this analysis may also include data captures, port monitoring and other methods as well. Most of the commercial Anti-Virus software uses both of the following approaches, with an emphasis on the virus dictionary approach.
In the virus dictionary approach, when the anti-virus software looks at a file, it refers to a dictionary of known viruses that the authors of the anti-virus software have identified. If a piece of code in the file matches any virus that is identified in the dictionary, then the anti-virus software can take one of the following options.
1. Attempt to repair the file by removing the virus itself from the file.
2. Quarantine the file (such that the file remains inaccessible to other programs and it’s virus can no longer spread).
3. Delete the infected file. To achieve consistent success in the medium and long term,the virus dictionary approach requires periodic downloads of updated virus dictionary entries.
As civically minded and technically inclined users identify new viruses “in the wild”, they can send the infected files to the authors of anti-virus software, who then include information about the viruses that are new in their dictionary. Dictionary-based Anti virus software typically examines files when the computer’s operating system creates, opens, closes or e-mails them.
In this way it can detect a familiar virus very quickly upon receipt. Note to that: a systems administrator can typically schedule the anti virus software to examine (scan) all files that are on the computer’s hard disk on a regular basis.
Although using the approach of the dictionary can effectively contain virus outbreaks in the right circumstances, anti virus authors have tried to stay a step ahead of such software by writing ” oligomorphic”, “polymorphic” and more recently “metamorphic” viruses, which encrypt parts of themselves or otherwise modify themselves as a method of disguise, so as to not match the virus’s signature in the dictionary.
Anti virus programs come in many different types and it is important that you understand all of those types before choosing to purchase any for your home or office computer system. Research this some more before choosing which type would be most beneficial to you. Keeping your computer functioning properly is really very important because they sure do cost us all plenty of money!
Purchase an anti virus program for your computer now if you do not currently have one for your personal computer, otherwise you are going to be out a great deal of money once your computer becomes invaded by bugs!
