About PC Anti-virus Tools

Anti-virus tools for personal computers are software programs that seek, identify and destroy malevolent computer codes, referred to as "viruses" or "malware." Two common ways for a PC to acquire a virus include downloading Internet data that is laced with malicious code or accessing information on a storage device where a virus has been implanted. You can keep computers free from this malware by installing anti-virus protection software and updating it frequently.

History

The first PC anti-virus tool was created in 1987 by Polish computer programmer Bernd Fix in reaction to an outbreak of an early malware program called the Vienna Virus. Three years later there were more than 19 anti-virus programs on the market, including the three industry leaders Norton, McAfee and VirusScan. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Internet was rarely used, and information was passed around on floppy disks. These disks were the agents of spreading viruses, and most anti-virus tools focused on scanning and quarantining their contents. When mass use of the Internet developed at the end of 1990s, virus detection and removal programs were required to scan email attachments and website connections meticulously. Programs like Norton began to offer clients the option to embed their anti-virus programs directly into the user's email client or web browser, stopping viruses before they could attach themselves into the computer's software.

Function

One of the most effective anti-virus tools for PCs is the virus scanner. A virus scanner inspects every file on a computer, including Internet cookies and temporary Internet files, for signs of viral code. If any suspicious activity or code is discovered, the offending file is quarantined until the user can direct the program to ignore it or delete it. Anti-virus software suites, like Norton or McAfee, include a virus scanner feature in their programs. Virus scanners can be set to automatically run each week or more frequently and are an essential initial tool for the detection and removal of malware.

Types

Another effective anti-virus tool for PC systems is the virus removal tool. While virus scanners include a removal tool that works to eliminate general viruses, the virus removal software is designed to treat a handful of specific viruses and remove them more completely than a less complex scanner program.

Considerations

Network firewalls are also essential anti-virus tools for personal computers, though they do not actively seek and destroy malware. Firewalls are preventative tools that create a buffer zone between a computer system and the Internet. They are configured to keep Internet malware from entering the operating system while at the same time preventing identification and financial information located in the user's files from becoming visible to other internet users. Firewalls are often accompanied by a notification system that alerts users when any suspicious or vulnerable material is attempting to pass through the buffer, helping users to identify dangerous sites or activities.

Misconceptions

While anti-virus tools for PCs can be bought in comprehensive security suites, such as the Norton Anti-Virus System or the McAfee Security Center, many of the essential tools can be downloaded for free. For example, LavaSoft's AdAware virus scanner is equivalent to the scanners found in either of the major security suites, and is offered for free on the Download website. However, it is important to note that care should be taken when downloading any program from the Internet, even if it says anti-virus. Only download from trusted, verified sites.