The Advantages of a Virus Scanner
Viruses are an inherent danger of online usage. They can infiltrate a computer via infected websites, email attachments and downloaded files, among other ways. Fortunately software exists that not only detects potentially harmful viruses, but also eliminates them. Utilizing virus-scanning software, either through a paid subscription or through freeware, is vital for any Internet user.
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Advantages
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The most obvious advantage virus scanners offer is the ability to detect potentially harmful viruses, including Trojan horses, worms and email viruses. Without virus protection computer users run the risk of having their software damaged (rendering the computer useless), spreading a virus to others, or having personal information (including credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, etc.) stolen.
Cost
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Many companies offering virus protection software, including McAfee and Symantec, will provide a free trial. Once the trial phase has ended the consumer may acquire full anti-virus protection for a monthly or yearly fee. Some companies like AVG offer free service without an expiration date, though this is usually limited to basic service. Varying levels of upgrades can subsequently be purchased.
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Online Scanners
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Several websites provide a free computer scan via the website itself. Advantages to using online scanners include minimal, if any, installations. Additionally, online scanners will not interfere with installed anti-virus on the computer (and vice versa). Also an online scanner will always utilize the most up-to-date version, as opposed to installed software that needs to periodically check for updates.
Operating Systems
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Different anti-virus programs are geared for various operating systems. Microsoft, for example, has software designed specifically for potentially exploitable flaws in Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows NT, etc.
E-Mail Scanners
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Viruses often can be transmitted through email message attachments. A virus affecting email can prevent the user from voluntarily sending or receiving messages. Additionally, a virus can send itself to others via the user's address list. An email virus can also attack the computer's hard drive. Many email services like Yahoo! will automatically scan for viruses. Other virus-scanning software will usually include an option to scan email as well.
Detection
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Once a virus is detected, some scanners allow the user to either quarantine the virus to prevent further damage or, if possible, to eradicate it completely. Though there are several exceptions (such as AVG for instance), many free scanners will only identify the presence of a virus and charge a fee for software upgrades that will eliminate the virus threat.
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Comments
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very very useful..........
