Three Types of Virus Protection
Three types of virus protection programs include: Avast, Norton and McAfee. Each one has a different way of scanning and updating. All three programs have their own branded process in protecting a computer system from a virus. The way that you are alerted to a potential threat and how the threat is handled varies between virus protection software.
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Avast
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Avast is free software for residential users. Business users must pay to use the software. It is downloaded onto the computer and protects from harmful viruses that could infect a computer. If you go to a website that has a virus, you are alerted with a pop-up and siren that details the threat. Every email and download is checked before you open it for your protection.
Scans and Updating
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Scanning with Avast is done from the "task bar" icon. You open the software and run a memory test. After the test, you select the parts of the computer to check and start the scan. The software updates when it is needed when the computer is online. Blue pop-up boxes require no action, but green pop-up boxes require an installation by clicking on the box. .
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Norton
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Norton anti-virus usually comes with new computers. Every year, you must renew the subscription to keep the software operational. Norton alerts you of a treat with a pop-up box and tells you what actions to take. Some viruses can get through Norton software and you will need to do a scan to remove the threat.
Scans and Updating
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Norton scans all of the files and folders on a computer. It can be scheduled to do this whenever it is convenient or you can activate the scan yourself by opening the software and selecting a scan option. The updates for Norton are announced in a box from the "task bar". You must follow the directions to update the software.
McAfee
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McAfee, which was an anti-virus software used by computer manufacturers and pre-installed on many computer models, has dwindled over the years and taken a back seat to the preferred Norton anti-virus software. Some companies still pre-install this software, but if not, you can buy it online or at a local store. McAfee runs in the background and is not always compatible with all email accounts and software that is used on a computer.
Scans and Upgrading
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With McAfee, you have to start the scan manually for it to scan the entire computer. The email scanning is not as effective as othervirus protection and viruses can make its way to your computer without being detected. If this happens, your computer could be at risk. McAfee does not update fast enough for the changing viruses that pop up every day.
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