What is the Description of an Antivirus?
New computer viruses are constantly being created by hackers looking to disrupt computer systems or steal users' personal information. Antivirus software maintains a database of viruses, identifies their presence on your computer, places them in quarantine and eliminates them.
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Key Aspects of Antivirus Software
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An antivirus program automatically searches an entire computer or selected portions---depending on your preferences---for malicious viruses, phishing scams, and other malware. Most antivirus programs are set up to run at regular intervals and operate in the background while you work on your computer. If something is found, a description will be provided and you will be offered the opportunity to delete the offending virus or malware permanently from your computer.
Installation and System Requirements
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Antivirus software should be easy and quick to install, and most are available via download online. Some take up a substantial amount of hard drive space, so you should be sure to check system requirements of the software before purchasing and/or downloading. You should also ensure your operating system is compatible with the version of antivirus software you are installing.
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Automatic Updates
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Many anti-virus software programs come with a free update service, usually for a year. The software should have the ability to automatically check for updated virus definitions on a daily basis, to ensure you have the most up-to-date protection against malicious programs. Purchased antivirus software subscriptions typically may be renewed on a yearly basis.
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References
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