Antivirus software is computer protection software used for identification and removal of computer viruses, as well as many other types of harmful computer software, collectively referred to as ‘malware’.
Modern antivirus software can protect computer systems against a wide range of malware, including worms, rootkits, and Trojans.
What is a virus?
The word virus is often being used as a common term for all malicious programmes, but technically a virus is a program or code that attaches itself to a legitimate, executable piece of software, and then reproduces itself when that program is run.
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How does a virus spread?
Viruses spread by reproducing and inserting themselves into programs, documents, or e-mail attachments. They can be transmitted through e-mails or downloaded files and they can be present on CDs, DVDs, USB-drives and any other sort of digital media.
A virus normally requires action to successfully infect a victim.
What does antivirus software actually do?
Antivirus programs scan disk and memory looking for telltale signs of viruses – so-called ‘signatures’.
There are two basic kinds of scans:
‘Real-time scans’ scan files as you use them or as they are loaded on to your computer.
‘Scheduled scans’ scan your entire computer when you’re not using it.
Virus protection: What can you do?
Always keep your security software active and updated
Keeping antivirus programmes updated is imperative. Because new viruses are released every day, there's always a possibility that your computer will be infected by a virus that your antivirus program does not "know" about.
That’s why BullGuard updates itself every two hours while you are connected to the Internet making sure that you remain perfectly safe online.
Always keep all your other software updated
Keep software up to date. Because viruses often propagate by exploiting flaws in operating systems or commonly used programs, keep your computer's operating system and other software updated.
Whenever possible configure your computer to download and install critical updates automatically. Otherwise, check for software updates regularly.
Avoid installing spyware and other software that may open backdoors that could be exploited
Only use e-mail services that scan messages for viruses
Deal with e-mail carefully
Viruses are often propagated via e-mail attachments. Avoid opening attachments unless you are reasonably sure the e-mail is legitimate
Read our articles on computer viruses and antivirus software:
How a virus works
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What is a worm?
/news/security-articles/what-is-a-worm.aspx
What are IM attacks?
/news/security-articles/what-are-im-attacks.aspx
What is a drive-by download?
/news/security-articles/what-is-a-drive-by-download.aspx
What is ransomware?
/news/security-articles/what-is-ransomware.aspx
What is a rootkit?
/news/security-articles/what-is-a-rootkit.aspx
What are zero-day attacks?
/news/security-articles/what-are-zero-day-attacks.aspx
What is spam?
/news/security-articles/what-is-spam.aspx
