What Is Antivirus Software?

Antivirus software is a computer program you install on your machine that scans files for malicious (dangerous) programs and either deletes them or "heals" them therefore eliminating the threat of damage to your computer. There are many choices of antivirus software, most of which do a good job at protecting you from virus threats if you regularly scan your computer and update the software daily or weekly. Choosing between them can be difficult, there are free versions and paid versions all with a host of different features. We have provided links to reputable websites that offer free and trial downloads below, but before visiting them, lets define some common terms you will find when comparing antivirus software.....

Virus: (Computer) A computer program whose sole purpose is to cause damage or exploit the host computer and spread itself to other vulnerable computers.
Spyware: A computer program (or malicious web browser plugin, ActiveX control or toolbar) whose purpose is to steal and pass on your personal information and browsing habits for later exploitation.
Malware: Short for Malicious Software, Malware is any type of software, firmware or even hardware whose sole purpose is to cause damage to the host machine, device or network.
Phishing: The act of attempting to steal usernames, passwords, credit card numbers and other personal information from a user by "faking" an official email or other correspondence from a legitimate company (like a bank) thereby tricking the user into entering his/her details to a fake website and sending the information to the criminal.
SPAM: (Computer) Unsolicited bulk email. Email that you did not request or sign up for that arrives in your inbox from disreputable sources who obtain bulk email lists and send out thousands of emails trying to sell you a product or service.
Keylogger/Keylogging: A software program that records your keyboard strokes and sends that data to a third party for exploitation.
Identity Theft: The act of stealing an individuals identity information for monetary gain. For example: stealing passport numbers or birth certificates and then taking out bank loans in that name, leaving the real person with the debt.
Firewall: A software program or hardware device that effectively puts a "wall" between the users computer and the Internet blocking all network traffic between them unless a specific exception rule has been added.

Here are some helpful links to reputable websites who offer downloads of free antivirus software and "try before you buy" solutions.


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	What Is Antivirus Software? Antivirus software is a computer program you install on your machine that scans files for malicious (dangerous) programs and either deletes them or "heals" them therefore eliminating the threat of damage to your computer. There are many choices of antivirus software, most of which do a good job at protecting you from virus threats if you regularly scan your computer and update the software daily or weekly. Choosing between them can be difficult, there are free versions and paid versions all with a host of different features. We have provided links to reputable websites that offer free and trial downloads below, but before visiting them, lets define some common terms you will find when comparing antivirus software..... Virus (Computer) A computer program whose sole purpose is to cause damage or exploit the host computer and spread itself to other vulnerable computers. Spyware A computer program (or malicious web browser plugin, ActiveX control or toolbar) whose purpose is to steal and pass on your personal information and browsing habits for later exploitation. Malware Short for Malicious Software, Malware is any type of software, firmware or even hardware whose sole purpose is to cause damage to the host machine, device or network. Phishing The act of attempting to steal usernames, passwords, credit card numbers and other personal information from a user by "faking" an official email or other correspondence from a legitimate company (like a bank) thereby tricking the user into entering his/her details to a fake website and sending the information to the criminal. SPAM (Computer) Unsolicited bulk email. Email that you did not request or sign up for that arrives in your inbox from disreputable sources who obtain bulk email lists and send out thousands of emails trying to sell you a product or service. Keylogger/Keylogging A software program that records your keyboard strokes and sends that data to a third party for exploitation. Identity Theft The act of stealing an individuals identity information for monetary gain. For example: stealing passport numbers or birth certificates and then taking out bank loans in that name, leaving the real person with the debt. Firewall A software program or hardware device that effectively puts a "wall" between the users computer and the Internet blocking all network traffic between them unless a specific exception rule has been added. Here are some helpful links to reputable websites who offer downloads of free antivirus software and "try before you buy" solutions. http://www.nonags.com/ http://www.download.com/ http://www.thefreecountry.com/ http://www.tucows.com/ Search Google For "Antivirus Software" Comparison of Antivirus Software at Wikipedia.org

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