Viruses and Worms
- Software (Norton, McAfee, and free software)
- Install and configure anti-virus software correctly
- Software updates
- Virus data/definitions update; how do you know it updated?
- What is auto-update?
- Scheduling updates
- Renewing software
Anti-Virus Software
Software - purchased with per computer license:Free Anti-Virus Software
Install and Configure - An Example
- Download AVG at http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
- Save to desktop
- Double click to install software
- Update virus information if prompted
- Schedule updates for every 7 days (at least)
What are Virus definitions or dat files?
These virus definitions are the information about the worms and viruses that is kept on your computer. If your virus definitions are old and a new virus or worm is created your computer is not protected because the anti-virus software doesn't have the information about the new virus or worm.So your virus definitions must be up-to-date.
- Downloading - make sure you check that your anti-virus software is downloading when it is scheduled.
- Installing - make sure after the download that the new virus information is installed.
- Checking which version - you should be able to find the date of the latest version of virus definitions to see if you are up-to-date.
What is Auto Update?
Most anti-virus software allow users to set up an auto update feature; this will automatically download the newest definitions and install them as needed. You have to look at the settings in your software to find the update scheduler, auto update or whatever your software calls this feature.
Scheduling Scans
Virus software should run every time your computer starts-up. This may seem to some users a waste of time until the day comes when their computer gets a virus and some or all of their data is lost. Most software programs come with a feature which allows a user to set the software so it only scans files which have changed since the last scan, or it scans important system files. A Full Scan make take anywhere from 10 minutes to a half-hour.
Renewing
Most computer users will encounter the expire/renew messages at some time and some will choose to ignore this message. When the software company stops making definition updates for a particular version of software you will get this message. When your Automatic Updates expire, you will get this message. This is when you will need to update or resubscribe to the version of software you are running. Most of the time an update costs less money to purchase than a whole new version.