Every time, there are new viruses coming to the world. It may be on the internet or any other form. That makes the security aspect of a computer much more important. All the users have to be alert to this while antivirus specialists can help them in it.
There are many types and brands of anti virus software available in the market. They are able to catch most of the spyware, malware, and also viruses. The method of working differs from software to software. These algorithms are unique to each of them.
Anti virus software uses a search engine to scan through all the files in the computer in order to find any traces of viruses. There are two main methods used to find the virus containing files. One method is heuristic method. It will search for virus patterns and activities. The other method is by using a database of virus definitions to compare the files and if it matches a file in the database, it will be considered as virus.
Heuristic method is likely to be more reliable. It will search for some unusual patterns and files and it will give a warning to the user if it is suspected. This can set alert the virus specialists as well. On the other hand, the database method just looks for exact similar files as if in the database of virus definitions. This can leave newly created viruses undetected.
Now a days the anti virus software developers uses a combination of these two methods. Availability of regular updates over the internet or some other means has made the system more secure. They can be downloaded automatically.
Latest trend in anti virus field is online scanning of the system. By simply logging into a web site through your browser, you can scan the whole system. It does not involve any installation of software. All new internet service providers are giving this service now with there package.
Another possible security measure is to install an anti virus in the router. Generally in houses and small businesses, the same router will be used to network many computers. By installing it in the router, it will protect all the computers. Some service providers will give this software for free for a time period.
One of the new sectors that have problems with viruses is the mobile sector. Increase usage of connectivity features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth has increased the spreading of viruses. Anti virus developers are now thinking about that also.
Selecting an anti virus depends purely on the personal needs. These days most of the soft wares use a combination of database and heuristic methods to develop software. There for the user friendly aspect of it and specific features will decide the product to buy. It depends on the family condition and general needs of the user.
Antivirus software can run in two different ways in the system. Either it can run in the background continuously or it will run in the browser at specific times as a batch mode. This continuous method is good for systems with good memory capacity and high speed. Otherwise it will slow down other processes. But this method will be safer.
Main responsibility of an anti virus software is to identify and remove viruses effectively. If removing is not possible the file should be quarantined. Some anti virus can remove even spyware. There are anti spyware also available separately in the market. E mail scanning and sending them to spam can prevent lots of attacks to a system.
For a house or small business best method is to install the anti virus in the router which will prevent all the computers in the network.