If you connect your computer to the Internet, or if you load software from home-burned discs, then you will want to use anti-virus software to protect your computer from trouble. Anti-virus can be used in conjunction with your firewall software to protect your computer from Internet hackers.

Identification

According to "PC Magazine," an anti-virus program is a scanning program that looks into every folder and file on your hard drive to try to find malicious code such as viruses or spyware.

Function

Most anti-virus manufacturers offer free upgrades to your computer's protection each time a new virus is discovered for the first year that you own the software. After the first year is up, an annual subscription fee needs to be paid to continue to receive updates.

Misconceptions

Some anti-virus software is offered for free online along with free lifetime updates. According to "PC World" Magazine, free anti-virus software can be very effective so long as you take the time to find a reliable title.

Considerations

Most anti-virus software can be set up to receive regularly scheduled updates automatically.

Features

According to "PC Magazine," an anti-virus program can work one of two ways. The first way is that it can scan a file for a virus each time the file is opened. The other way is to make an image of a file the first time it is opened, and then when the file is opened again the software checks to see if any changes have been made to the index of that file. These changes are then checked to see if they have the properties of a virus.

Source:

"PC Magazine:" Anti-Virus Program

Microsoft: What is Anti-Virus Software?

"PC World" Magazine: Can You Trust Free Anti-Virus Software?

Resource:

CNET News: Conficker also installs fake antivirus software; Elinor Mills