Why We Need an Antivirus in Computer

One of the most common causes for failures or issues in computers is the lack of antivirus security software, or expired antivirus security software. It is an issue which is often overlooked and has dire consequences for the unfortunate computer owner.

What Is a Virus?

These days there are too many different categories of virus. So, what is a virus? A virus is usually hidden programm, and can do a number of things, as it relates to the health of the computer or PC. A few examples are provided below:

• Make a computer run slowly
• Prevent computers from booting up
• Damage parts of the system or amend how the system operates without the owner’s knowledge
• Be used to steal personal details
• Move from machine to machine on a network
• Attack other machines using machine as a host
• Send out unauthorized messages

So, like a human virus a computer virus can be dangerous and possibly infectious to other computers. They can be spread between computers, and can also be transported via email, Internet or other data transfer mediums. It is not limited to software however, as they can also be transported via USB drives and other types of media.

Where Does a Computer Viruses’ Come From?

Computer viruses are usually malicious computer programs written in order to damage other people’s devices (basically based on operating system like window, Mac, Linux/Unix etc.) or steal information or even cash. They are usually highly skilled programmers who have decided to use their skills in a negative manner. Some viruses are written as an “ego” boost. In other words, some programmers write these things just to prove that they can hack into a major site or obtain private information. However, there are also criminal programmers who have a much more devious intention.

What Types of Virus Are There?

Sometimes the definition of what constitutes a virus is not clearly defined. In general a virus almost always damages files on a computer. Some other types of malicious software such as spyware are used to steal information from the user but may not damage the computer.

Types of virus include:

Worms: These are programs which copy themselves to other computers on a network. They tend to slow things down as they consume more and more bandwidth or computer resources.

Trojans: Performs functions (sometimes malicious) on the computer without the knowledge of the user (Think of the horse of Troy)

Malware: Technically, this is not classed as a virus. It is software used to spy on computer user’s activities and collect personal information. More commonly known as “spyware”.

So What Does Antivirus Software Do?

Antivirus software is the “policeman” at the gate of a computer system. It protects the computer from incoming threats and seeks out, destroys and warns of possible threats to the system. New viruses are coming out all the time. It is the job of the antivirus software to keep up with the latest threats. This is achieved by daily updates of the antivirus database definitions, which counteract the latest threats to provide constant protection.

Antivirus Software is Vital!

Not having anti virus on a computer is like inviting a criminal into the home or having an uninvited guest! They then cause havoc or steal from the owner. Today’s internet has provided many ways for virus attacks and there are thousands of threats. To be safe from these it is vital to police the computer and have it protected at all times. The Importance of Antivirus Software cannot be underestimated.

---

Norton Antivirus is one of the best Security software in the world. You can Purchase it retail store, online or Norton’s affiliated shops. Norton Setup is easy to install via online through product key.