ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE

Antivirus is a class of software that used to secure, detect, and delete computer viruses on the
computer systems. Antivirus is also well-known as virus protection software. This program
can scan all files that are accessed in a computer system has been infected with a virus or not.

The newest antivirus not only detect viruses but also it has ability to detect surveillance
devices, rootkits, and other destructive devices like adware, spyware, etc. Another ability of
antivirus is protecting computers from hackers and anti-spam attacks to prevent the entry of
junk e-mail and/or viruses into the user’s inbox.

Although of course there is no antivirus that really guarantees the computer to be free of
viruses, but it is not recommended not to install an antivirus on a windows computer. It
means that this software is still necessary needed. If there is an antivirus in a computer
system can still be infected, especially if do not install it at all.

The basic functions of antivirus software:

- Scanning using a specific files or directories for any malware or known malicious
patterns indicating the presence of malicious software
- Approving users to schedule scans so they run automatically
- Approving users to initiate new scans at any time
- Removing any malicious code detected
- Showing to the users about the ‘health’ of their computer

Many antivirus software programs still download malware definitions straight to user’s
device and scan files in search of matches. But since, most malware regularly change in
appearance to avoid detection.

Types of Antivirus Software:

a. Based on users, antivirus software is divided into the following:
~ Home users: AVG Free Edition, Avast, Avira
~ Network/corporate users: Kaspersky, McAfee

b. Based on how to get it, antivirus software is divided into the following:
~ Free antivirus: Avira, AVG, Avast
~ Trial antivirus: Comodo Antivirus Advanced
~ Donation antivirus: SMADAV pro
~ Paid antivirus: Kaspersky, Norton, McAfee, Webroot