Effectiveness of Anti Virus Software

One of the key components in evaluating anti-virus software is to determine how well they guard against new viruses "in the wild." Not all packages measure up. For instance, while the program AVG Anti-Virus Pro scans email including attachments, performs boot scanning, and efficiently auto updates its definitions, testing has revealed that it does not effectively guard against viruses in the wild and so reviewers are reluctant to recommend the package.

Beyond this core proficiency, you want to insure that the software you choose has a robust mechanism for updating its virus definitions. With new viruses being written daily, it is absolutely essential for your anti-virus software to update frequently and automatically. We all have the best intentions in the world to perform manual software updates regularly but that never happens. You want your anti-virus software thinking for you.

Does my Anti-Virus Software Scan all my Programs or just Some?

All modern anti-virus software scans your email and Internet activity as well as your application and data files. Viruses can attack your system through a variety of sources and embed themselves in an equal number of creative places. In fact, most anti-virus packages now contain mechanisms for blocking email spam (unwanted, junk email) as well as those for examining attachments for malicious code. Many also come with firewall applications to block real-time threats to your system from attacks launched over- "always on"- Internet connections like cable or DSL. As computer use in day to day life becomes more complex, virus software is evolving from simple file scanning and blocking to full-feature security suites.

Zone Alarm Security Suite 6.0 is considered to be one of the best of this class of integrated products. It offers firewall, spam, and virus protection but even as reviewers laud its protective abilities, they also suggest having an independent spyware application installed. While Zone Alarm will detect spyware, it will not necessarily remove it. The real strength of this suite is in its superior firewall protection which is particularly resistant to outside tampering and creates a strong barrier between your computer and the Internet at large.

McAfee, a leader in virus protection, also has an Internet Security Suite but reviewers only give its privacy, antispam, and firewall modules a rating of "decent." The antivirus module, however, receives excellent ratings. Norton, considered "the" program for antivirus protection does get good marks for the strength of the firewall built into its Internet Security Suite, however the software is slow to install and to scan and occasionally freezes or interferes with the workings of other programs.

I'm running a server. Do I need different software?

If you are running a server in your home, a computer that exists to "broadcast" or "publish" a website to the Internet, you may need additional security on your system. Research anti-virus solutions for the type of server software you are running. Most probably you will need a firewall as well as a virus scanning solution.

If you have never administered a server before, you will want to do your research well in advance of setting up the system. In the best case scenario, talk with a friend or acquaintance that has more experience in this area. All major software vendors offer a range of security products; you may simply need guidance in choosing one that will work best on the server platform you are using.

As an example of the level of protection offered for servers, applications suitable for Microsoft servers include the following. eSafe from Aladdin Knowledge Systems offers gateway-based antivirus protection against a wide range of malicious threats including VB/Java scripts and inspection of emails.

Quick Heal from Cat Computer Services will detect viruses on disks, from Internet downloads, in email attachments, through shared files on networks, on CD-ROMs, and in intranets. It works on both desktops and servers. GFI checks emails and downloads to protect mail servers and networks and looks for dangerous HTML scripts. (When researching server based virus protection, make sure you are getting a product that matches your server platform.)

At one time computer users were confused by the number of viruses roaming around from machine to machine. Now they're confused by the daunting task of deciding on the best anti-virus software from the vast number of packages available. Read reviews and make sure the anti-virus software you choose offers wide protection and frequent updates. But above all, get something installed to protect against malicious code.