Can I Get Freeware Anti-Virus Software?

There are freeware anti-virus solutions available. Three of the best free anti-virus software offerings are Antivirus Personal Edition Classic, AVAST 4 Home Edition, and AVG Free edition. Each of these packages in anti-virus software reviews have been found to detect viruses "in the wild," a key and core functionality of any effective anti-virus protection.

AVAST 4 Home Edition had the highest overall rating but does report a relatively high number of false positives and in tests removed only 33% of adware and spyware applications. Still, on a tight budget, a free anti-virus software download is an attractive option and is infinitely better than no protection at all. It is a myth that Apple computers are not susceptible to virus attacks. Mac anti-virus protection is just as important as Windows PC software.

In the area of commercial antivirus protection the leaders are Norton Antivirus by Symantec, McAfee Virus Scan 2006, and Trend Micro PC_Cillin Internet Security. Norton stands out as the leader in these packages, with a user-friendly interface and comprehensive protection for instant messaging, email, and script blocking. The software will scan and block threats, repairing or quarantining detected viruses, SMTP worms, and Trojans. Although the installation is lengthy and the scan somewhat slow, Norton still stands above the competition and features Live Update to keep virus definitions current.

How do I avoid getting Boot Sector and Trojan Viruses?

Boot sector viruses have not disappeared completely from the computer world but they are now less of a threat with the steady disappearance of floppy disks from daily use. If you are still using a floppy disk system, however, do not trade disks with other people unless it is absolutely necessary. Keep back-up copies of important files on "clean" disks. If you suspect a working disk is infected, throw it away. . Viruses can also implant themselves on any writable computer media including CDs and DVDs (in the presence of a read/write drive), ZIP drives, and the newer flash-based USB or thumb drives. Always have the best anti-virus program you can afford installed and updated on your system

To avoid infecting your system with Trojans, never download from a site until you are 100% certain of its safety. If a file comes to you via email, even if it appears to originate from a friend, don't open the file until you ask the individual if they did indeed send a file to you and determine the nature and purpose of the file.

Never open attachments with the extension .exe. These "executable" files are programs and are always suspicious. Do not click links in unsolicited emails or type in commands from emails that purport to be giving you information to protect or to speed up your system. Always be suspicious of hoaxes and search for key phrases contained in the email followed by the word "hoax" on a good search engine. You'll be surprised how many fakes you receive. Finally, always have good anti-virus protection software installed on your system and make sure it is updated.

Before selecting a security program conduct an anti-virus software comparison with online or printed resources. By spending a few minutes conducting an anti-virus software review, you will be certain you are getting a well-rounded, full-feature security solution.