When is a Computer Subject to Worm Infections by a Virus?

Any time a machine sends and receives email or is connected to the Internet - either infrequently or via an "always on" connection like a cable or DSL modem - the machine is in danger of a computer virus infection. Although 3.5" disks are used less and less, disk sharing is also a means of transmitting viruses. Anti-Virus Software or Spyware Remover: A Difficult Choice.

The increased popularity of flash-based "thumb" drives is taking the place of disk use and has grown in sophistication to the point that thumb drive users can carry programs on these small devices and use them as portable desk tops when plugged in to computers. A popular operating environment for these thumb drives is U3, which will allow for onboard virus protection. If you are incorporating a thumb drive into your computer use, you may want to choose one with U3 support so that the files you carry will be protected from virus infections potentially transmitted by machines into which the drive may be plugged.

What about Anti-Virus Software?

Above all, have a good quality anti-virus program installed on your main system and make sure the software's virus definition file is updated frequently. Thankfully almost all modern pieces of antivirus software perform these updates automatically with no required action on your part. However, if your anti-virus software asks if you want to perform an update, say yes.

The major commercial anti-virus software packages are Norton AntiVirus by Symantec, McAfee VirusScan 2006, and Trend Micro PC_Cillin Internet Security. The three best-rated free anti-virus packages are AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic, AVAST 4 Home Edition, and AVG Free edition. Before choosing any anti-virus package, do your research. Read reviews and make sure you are selecting software that not only fits your budget but offers the best protection for the ways you use your computer system.

What is Spyware and Adware?

Unfortunately viruses are not the only unwanted applications that bedevil computer users today. Spyware collects information about your Internet activities while adware bombards you with unwanted "pop-up" advertising. These new annoyances have spawned an additional class of security software with Platinum Internet Security by Panda Software leading the pack. Other good pieces of software include Webroot Spy Sweeper, Sunbelt CounterSpy, Microsoft AntiSpyware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Hijack This.

Do I need a Spyware Scanner in addition to Anti-Virus Software?

Although various commercial anti-virus software packages are making great strides in also ferreting out and removing spyware and adware, they are not as effective as the stand alone spyware and adware packages. If you are an avid computer user who spends hours online, you are especially vulnerable to these two threats and will want to investigate specific spyware and adware scanning agents. Also read reviews of spyware and adware removal softwares as some of these antispyware software's themselves install spyware on the machine.

Dangerous computer virus infections like worm infections are an unpleasant fact of modern computer usage. Understanding the warning signs of these infections and taking the appropriate steps to protect yourself will help you to avoid being the victim of a computer virus infection.