How do anti viruses work?

Question

how do anti virus programs work please explain ina clear way if possible

Answer 1

Anti-virus programs work by scanning all documents and programs in your computer. An anti-virus program has a database of any possible viruses that may be infecting a computer. When searching the computer the database is checked to make sure that no viruses are matched with the files on the computer. If a virus is detected in the database, it will either be deleted or quarantined so that it causes no more possible damage to the computer.

Because new viruses are constantly invented the anti-virus program has to be regularly updated to make sure that all possible viruses are stored in the database.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Anti-virus programs use virus definition files, a file that contains the signatures or fingerprints of known viruses. Whenever the anti-virus program detects software containing these fingerprints, it will immediately try to quarantine the infection. If you don't keep your definition files up to date you won't be protected against the latest known threats.

Most anti-virus programs these days contains Heuristic analysis technology. This is built into the scanner to look for common patterns and virus-like behaviour and is used to detect unknown viruses.

Answer 4

Viruses work on a certain pattern called signatures or more popularly called as virus signature
Every virus has its particular siganture by which antivirus program can identify them
Antivirus program does not look for malicious coding but scans for these signatures
As simple as that

Answer 5

they have to know the virus befor they can protect you from
it. if it is unknown as a threat you are not going to be protected from harm any protection that doesnt have immediate auto update leaves you open to viral threats

Answer 6

scan your file system for dangerous threats

Answer 7

go to smartcomputing.com
for you answer