i've just installed antivirus but dont know how does it protect from viruses?
2007-04-11 07:16:38 · 9 answers · asked by sweety 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Would be nice if it was that simple. Install an anti virus and you are safe, yes that would really be nice.
Unfortunately it doesn't quite work that way. For some odd reason all those virus writers out there like to screw over peoples machines any way they can. I'll never understand why.
Keep your machine up to date, operating system, antivirus, firewall any and all software. Microsoft is constantly patching holes in the Windows system and its Office software. So it is a good idea to keep up to date.
A good firewall is another way to protect your machine. Alas even those must be kept up to date and on. You'd be surprised how many people install firewalls and then turn them off because they didn't understand what the things were doing.
Spyware scanners have become necessary because of the many idiots putting either extra little programs into software downloads or putting bugs right into their web pages.
To answer your question, NO just putting an antivirus on the computer doesn't make it safe.
2007-04-11 07:25:45 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It protects you against known viruses with an active scanning feature that can detect certain lines of code being executed.
But, if the virus is new, the antivirus has no way of knowing it is a virus until the antivirus software has been updated with the newest definitions.
Keep the program updated often, I like to have mine check once a day for updates.
Then just be careful not to open attachments in emails from unknown parties, don't install programs that come from pop-ups and get yourself a good antispyware program.
2007-04-11 14:22:12 · answer #2 · answered by Bjorn 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, the anti-virus software doesn't cover all of the viruses out of the box. The version is not the most current, so you will have to run updates and do so regularly. People are constantly trying to create new viruses that beat the anti-virus software. It is also possible that the anti-virus software just doesn't have the capability to defeat or recognize some viruses, so you may not be covered 100%, but more than likely if it is a reputable anti-virus program, you will be very well covered.
2007-04-11 14:25:48 · answer #3 · answered by Christopher L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure that you do a minimum of a weekly update and full scan if it does no scan files when they are accessed. If it preforms an "on-access" scan, make sure it updates it's library of viruses every day.
There is no way to ever make your computer completely safe from viruses unless you never get online with the computer ever. However, with good virus scan software, your computer will stay very safe and generally free from viruses.
Good luck and safe browsing.
2007-04-11 14:22:45 · answer #4 · answered by ncpropes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, it's not completely safe. If a new virus is created which eludes the virus scanner, it can infect your computer.
Most antivirus software updates regularly to detect newer viruses, but sometimes one can come in that's completely new even to the latest updates for the scanner and infect your PC.
Antivirus is one tool among many to keep your computer virus free.
2007-04-11 14:21:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Usually an anti-virus program will automatically scan downloads that you recieve from the internet, and if it recognizes virus code in a file, it will alert you.
If you want to be sure a file is not a virus, you can right click the file after you download it and you should see a shortcut to scan that file with your anti-virus.
With most anti-virus programs, you can also do a complete scan of your pc from their menu, which is very helpful.
I have found several trojan horse viruses that way.
2007-04-11 14:23:37 · answer #6 · answered by octo75 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any file that is accessed on your computer is scanned for viruses whenever it is accessed. You are not 100% protected because virus creators are constantly finding new ways to try and get around the protection, but as long as you keep your definitions updated, you are protected 99%.
2007-04-11 14:20:20 · answer #7 · answered by Yoi_55 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi,
It really depends on which one you have but I think "AVG" is the best around which comes with FREE updates as well, as for being safe is anything in this life really that certain.
2007-04-11 14:21:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
In my opinion no, but it's safer..
2007-04-11 15:35:07 · answer #9 · answered by freedownloadzplus 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋