by J. Christopher Baggett

Created on: October 07, 2008   Last Updated: November 13, 2008

So you've finally set up a computer for the Internet! But you do have Anti-Virus Software, right?

A "computer virus" is software installed, typically without the user's knowledge, that is intended to harm or alter the way your computer normally runs. This could mean something as meaningless as displaying a text message on your screen or slowing down your computer, or as terrible as completely reformatting your hard drive, erasing all your precious data! But fear not, for anti-virus software has been created to save you from losing everything.

I cannot stress enough before discussing some anti-virus solutions that the simplest, easiest method of protecting yourself from a virus infection is to keep an up-to-date back-up disc of your computers files in a safe, secure location, and to retain all the discs and documentation that came with your computer. As is often the case, the easiest (and in some rare cases, the only) solution for a virus removal is a complete reformatting of your hard drive. (On the flip side of this advice, if you suspect your back-up disc was made at a time when your computer had a virus infection, create a new one as soon as you've cleared out the virus, and destroy the old back-up disc IMMEDIATELY!) If you're unsure or uncomfortable doing this by yourself, a computer repair professional will gladly take care of it for you.

Anti-Virus software is a program that you run on your computer and update via downloads of updated virus definition databases. These definitions are then used to search your computer and check your files against the definitions in the database. If a file matches, the software logs it as a potential virus and presents you with the option of deleting it (Risky, but effective), quarantining it (moving the file to a separate folder created by the program, so it can no longer adversely affect your computer), repairing it (attempting to strip out the code of the virus and restore the file to its original, clean state; useful if the file in question is an important document or a system file, but not completely effective) or ignoring it should you know its not a virus.

Norton Anti-Virus is oftentimes hailed as the greatest anti-virus software to date. The software itself is a very affordable $39.99 and also includes Spyware protection, as well as allows you to update the software and its virus definition database for a year. Its an excellent choice and has proved itself time and time again, though some users may balk at the yearly subscription rate Norton pushes in order to maintain the virus database. Oftentimes serving as runner-up or second choice to Norton is McAfee Anti-Virus. They offer similar options at the same rate as Norton, but the software tends to run slower.

Feel a little steep? Freeware virus solutions do exist! Highly recommended are AVG Anti-Virus (Which as of Version 8 also includes Spyware protection) and Avast! Anti-Virus, which offers a simple to use, Media Player style interface. Both are completely free for personal use, both to install and update, and have received praise for both their simplicity and their effectiveness.

Anti-Virus is a necessary part of any computer process, and may prove a bit daunting, but hopefully this helped you out. Remember to make a decision based on what you can afford and what type of protection you feel you'll require. Also be sure to check if you've purchased a new computer, as many systems come with a free trial, or even free subscriptions to different anti-virus solutions.

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