What is Antivirus, How does it Work-List of Top Antivirus Software

Computer is under immense threat from virus, we must know how to protect our Computer system. This post is a comprehensive post as it covers in detail ,what is an anti virus software, type s of anti virus software, how does an antivirus software works & list of antivirus we can fall back upon to protect our computers.

What is an antivirus?

Antivirus software is a computer program which is meant to prevent, detect and remove malware. Anti virus is also called as anti- Malware.


Video Tutorial:What is Antivirus, How does it Work-List of Top Antivirus Software

How does antivirus software works?

First up, an antivirus software scans a file or a program. It compares a specific set of code with the information given in the database. On comparison if it is ascertained that the code matches with the known malware in the database in that event the code is considered as a malware and is eliminated.

Is anti virus good for PC?

Yes, it is. The reason being it acts a defense mechanism reducing the risk element of a threat.

It plays the role of safeguarding the PC by acting as a protective layer, strengthening the security system of the PC. It is strongly recommended to pick & install a good anti virus.

History of Computer virus:

The first known computer virus was detected in 1971, it was called as “ Creeper Virus”. This Virus was eventually removed by a program called as “ The Reaper” .

So lot of people are of  the opinion that “ The Reaper” was the first antivirus. In reality “ The Reaper “ itself was a virus designed for the purpose of removing Creeper Virus.

In 1987, Andreas Luining and Kai Figge released their first anti Virus product for the Atari ST platform.

The same year, Ultimate Virus Killer (UVK) was released as well. McAfee company in the year 1987 introduced the first version of Virus Scan.

In 1988, the growth of anti-Virus continued as well . In 1988, a mailing named Virus-L was started on the BITNET / EARN Network.

In 1990, Computer Antivirus Research Organization (CARO) was established.

In this fashion, almost on a regular basis latest & updated version of anti-Virus software’s have hit the market.

It is widely believed that there is no algorithm that can identify all viruses .

Methods for using antivirus engine:

1. Sandbox detection: It revolves around the need to execute the program in a virtual environment logging what actions the program performs rather than detecting the behavioural finger at run time.

2.Data Mining Techniques: Under this technique, data mining and machine learning are used as a means to figure out the behaviour of file given a series of file features, that are extracted from the file.

Usually we save confidential information like Bank details or important documents and pictures etc in our computers and once of a sudden if we come to know that an important file from our computer got disappeared, invariably it will cause us lot of  inconvenience.

Usually a pen drive is used to transfer information from one computer to another, but when you copy any data from pen drive or use internet , in such a situation virus can infect your computer.

Virus can not only destroy  your computer, but also has the capability to pass on the confidential information stored in your system to an unauthorized person / creator of the virus.

This is where an anti virus comes into play & protects the system.

Why does it make sense to update antivirus software? 

Updating antivirus is important in the context of securing your system. An antivirus software will check out computer programs and compare them with various types of malware .It will scan your computer to detect the presence of unknown malware.

What are the symptoms of a computer which has been infected?

• It will have browser showing no websites or only few websites.
• Have programs that will close automatically or runs very slowly.
• Run slower than normal.
• May show Popups both online and offline.

Best 6  Antivirus Software of 2020

1. Avast anti virus: It comes usually free, but it is still effective . It has the largest threat detection network. It works in realtime.

2. Kaspersky security cloud 2020: It gives cutting edge anti virus protection . It gives personalized protection as well.

3. Web root secure anywhere 2020: It's considered as best light weight anti virus. Webroots takes up only 15 MB storage.

4. Bitdefender Total Security 2020: It provides cross platform protection for all your devices . It stops phising and malware.

5. AVG anti virus : It comes handy , as it protects our computer from ransomware & other Internet threats.It is an anti virus software which has been developed by AVG technologies.

6. Quick heal: It provides IT security solution for your PC, Mac, tablets etc. It is known for providing a trouble free interface. Quick heal is considered as fairly effective & powerful as an anti virus.

Conclusion : 

Computer is a machine which helps us not only to carry out various types of work, but in the process it saves time, energy & resources. We rely on it heavily however, it is our primary duty to attach as much importance as we can to protect our system. We need to look after our computer system well, or else it can cause lots of inconvenience to the user. Using a good antivirus to protect our system from getting infected should be our top most priority.