In order to explain antivirus software it is necessary to understand the nature of a computer virus.
A computer virus is a way of describing a computer programme that has been written specifically to cause damage to your PC. In essence, it is a piece of software that is written to cause as much havoc as possible.
A virus is designed to gain access to files or programs on your PC. The virus may enter your computer CD, DVD, USB by email or by your internet connection.
There are many types of viruses including worms, phishing, rootkits, and Trojan horses. They are collectively known as malware.
An antivirus software package is designed to prevent viruses or malware from damaging your PC. It does this by being able to recognise emails and programmes which are potentially harmful to your PC and then destroy them.
A corner stone of Internet Security, antivirus vendors include Symantec, Kaspersky, AVG, McAfee, Sophos and Trend Micro etc whilst vendors like Websense provide a unified threat management solution. Today’s vendors are numerous with new kids on the block such as Resolutions MSP offering antivirus in the cloud via their software-as-a-service [SaaS] proposition.