Antivirus Software

Objectives :

• List the types of computer viruses

• Install the antivirus software

• Use Norton Antivirus 2006

• Prevent virus attacks

Types of Computer Viruses :

Boot Viruses – Copies the virus code in the boot sector of the disk, this ensures that the virus is always executed and loaded in the memory when the system starts

Polymorphic Viruses – Infects the system and change its signature before infecting the next system

Macro Viruses – A macro having the virus code is executed, it infects the files on the system

Worms – Programs that replicate and spread to other systems and reside in system memory and affects e-mail system

Trojans – Program file that claims to do something but does something that is not required. Allows remote users and hackers to gain unauthorized access to your system

Spywares – Stores personal information and surfing details and send them to its web site without informing the user. Many spywares get installed automatically as a free download while installing an application

Spyware :

The following problems indicate that a spyware or other unwanted software is installed on your computer :

Unwanted advertisements pop-up even when not connected to the Web

Web browser settings are changed automatically

Unable to remove unwanted toolbar from the browser

Computer performance slows down

Computer crashes very frequently

Spywares can be removed from the system by installing some kind of anti-spyware program. The user can also use software tools are available from McAfee, Ad-Aware and Symantec

Installing Antivirus Software :

Install an antivirus software to protect PC from viruses

Software such as Panda AntiVirus, Norton AntiVirus, or PC-cillin can be used

Check the reliability and the features offered by AntiVirus software before installing it on the system

Install Norton Antivirus 2006 software from the CD to protect the system

Working with Antivirus Software :

Norton Antivirus 2006 software protects and scans your system for viruses

Scans Web pages displayed in the browser

Cleans viruses in incoming and outgoing mails

Removes spyware software that slows down the system

Configuring

• Enables to set the level of protection

• Higher level of protection increase system security

Using LiveUpdates

• Connects to the Web server, downloads and updates files required to identify and delete latest viruses

Manual Update of AntiVirus

• Virus definitions are available for download from the Website

Scanning Drives

• Checks the system for virus infected files

• Software enables to select the drives, folders, or files to scan

Using a Fix Tool

• Used to alter damage done by viruses

• Some files may not be recoverable even after running the Fix Tool

Preventing Virus Attacks :

Viruses can cause damage to your system

AntiVirus software protects your system from viruses

Protect your system by preventing the viruses from getting into your system

Summary :

Computer virus is a program that attaches itself to a file

Boot sector virus copies the virus code in the boot sector of the disk

Polymorphic viruses infect a system and change their signature

Macro viruses are embedded in Word documents and Excel worksheets

Worms are programs that replicate and spread to other systems

Trojan is a program file that claims to do something but it actually does something that is not required

Norton AntiVirus 2006 protects the system from viruses, worms, and Trojans

Norton AntiVirus wizard helps you perform the steps to install the software

Norton AntiVirus window enables you to access the features of the software

You can configure Norton AntiVirus from the Norton AntiVirus Options window

LiveUpdate enables you to update the Norton AntiVirus software

Scanning checks the system for virus infected files