A pattern file is a small file with basic virus definitions that works with an antivirus program to identify potentially harmful files. It doesn’t have complete virus definitions and is designed to reduce the size of the file. It copies information from files and alerts the antivirus program if it detects a potential virus. Most pattern files are not generic and only work with compatible antivirus programs.
A pattern file is a computer file used to help catch viruses and often works in tandem with a larger antivirus program. This type of file usually has small, basic virus definitions loaded, so it can help identify viruses, but it rarely has full definitions. To help find viruses, this will copy a small amount of information from a file, and if it tests positive as a virus, it will pass the information to your antivirus program. Most pattern files are designed to work with only one or a small number of antivirus programs, and there are few generic pattern files. This file doesn’t have full virus definitions, so it’s much lighter, which makes it easier to scan other files and extract information.
When an antivirus program is installed, it will typically have a large library of viruses and contain the complete definition, or code, of each virus so it knows how to identify malicious programs. A pattern file usually doesn’t have a complete definition. Rather, it contains partial definitions that will allow it to identify potentially harmful files, but it is not intended to make the final decision as to whether a file is dangerous.
To help with antivirus program scanning, the pattern file will float and copy information from files found on your computer. Most of the files will be harmless and the pattern file will go on to the next file. If the extracted information is similar to a virus, however, the pattern file will bring it to the attention of the antivirus program and the antivirus program will perform a thorough scan of the file.
Most pattern files are not generic, nor are they inherently installed on a computer. They are part of an antivirus program and most can only work with the same or similar antivirus program. Even if these files are installed on a computer, if there isn’t a compatible antivirus program that can warn you, the pattern files won’t do very well.
While it doesn’t have complete virus definitions and isn’t capable of destroying viruses themselves it may seem like a hindrance, this is done to reduce the size of the pattern file. This file is smaller, so it can easily scan other files without creating a large fingerprint. This also allows it to constantly float around your other files without causing frequent delays for the user, whereas an antivirus program might cause delays if it constantly scans your computer.
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