A computer virus scan identifies and removes threats from a computer’s hard drive, protecting it from damage. Both paid and free virus scanning software is available, with some free versions being just as effective as paid ones. It’s important to research and read reviews before downloading any virus scanning program.
A computer virus scan is a procedure designed to identify and remove various types of threats that are downloaded to your computer’s hard drives. First developed in the latter part of the 1980s, today’s antivirus scanning programs tend to identify a wide range of spyware and malware detected through email attachments and visits to various websites. any virus scan is to protect your computer hard drive and all files saved on the hard drive from permanent damage.
Virus scans are useful in both business and home settings. Due to the proliferation of various types of online security threats, it is not uncommon for laptop and desktop computer manufacturers to include trial versions of highly regarded virus scanning software. Typically, the purchaser is allowed to activate and use the software for a limited time to protect the system from infection. Most of these software packages scan your entire hard drive for threats, checking your data files, program files, and even your computer’s registries for any extraneous code and program downloads.
In addition to paid virus scanners, there are also a number of popular free virus protection programs available today. In some cases, the free version is an introductory product to a paid product that offers a broad range of protection. However, some virus scanning software is developed and distributed by companies that make other types of software and functions as a means of gaining the trust of consumers who later purchase their other software offerings.
As part of the marketing effort, many virus scanning programs offer a free scan to interested consumers. The online virus scan will use an internet connection to remotely scan your system’s hard drive. Once complete, the remote scan is posted to the prospective consumer along with the ability to purchase and download software to remove any infections found on the hard drive.
It is important to note that many of the free programs today are just as effective as the paid programs. They often offer continuous system monitoring, including checking incoming and outgoing emails and attachments, or alerting you if a particular website poses a potential threat. These free programs usually offer the same level of protection from trojans, monitoring software, worms, and rootkits that you can get with virus scanning programs that are available for a one-time charge or an annual renewal fee. Some of the free programs allow you to schedule scans on a recurring basis, while others require the user to initiate a manual scan for virus activity.
In general, antivirus software is relatively cheap. Single and multi-user packages are available, allowing you to protect computers in both home and office environments. In general, it’s a good idea to check out any virus scanning package by looking for online ratings and reviews before downloading any type of virus scanning program.
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