Anti-Virus Software

     Why do you need a Antivirus software?  Because you just do!  Okay, let me explain a little more.  People write computer viruses for any number of reasons, to gain access to your computer, to use your computer for D.O.S attacks, or just to be a pain in the butt.  Whatever the reasons these people have for writing viruses, you should have a counter measure to prevent these viruses from getting on you computer.

     How does a virus get on your computer?  Here are the main ways:

1. Email Attachments - Never download an email attachment from a person you don't know or for that matter a person you do know, because a number of viruses will autosend without the person even knowing that they're sending the file.  This is the primary way most viruses are sent out!  So be careful with those email attachments.
    

2. Downloading files off the net - Downloading files from websites that have suspect reputations or downloading from a place you don't know and trust can lead to you downloading a virus.
    

3. P2P file sharing programs - Programs like Kazaa, Morpheus, BearShare, give users the opportunity to download files from each other, mostly mp3 files, but also software, video, and other applications.  Now, I use these programs myself, and download mp3 files, etc, and I just scan all the files that I do download before launching them.  It just is a practical solution.  That leads us to the Anti-virus scanners.

AVG AntiVirus
Rating:
Cost: Free

Review:  AVG AntiVirus is a great freeware program.  This AntiVirus program is the one that I currently use and have used for the last 2 years.  It has everything you want in an Anti-Virus program, email scanning (it checks the email attachments automatically and scans to see if there is a virus there), boot scanning (when you turn on your computer it makes sure no viruses are found in the boot directory), Auto updating of the virus definitions (will automatically download the newest versions of the anti virus database), and all this for free.  Are there any drawbacks to this program?  The frequency in which the database is updated might be slower then the commercially bought Antivirus software programs...Other than that small drawback, AVG is a stable Anti-virus program that has all the features of the big AV programs out there but at none of the cost!!  Download a copy of it here Grisoft .  You have to register and they send you the activation key for this program via email, but note that the program is completely free.

McAfee VirusScan
Rating:
Cost:  $50

Review:  If you're going to pay for an antivirus program then get McAfee VirusScan.  What I like about this is it basically does everything AVG does, but with quicker antivirus definition updates and the VirusScan comes with a built in firewall.  I haven't tested McAfee's firewall yet, but I have used the trial VirusScan and I was very impressed with the functions, updates, and overall performance.  I'm usually against paying anything for software if there are good freeware availability of other software titles, but since this Antivirus program comes with a firewall the $50 cost isn't really that bad.  If you really want to pay for an antivirus program, then this is the one to choose.  Download a free trial of this software here McAfee VirusScan.

Norton AntiVirus
Rating:
Cost:  $50

Review:  What can I say about Norton Antivirus?  Some people love it, some people hate it, and some people don't want to pay $50 for it.  I'm in the latter group and used to be one of the people that hated the product.  I had an older version of Norton Antivirus about 3 years ago and it caused all sorts of problems on my computer that was only resolved once I removed the program.  Needless to say it left a bad taste in my mouth for Norton Antivirus, but I recently tried the demo of the current release and it is a very good Antivirus program is...It has all the features of AVG plus the Antivirus definitions list is updated a little more frequently.  I still say why pay $50 for a program that's basically equal to the free AVG?

House Call Online Virus Scan
Rating:
Cost: Free

Review:  Okay, so you got a virus and you don't have a virus scanner, no problem, go to House Call Online Virus Scan.  This is run by trend micro and basically its a website that will scan your computer for viruses.  This is a great idea and also a quick fix for those people that have a virus on their comp with no antivirus program running.  Just go to the website, either log in or scan without logging in, and let them look at your computer.  I really thought this was a great idea and the only reason it didn't get 4 stars in this category is that you should really have an antivirus program running on you computer at all times to check for emails.  So as a program I can't really give it 4 stars but I will give it 4 stars in my website review because it is a great idea and should be applauded!  To have your computer scanned just go to House Call Online Virus Scan.

At the moment these are the only Antivirus programs that I've tried, if I've left off a program that you really like, just drop me an email and I'll download it and give it a try.  Always remember, keep your Antivirus software updated at all times!!!