Computers play an important part in today's world. Businesses, institutions, and even personal lives depend on this futuristic version of the abacus. The computer is indispensable, and more and more people find themselves wondering just how they could last without it. However, as with all things, the computers too have weaknesses. Though the computer is used to control and monitor heavy machinery on land, sea, and air, and at the exact same time, being used to take stock and analyze important data, this super equipment is still susceptible to viruses just like the humans that use them.
Of course, being machines made of metal and electronic chips, computers don't have viruses like cough or colds, but computer viruses are pretty much the same. Once a computer is infected, it soon displays unwanted behavior like hanging in the middle of a program, flashing annoying messages, and deleting data on purpose. What does one do then? Just as people need doctors and antibiotics, computers also need to undergo treatments to return to their full capacity.
There are digital cures and medicines that are available for infected computers. Anti-virus software programs are antidotes that can fix any damage that the virus has inflicted to the PC. Infected machines and the infected programs are easily fixed because the virus fighting software has the ability in removing further traces of infection. The Corporate, the commercial, shareware, freeware, and the free software are few of the many breeds of digital virus fighters available in markets and in the net.
Despite the fact that the e-mail is still the main point for entry of viruses or worms, people can still be able to download or get viruses from programs and disks. It may be difficult to make sure that computer users follow the policies regarding file safety and disk scanning strictly, but this does not make a valid alibi in allowing viruses to penetrate computer systems. Look for system programs that automatically upload the software updates into the main computer before sending them across to the other computers throughout the network. Sophos Software, Protector Plus, Grisoft's AVG Anti-Virus, Proland Software, Kaspersky Antivirus, and the Panda BusinessSecure are few of the virus fighters that can help keep viruses at bay. Unfortunately, corporate anti-virus software are difficult to use and are often very expensive.
Commercial and the shareware anti-virus systems are those that are available for downloading for a certain fee. These systems are either brought from reputable computer systems store or the Internet. Though there are few systems that are slightly expensive, some of them are actually priced reasonably. Anti-virus shareware on the other hand offers programs that are free for a certain period of time. This trial period is very common in computer programs and many people take advantage of it. Many find it convenient to get a free sample of the anti-virus program first before they buy it so they can compare its features with other similar products. Also, potential clients who are cash-strapped can try it for sometime so they wouldn't waste money if they find the product not to their liking. Among the most popular anti-virus software systems out in the market are McAfee's LinuxShield and Virex, Symantec's Norton AntiVirus, the Anti-virus system of Kaspersky, Trend Micro's PC-cillin from Japan, Grisoft's AVG Anti-Virus, and Microsoft's Live OneCare.
Freeware on the other hand is free of any charge and a usable version of a commercial anti-virus software available. Unlike the shareware where there is only a limit trial period for the use of the said system, freeware gives access for an unlimited time. However, freeware software systems only have certain scopes regarding their program. Most of them are not as comprehensive as the other programs that are either commercial or corporate. Most of them have limits and are not as broad as the ones that are bought. But this does not mean that they do not work. In fact, freeware is an option that is readily grabbed by people with computers because they assist in cleaning or removing viruses at no cost. Of course, freeware anti-virus software can readily handle only certain virus types. Included in the list of freeware anti-virus software are Grisoft's Free AVG Edition, Comodo AntiVirus, Panda ActiveScan from Spain, and German company Avira's AntiVir Personal Edition Classic.
Free software are programs that can be used, altered, and distributed for free. People who have an anti-virus free software can use the program for any purpose. He or she can study how it works, and alter it to fit to their needs. After that, anyone is free to redistribute or send copies of the altered program to anyone who needs it. Many people believe that free software has many advantages, especially in improving the program. However, unlike the other commercial programs, a free software is not as complete or comprehensive. Most still have problems and it would be better to buy or get a commercial copy instead. An example of which is the ClamAV program.
In today's electronic age, an anti-virus software is not only importance, but is also a necessity. From hospitals to schools, computers are used frequently both for work and fun. Viruses can cause failures in networks and computer systems, causing trouble and difficulties for companies and corporations. It is always handy to have an anti-virus system program in a computer just to make sure that data's and files are safe from deadly viruses. All in all, the different kinds of anti-virus programs are the Corporate, the commercial, shareware, freeware, and the free software. Each has advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into consideration.
Just as with humans, computers need vitamins and medicine in order to prevent them from being sick, or to make them well if they are down with a virus. As a basic rule in computer maintenance and with health, prevention is better than cure. But if getting a bug cannot be avoided, a quick trip to the doctor for a dose of an anti-virus shot is always a good alternative. Naturally, we have to take into consideration the kind of medicine or antibiotic we will give our computers, so we have to make sure that they get only the best that we can afford.
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