Anti-Virus Software for computers is really only as good as the last time you updated it. New viruses, worms, and other threats are created by hackers and discovered everyday. If you updated your software yesterday, and a new virus is found today, your software won't protect you. This situation is commonplace both with businesses and with individuals.

There are steps you need to take to protect your computer and the valuable information it contains. First of all, purchasing a good virus protection program is the easiest part of this equation. You can purchase the program at almost any computer or electronics store. Many bookstores and department stores also carry software today. You can also download an anti-virus program directly from the Internet, so you don't even have to leave home.

After you install your anti-virus program, you will have various options to configure. Set the program to automatically scan all files. If your program is already installed, just start the program and find the area where you can check to make sure the program is set to scan automatically.

Unfortunately, most people stop after the first two steps. If you have installed a virus protection program and set it to run in the background, constantly checking for viruses, you may feel that you deserve a certain amount of comfort. You may even think you are completely covered and that no viruses can hurt your computer. However, you must be aware that the third step is an essential one.

You must update your virus protection program on a regular basis to keep it up to date. Most virus programs consist of two main parts: heuristic scanning, which searches for virus-type behavior; and a virus pattern database, sometimes called virus signature files, that identifies specific, known viruses. The database is the part that needs to be updated. More than 250 new viruses are detected each month. Companies that manufacture anti-virus software incorporate the detection processes for the new viruses almost as quickly as they are detected. However, the anti-virus software on your computer will not detect or eliminate new viruses or variants until you download the new anti-virus update.

How you update your anti-virus software depends on the type and version of the software that you own. If you don’t know how to make sure your anti-virus software is being updated, open the program and use its “help” feature or call its maker’s technical support line.

If you have additional questions regarding computer viruses, please contact our technical support team at at 533-5777 or 1-888-491-9115. You can also send us an e-mail at techsupport@huntel.net.