Advice: Antivirus software is well worth the money they charge

Susan Manley

www.computeroutlook.com

If your computer hasn't been running well lately, it may have become infected with a computer virus. Viruses are software programs that purposely harm computers and their software by changing critical files without your knowledge.

That's bad enough, but it's not the end of the story. Once your computer is infected, the virus may send itself out to all of your e-mail friends by invading your e-mail address book. Because viruses do their dirty work clandestinely, you won't even know you have a problem until your machine misbehaves or quits working altogether.

Most computer viruses are spread through e-mail attachments, infected diskettes, or malicious Web sites, and your computer is vulnerable if you do not have updated antivirus software.
The good news is that if you use a good antivirus program and keep it up to date, it will intercept viruses before they can do any damage. Without virus protection, you may lose access to all of your data files. Not using antivirus software on your computer is like playing Russian roulette - eventually, you will lose.

Having a computer virus professionally removed may cost from $100 to $300, depending on where you live and how much damage has occurred. By comparison, the cost of antivirus software is very reasonable, and the program will save you - and your e-mail buddies - from many headaches
Even if you don't think you need protection for yourself, you need to understand that if viruses are spread from your computer, you will be responsible for causing trouble for other people.

Several companies have created antivirus programs, and you can find their products at any store that sells software, or you may opt to download one of the programs from the Web. Many users prefer to purchase the program on disk in case it needs to be reinstalled.

According to the about.com Website (see http://antivirus.about.com/cs/before youbuy/tp/aatpavwin.htm), the top Windows antivirus programs for 2004 include McAfee VirusScan, Norton AntiVirus, Panda Antivirus, and Trend Micro PC-Cillin, and they are usually available for under $50.

All of the programs will walk you through the installation process, and after you download the recommended updates, your computer will be protected against the latest virus threats. Free antivirus programs are also available, but they are not as reliable as the ones you purchase because the programs are not updated as frequently. Free online scans might find a virus but may not be able to remove it from your machine.

Once an antivirus program is installed, you must register your software with the manufacturer so you can receive periodic updates as new viruses are discovered. In most cases, while you are connected to the Web, your antivirus software will automatically download the latest virus protection.

If you purchase new software yearly, you can usually qualify for an upgrade rebate that will reduce the price.

Compared to paying someone to remove a virus, the cost of antivirus software is quite reasonable - and worth every penny.

In the next article, we'll look at virus warnings and hoaxes and learn how to determine if a virus threat is real.

Susan Manley is Program Director in Continuing Education at Bradley University and co-host with John Iasiuolo of the Las Vegas-based Computer Outlook Radio Talk Show. For more information, visit: www.computeroutlook.com.