*Antivirus:
A utility that searches a hard disk for viruses and removes any that are found. Most antivirus programs include an auto-update feature that enables the program to download profiles of new viruses so that it can check for the new viruses as soon as they are discovered.
The threat of computer viruses is constantly growing, which makes it ever more important that when you choose an anti-virus program for your computer, you choose the right one. There are many anti-virus programs available with some more popular than others but popularity is not essentially what should be factored in when choosing an anti-virus program for your computer. Knowing the importance of anti-virus software, there are several things that should be considered when choosing one for your computer:
1. How frequently are virus definitions updated? Virus definitions are what the anti-virus software will use to determine whether or not your computer has been infected. Obviously, the more updated the virus definitions are, the better the chances are of you being able to prevent your computer from becoming infected. So, you definitely want to choose an anti-virus program that updates the virus definitions frequently and quickly.
2. Does the software automatically update the virus definitions? Generally, there is nothing wrong with manually updating the virus definitions. However, since viruses tend to spread quickly, it is much better to have the virus definitions updated automatically. Having them updated automatically not only ensures that your virus definitions are being updated but it eliminates the possibility of you forgetting to manually update them.
3. Can you configure the software to check for updates whenever you go online? Your computer can become infected by a virus any time you go online, whether you are checking your email or just logging onto a website. Naturally, the best way to protect your computer from viruses when you go online is to choose anti-virus software that can be configured to check for updates when you do go online. Can the software scan incoming and outgoing email automatically? A lot of viruses can be spread via email without the sender or recipient even knowing about it. If you use an email program such as Microsoft Outlook, it is best to choose an anti-virus program that will automatically check all incoming and outgoing email for viruses.
4. Can the software be configured to automatically scan your computer on a regular basis? Often, a computer can be infected by a virus without causing any apparent damage, which makes it seem as if the computer is virus-free. The best way to ensure your computer really has no viruses is to have an anti-virus program where you can set it up to perform automatic scans of your entire computer on a regular basis. Does the software provide a way to "clean out" any viruses it detects? It is certainly not uncommon for a virus to infect a computer. If your computer does become infected, you don’t necessarily need to panic as long as you have a way to get rid of the virus. Some anti-virus software will only detect viruses and not provide a way to get rid of them. It is a much better idea to choose an anti-virus program that actually does provide a way to rid your computer of any viruses it finds.
The most popular anti-virus programs available today are Kaspersky, Norton Antivirus, McAfee Antivirus, and Trend Micro’s, other anti-virus options are AVG Antivirus, Avista, Avira and so on. Some are free to use and are paid.
Spyware: Spyware is Internet jargon for Advertising Supported software(Adware). It is a way for shareware authors to make money from a product, other than by selling it to the users. There are several large media companies that offer them to place banner ads in their products in exchange for a portion of the revenue from banner sales. This way, you don’t have to pay for the software and the developers are still getting paid. If you find the banners annoying, there is usually an option to remove them, by paying the regular licensing fee.
Is Spyware illegal?
Even though the name may indicate so, Spyware is not an illegal type of software in any way. However there are certain issues that a privacy oriented user may object to and therefore prefer not to use the product. This usually involves the tracking and sending of data and statistics via a server installed on the user’s PC and the use of your Internet connection in the background.
Real spyware:
There are also many PC surveillance tools that allow a user to monitor all kinds of activity on a computer, ranging from keystroke capture, snapshots, email logging, chat logging and just about everything else. These tools are often designed for parents, businesses and similar environments, but can be easily abused if they are installed on your computer without your knowledge.
Adware: Adware is a close relative of spyware. Adware is software that is installed on your computer to show you advertisements. It can slow your PC by using RAM and CPU cycles. Adware can also slow your Internet connection by using bandwidth to retrieve advertisements. In addition, adware can increase the instability of your system because many adware applications are not programmed well.
Removing Adware and Spyware:
Most software which removes spyware will also remove adware. Recommended adware removal packages include AdAware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and **SpySweeper, CCCleaner.
Tips:
1. Donot keep more that one antivirus program in your PC, It will make the processor slow and chance of redundancy .
2. Can keep Spyware and Addware remove tool with Antivirous program.
3. Run manually or automated scan, donot forget to update the software . Technically program will update the virus database.
4. Keep guard in your browser and donot allow program to Instal in your PC.
I can recomend a good PC is a good processor and a good amount of random access momory(RAM) which will make you fast enough even you have loaded with Antivirus program.