Reduce your virus risk with updated antivirus software

Copy write Microsoft Corp.

Related Links

•	Introduction to viruses, worms, and trojan horses

Automatically Detect Viruses

All good antivirus software should have an autodetect mode, which means the software is always running and will automatically scan files when you download them, open them, copy them, or run them.

When you configure your software for the first time you'll probably be given the opportunity to turn this setting off so that in the future you'll have to remember to manually scan for viruses every time you open a new file. We do not recommend this.

You're much safer keeping your antivirus program on autodetect.

Antivirus Software Vendors

•	Computer Associates
•	F-secure
•	McAfee
•	Symantec
•	Trend Micro
•	Avast Antivirus

Illustration of how a virus infection spreads

A virus is a program that can wreak havoc on your computer and use your Internet connection to spread itself to other computers, usually those of your co-workers, friends, and family. You can prevent many viruses by only opening e-mail attachments when you know where the e-mail came from and what the attachment is. Unfortunately, sometimes that isn't even enough. Read on to learn how you can help prevent viruses from infecting your computer.

Step 1: Check your computer for antivirus software

Most computers now come with antivirus software installed. Follow these steps to determine if you already have the software you need to prevent viruses.

1.	Click Start, and then click Programs.
2.	Look for the word "antivirus." You might also see the name of a popular antivirus manufacturer such as McAfee, Norton, Trend Micro, or Symantec.

Step 2: Keep your antivirus program up to date

You don't expect that flu shot you got three years ago to prevent you from contracting this year's strain do you? Similarly, antivirus software will only help protect you from viruses if you update it regularly. Antivirus programs work by comparing your machine against known viruses. When you update your software you download information about all the latest viruses. Depending on your software this information is usually referred to as "virus definitions." As virus writers are always coming up with new ways to infect your computer, we recommend that you download all the new virus definitions monthly or even weekly.

Here are two ways to find out when you last updated your antivirus program:

1.	Click the antivirus software icon in your system tray in the bottom right side of your screen, near the clock. You should see the date that you last updated your software.
2.	Open your antivirus software by clicking Start, clicking Programs, and then clicking your antivirus software. Look for information about the update status.

If it has been more than a month since you updated your software, do it now to help ensure your safety. You can usually download up to date virus definitions (antivirus software updates) by simply visiting the website of the company that makes your software.

Remember, you must have a current antivirus subscription to download updates to your software. If your subscription has expired, be sure to renew—or, if you prefer, take this opportunity to try a different antivirus program.

Tip: Many antivirus companies offer an automatic downloads service that will automatically update your antivirus software when you go online. Check your antivirus manufacturer's website for more information.

Step 3: Choose antivirus software that's right for you

If you don't have antivirus software on your system, or if you'd like to install a different program here are two key factors to consider before you make your choice:

•	Auto-updates. Downloading the latest updates is critical. Many companies offer an automated option for their products.
•	The manufacturer's reputation. If you search the Internet long enough you're bound to find antivirus software for which you don't have to pay a dime. Yet other antivirus vendors allow you to download a free trial version of their antivirus software to see if you like it before you buy it.

Tip: Two antivirus programs are not better than one. If you already have antivirus software but you'd like to try a different one, always uninstall the old program before you install the new one. Running more than one antivirus program at the same time may cause major conflicts.

Next steps: How to improve your computer's security

Keeping your antivirus software up to date is just the first step toward safer surfing online. You can continue to improve your computer's security by keeping your software up to date and using a firewall.