How antivirus software and System Restore work together

With System Restore in Windows XP, you can restore your computer to a previous state, and you do not lose private data files (such as Word documents, graphic files, and e-mail). System Restore actively monitors computer file changes and some program file changes to record or store earlier versions before the changes occurred. You do not have to take computer snapshots because System Restore automatically creates identifiable restore points that you can use to revert to a previous time. Restore points are created when significant computer events occur (such as the installation of a program or a driver) and periodically (each day).

To help protect critical computer and program files, System Restore monitors, records, and in some cases copies these files before they are modified. For example, when a process or a program (such as an upgrade, an inadvertent user change, a driver installation, or a virus) modifies a critical computer file or program file, System Restore records and saves a copy of the file before the change occurs. If a problem occurs, a restore operation can replace files with previously saved versions of those files. Antivirus support programs use auto-detection or scanning mechanism to monitor critical and personal files on the computer for signs of infectivity. The antivirus program then takes action to clean, remove, or quarantine (isolate) files that known viruses have infected. System Restore also tracks an antivirus program when it modifies (cleans), moves, or deletes a monitored, critical, computer or program file.

During a restoration, an active antivirus program scans for infected files. If the antivirus program detects any infected files, the antivirus program tries to modify, move, or delete the infected files. If the antivirus program successfully cleans the infected files, System Restore restores the cleaned files. However, if the antivirus software cannot clean a file, the antivirus software deletes or quarantines the file. As a result, the restoration does not work because these actions to the file cause an inconsistent restoration state. As a result, System Restore reverts to the state immediately before the restoration.

Signature files for antivirus programs are updated as viruses become known. As a result, a restoration that did not work several days ago might succeed after the antivirus program is updated. However, if you undo and retry a restoration to a point that succeeded before, the restoration may not work if a new signature or definition detects a virus that the antivirus program cannot clean on a backed-up file.

Get an Anti Virus Online to Protect your Computer

Viruses have been a big threat when you are online because it can easily proliferate itself and destroy your computer. They can get into your computer system through email, instant message or websites without any difficulty.

Another way is if they identify that your system is open such as having a peer-to-peer connection. If your computer is not well protected then it is highly susceptible to viruses.
Viruses can do harmful things to your computer. Depending on how a virus was programmed, their effect can be: damaging files, clogging your system, interfere with the computer processes or replicate themselves. Your first defense is getting knowledge about viruses, how they work, what are the latest viruses and how they can get into your system. Then, be aware of the practical tips such as not downloading attached files from unknown sender or deleting spam e-mail to avoid getting a virus.

Another, defense against these harmful files is getting an anti virus online. Downloading or purchasing anti virus online is recommended because the best softwares are found on the internet.

Below are some reasons why it is advisable to get an Anti Virus online:

• Wide range of selection. An anti virus online can downloaded for free or needs to be purchased. You can settle for anti virus online freewares if all you need is basic features to protect your computer from viruses.

However, if you are not confident enough when using the internet and believed that your computer is always at risk, then purchase an anti virus online which can better shield your system from virus attacks.

• Evaluate before using anti virus. Information about virus scan are available online. You can read the services and features that they offer.

Then give them a try for a few weeks if they work as designed. Ensure that the anti virus you will select is user-friendly and updates frequently. Virus scan updates are critical because there are new viruses everyday.

• Make a comparison. If you cannot decide which anti virus to use, you can easily make a comparison. List down what are their features, services and cost. Also, take into consideration if they also have support lines (how-to guides, Chat, email).

In case you have problems in using the software or removing a virus from your computer, they can guide you through resolving the problem.

Another helpful information that you can get on the internet are the reviews. Virus scan online reviews will help you determine if which anti virus software is the best among internet users. Just read the positive and negative reviews of the anti virus software so you can decide wisely.

Getting an anti virus online is very convenient, however, you need to be careful when choosing one. It is possible that the said anti virus is a virus itself. So do your homework in getting enough information about all anti virus online so you can decide which one will work best for you and your computer.

source:ezinearticles.com