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.

Malicious Software Removal Tool

The Symantec's Norton Internet Security for Mac 4.0, a suite of security software with a long name and a variety of security features was released recently which has given Mac owners an option of another security application.

The last version of Nis for OSX was unveiled back in 2003. The new version, however, is more of a new release than an update. It should be noted that it is quite similar to AIM 1.0, although NIS has the distinction of actually being useful. The suite that adds a firewall to the mix combines the antivirus functionality of Norton AntiVirus with the Norton Confidential application. Due to this, virus, phishing, and spyware protection is provided by NIS. Furthermore, files can also be protected by the package and additionally look for Internet worms, automatically update its list of malicious IP addresses, keep an eye on your applications, and bake you holiday cookies.

As fast as the pricing is concerned, NIS for Mac 4.0 will run you $80 for a year of service, or $30 more than Norton AntiVirus on its own. The package is not a big deal, as Norton Confidential and Norton Personal Firewall are both $50 applications and its handy if in case you are looking for protection from more than just viruses. The company is offering Norton Internet Security Dual Protection, which bundles both versions of NIS together and costs $90, if you use both Windows and OS X frequently.

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Antivirus Protection for Your Computer

What is the best antivirus protection program to have? That is the question that everyone asks when they buy a new computer or upgrade their internet connection. With broadband becoming more and more popular in recent years, a good antivirus protection program is a must. Threats to your computer are everywhere on the net and without good antivirus protection your privacy may be at risk.

When looking for the best antivirus protection there are a few things you should keep in mind.

1. Does the software offer good customer support?2. Do they keep the software up to date and upgrade it regularly? 3. Do they block spy ware and Trojans?4. So they have a firewall feature?5. Is there a money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied?

Remember to keep all this in mind when searching for the best antivirus protection. In my opinion free antivirus programs aren’t really worth bothering with, as there not kept up to date as frequently as paid services. But at the same time don’t pay a fortune for your service. Sometimes the smaller lesser known companies are a lot cheaper than the bigger antivirus companies and have just as good protection.

Finally, you should definitely never be without virus protection especially if your broadband is always connected. With broadband becoming more popular, there are lot more hackers and viruses out there. Always keep your antivirus protection software up to date and scan your computer for viruses reguralry and you shouldn’t have any problems.

source:ezinearticles.com