Why Do I Need Anti Virus Software For My Computer?

by: Angie Noack
If you’ve recently purchased a computer, or are just learning about using email and the
internet, you may have heard about computer viruses and anti-virus software. You may be wondering
if this is something that you should be concerned about, and if so, what you should do about it.
This article will attempt to answer these questions for you.

First, you may be wondering just what a computer virus is. Basically a computer virus is one of
many types of small programs that install themselves on your computer without your consent.
Usually they enter your program through an email, or while you are browsing a website.

When these programs run, usually without you knowing, they can cause all types of problems with
your computer. Some viruses can be mildly annoying, slowing down your computer as they use your
computer’s resources for another purpose. Others can be very dangerous, collecting your personal
information and sending it to another party, or damaging your hard-drive.

True to their name, viruses are able to use your internet connection and email program and send
themselves to the computers of other people you know, spreading themselves just like a contagious
disease.

Because of this, just like the health of your body, when it comes to computer viruses, an ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure. It is much easier to prevent viruses from entering your
computer than it is to get rid of them and cure your computer once it becomes infected. This is
why Anti-Virus software is important.

Once you realize that you need anti-virus software installed and running on your computer, you’ll
have to choose which one to purchase and install. This can be a complicated process, but here are
some tips to make it a bit easier.

First, check your computer to see if it came with anti-virus software. Many new computers are
shipped with anti-virus programs already to go on them, you just need to turn them on. Check your
instruction manual to see if this is the case with your computer.

Check with the vendor. If you purchased your computer from a local retailer, check with them to
see what anti-virus program they recommend. They should be more than willing to help you and may
even be able to provide you with a discount since you purchased a computer from them.

Once you have your anti-virus installed and running on your computer, be sure to contact the
software’s support if you have any questions. It is also important to keep your software updated.
Many of these programs will automatically update themselves when you are online. This is very
important since new viruses are always appearing and you want to make sure your computer is
protected.

About the author:
Angie Noack is a business strategist with a sharp edge for technology. With her unique ability to
combine these two skills, she's able to help businesses save time and increase profits. You can
find her online at http://softwaresoftwaresystems.com


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