RE: Antivirus Info

["Shahab Mesbah" <meteor2@moscow.com>]

Well... actually different AV programs have different capabilities... they
are not all created equal. Most deal with the majority of virus types but
some are faster in responding to new viruses than others. There are those
that are able to detect and even destroy viruses they have not seen before!
It is true, however, that it is critical to update the programs regularly.
Some programs have automated notification of updates available, which makes
it easy.

Since by their nature AV programs have to function at a very low level in
the system they tend to embed themselves everywhere and often cause
conflicts with the various other software on the system. Norton
(www.symantec.com) is particularly problematic in this area and often
corrupts windows to the point that a reinstall of the operating system is
needed (this is a common problem of most Symantec software). Another AV
software is McAfee (www.mcafee.com)... they are about as robust as Norton
(better than average) and cause less interference with various software
usually although the new version out has several optional modules, which
have given some of our clients fits! Most of our clients end up using F-Prot
otherwise known as CSAV which has the most robust AV engine but until
recently was not as easy to install and maintain. Now they have auto update
and many great features. You can get a free copy and try it at
www.commandcom.com . Either way you go... remember to update regularly...
with F-Prot I have updated as much as several times a week but now it is as
easy as clicking a button!

"Your brother in arms"

Shahab...

-----Original Message-----
From: Julie Rickard [mailto:julierickard@earthlink.net]
Sent: Sunday, June 10, 2001 11:57 AM
To: vision2020@moscow.com
Subject: Antivirus Info

Hi,

I work at WSU as a computer technician and deal with viruses often.  Any
antivirus software will work to detect a virus AS LONG AS it is UP TO
DATE.  Meaning, that you must make sure that you are not cancelling the
program when it is scheduled to update.  Make sure that it is scheduled to
do updates automatically when connected to the internet.  This must be done
manually by the user.  Usually virus software has a one year subscription
for updates and after that you must buy the newest version.  I highly
recommend having an antivirus software program on all computers connected
to the internet.  I personally like Norton Antivirus as their website has
information on cleaning specific viruses from infected computers.  Though
most sites should.

Good luck!

Julie Rickard