Antivirus software has been around since the late 1980s, however today there are much more complex and powerful applications available. Most computer users have an antivirus application that they use on a regular or continual basis, and a number of software titles are even provided as part of a new computer or operating system package. While these programs aim to be as transparent and user friendly as possible, they can often be very complex and have a number of hidden features. This is especially a problem for new computer users who may not be familiar with how such applications work. Many people and organisations who offer tutorials into computer and operating system usage are also providing tutorials on antivirus programs. This education is very important as it gives users the opportunity to take advantage of all the security features offered by their antivirus software.
Antivirus software has evolved a lot over the years, due to the increasing nature of viral threats and the development of other malicious code segments spread easily by widespread Internet usage. While early computer viruses existed on simple systems and were spread slowly via floppy disks, the Internet has sped up the nature of proliferation and modern multi-layered computer systems have allowed viruses many more places to hide. People now require more advanced methods of virus detection and removal, and there are many antivirus products on the market that claim to do just that. The two main methods of computer virus detection are known as signature based detection and malicious activity based detection. The first works by comparing code with a known database of virus signatures, and the second examines code behaviour in order to identify a threat. These methods are useful as background information to anyone undergoing a tutorial on how to use a particular antivirus program.
If someone is going to take full advantage of their antivirus software, it would help to become aware of exactly what they are fighting against. A virus is a program that can copy itself within a host computer and infect it without any authorisation by the computer’s owner. Computer viruses need to spread with their host program, via the Internet or another form of media passed between computers. Other common threats which work in a different manner include trojans and worms. A worm can spread itself to other computers without the host needing to be spread as well. A trojan is a program that appears to be harmless on the outside but has a more malicious agenda that is hidden within.
Computer viruses and related threats are well known to most computer users, in part due to people learning about them at computer tutorials and conference events. By providing people with the knowledge to deal with these threats, the field of computer education can help greatly in the fight against malicious software. As the world gets even more reliant on the Internet as a means of communication and commerce, the threat posed by computer viruses is likely to raise even more. Computer tutorials can teach people how to use antivirus applications correctly, and make sure that everyone is as secure and safe as they can possibly be.