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You don't want an infected computer.
Viruses infect computer files by modifying the file to include the virus. Most people are unaware when a virus infection actually occurs and some virus infections can go undetected for a very long time. However, even if a computer virus escapes your notice, it is doing wicked things to your computer.
Because you cannot look at a file and see a virus, it is important that you install and maintain antivirus software on your computer. Many new computers come with a free, 90 day trial of a commercial antivirus software program. This is a good thing because an unprotected computer can become compromised within minutes of connecting to the Internet. (And never let an antivirus subscription expire. You may wish to use a different product than the one pre-installed on your new computer. If so, make sure you install it before you connect to the Internet).
While it's rare for an antivirus software program not to retrieve virus definition files automatically, it's a good idea to force a daily antivirus update. You'll feel safer and be a more attentive computer user if you do this.
It is important to know that many antivirus and firewall vendors warn that using more than one antivirus package or multiple firewalls can cause system problems and instability. Make sure you read the installation instructions from the software developer to determine if their product can be installed with other desktop security software.
Free Antivirus Software
While there are several commercial antivirus packages, don't overlook the free versions that are available. Many are lighter versions of larger antivirus software designed for businesses. Some of these are:
Removal Tools for Specific Viruses
What if you're already infected and need a way to clean your system? Many antivirus companies provide tools designed to remove specific viruses. Search these archives for specific virus removal tools:
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