Antivirus Software
PC World Staff (PC World) 18/10/2002 11:34:24


Technical Support


Does it have a right-click shell extension to scan files?

A shell extension is a small system utility which gives users the ability to manipulate the settings of the PC through the operating system.

Often, one of the features overlooked by antivirus protection is the usability requirement of quickly double checking a file before using it. Many antivirus programs only automatically search certain file types based on their extensions, so look for a shell extension that forces a scanner window to open and immediately scan any file selected as opposed to one that just launches the scanner interface.


Does it make boot disks and/or have a CD-ROM that can be used for cleaning an infected PC?

Boot disks are required to recover from a nasty boot sector virus, and having the scanner on a CD-ROM means it should be a snap to repair even an infected PC that doesn't have an antivirus program installed.


Product Activation. What is it? And how does it affect me?

Product Activation is a process where a user or application contacts the manufacturer (usually via the Internet, but it can be by phone or fax). It lets the software vendor know some information about the application running and to provide a response that may trigger a change in the application. In the case of antivirus programs this is important as the software activation will signal the beginning of the time cycle for free updates.

This guide was last updated June 2005

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Comments

User guide

Where is the section on zombies? Also, I would have liked to see, beyond the straight definitions, some of the common lures to acquiring these viruses. Show us exactly what not to click and what antivirus to use for each one. Sometimes these viruses are so stealthy that you don't even notice them.. A guide like this would be ideal.

Think I found the perfect AV program

I used to get a new infection on my computer nearly every week! Tried the 3 top brand antivirus programs and all seemed to fail on a regular basis, that was until I came across the k7 antivirus software ....had it installed for over 5 months and have yet to get infected! I would recommend it to anybody.

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