The document discusses different types of antivirus software like McAfee, AVG, Avast, and Norton. It explains how antivirus software works by scanning files and comparing them to a dictionary of known viruses. Spyware is software installed without consent that monitors users and transfers information to third parties. The document recommends using antivirus software and firewalls for protection but cautions that not all programs are effective.

1. By: Brandon Starbuck & Amy Covington

2. Types of Antivirus software MacAfee: This is from my personal experience the worst possible antivirus software. I got a lot of viruses with it on my computer. AVG: I don’t know much about this one but it has won a couple awards so it looks good to me.

3. Types of Antivirus software cont. Avast: Another antivirus software that I am not aware of, but it sounds cool and has gotten really good reviews. Norton: This is the antivirus software I use. In my personal experience this is the best antivirus software. I have had no problems with this program or my computer as long as I have had this software.

4. How antivirus software works An anti-virus software program is a computer program that can be used to scan files to identify and eliminate computer viruses and other malicious software (malware). These files will be quarantined or blocked so that no other file can access them and nothing from them can get to your system.

5. How anti-virus software works cont. When the anti-virus software examines a file, it refers to a dictionary of known viruses that have been identified by the author of the anti-virus software. If a piece of code in the file matches any virus identified in the dictionary, then the anti-virus software can then either delete the file, quarantine it so that the file is inaccessible to other programs and its virus is unable to spread, or attempt to repair the file by removing the virus itself.

6. What is spyware? Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent . Spyware can also help prevent things like cookies and pop-ups. Most antivirus software comes with spyware.

7. How does Spyware work? Once downloaded on your personal computer, spyware can monitor your keystrokes, scan through the files on your hard drive, read cookies or open applications and transfer information over the Internet to an unknown third party. Profiles set up by the spyware allow for pop-up advertisements to appear on your computer without a browser being open. Spyware is downloaded usually without your knowledge.

8. How does spyware work? Cont. Spyware uses the memory on your computer to function, collect data and relay information over the Internet. This can result in a loss of system stability on your computer. If you have spyware on your computer, you may experience the following: The system performance may be affected which may slow down your computer. Your computer may crash or freeze. You may also have difficulty accessing the Internet.

9. Ways to use Antivirus software and spyware safely Make sure that you are careful when purchasing anti-virus software and spyware watch programs. Not all are worthwhile. Installing Java to your computer might help to prevent some of the disadvantages that anti-virus software and spyware have. Firewall can prevent entry to your computer from outside sources.

10. conclusions Basically, what I am trying to say is that every computer should have some sort of anti-virus software and spyware prevention. However, you must be careful because not all anti-virus software and spyware prevention is worthwhile so take caution when purchasing this product.

11. Citations http://www.antivirusworld.com/articles/antivirus.php http://www.cibc.com/ca/legal/spyware-info.html I used both of these sites for my definitions and descriptions but nothing more.