Posts Tagged ‘antivirus programs’
Desktop Security Software – Testing Standards
Antivirus platforms are constantly changing, and, like anything, just because an antivirus is at the top of the desktopsecuritysoftware market one year does notguarantee it will remain there.
So how is it that people decide on what makes the best antivirus programs? If you go to any review site, the all allusive ‘test’ is referred to as marking this year’s top class software. But, if you have ever tried to use one of these results spreadsheets to determine which platform you should go with, you know that they do very little good at highlighting one maker above the rest. Either this means that most of the big players are basically the same, or that something is wrong with how the tests are conducted.
The question then is, what kind of test is it in the first place? For anyone who would like to read more articles on the subject, check out these resources from the AMSTO (Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization).
AMSTO have been discussing this question quite seriously over the last couple of years and have come around to publishing new testing standards. Until now, the tests have basically taken some large and impressive number of sample threats, anywhere between five hundred thousand and one million, and isolating one layer of the program under testing to see how well it detects an incoming threat.
This sounds like what you would expect, but there are a couple of problems that initially come to mind. 1) If one layer of a software package is tested individually, how well does that really speak for how the software will actually run on a consumer’s computer? (2) Does the method of throwing hundreds of thousands of threats at a system really simulate the real world of online security in today’s world?
For the first question, we can only assume that this technique does not provide an accurate result for how the software will operate when it is running as it would on a consumer’s computer.First of all, this might bypass certain security measures built into another layer of the software designed for certain threats, resulting in the antivirus missing it because it was not designed to detect that kind of threat. Just because a program utilizes certain buffers does not mean it should be reflected poorly in the test.
Also, if the software is whittled down to one layer, this will greatly affect speed. Imagine that Software A is part of a big package with loads of features, and Software B is a program fairly stripped of extra features. If Software A, when focusing on only the antivirus, detects 98% of all viruses in faster time than Software B which detects the same number, Software A can be determined to be the better software.As a consumer, I see this and I purchase Software A, only to be surprised by the obvious lag in system resources. It doesn’t seem to operate as fast as the test said it does. This is because of the testing method.Of course it will be slower when all aspects of the software are running simultaneously.
To answer the second question from above, in the real world, a user will never be faced with that number of threats in a short time period. The test procedurs have been an industry standard for the past twenty years. Needless to say, a huge amount has changed since then.Probably the most pertinent change is the mass use of social networking sites and downloading software from the Internet.
Those two examples are both real time threats that are very isolated; non-Armageddon like scenarios-unlike the way antivirus software is tested. What if a message in Facebook popped up with a link that contained some form of malware?We don’t need our software to protect us from a million threats; only this one.
Two percent of a million is 20,000, and that makes 20,000 possibilities of a threat that could get through if I click on the link.If I click on it, the probability is strong that my antivirus will catch it. But what if it doesn’t?One chance out of one is a bigger threat than one chance out of a million. The point I am trying to make is that we just can’t know. For that reason, the software needs to notice these kinds of messages that are part of our online experience before we do, and advise us on what action is best. If an antivirus does that, and does it accurately, then it is far more valuable than testing how many threats out of a million that slip by undetected.
Because testing is valuable information for the desktop security software consumer and creator alike, it is very pleasing news to see that standards are being updated at AMSTO. Going forward please be aware of the testing procedures conducted on software before considering it to be conclusive evidence as to which software is this year’s best.
Nate works hard to keep up with security software news, reviews, and tips to help his readers be aware and prepared. For more articles on the subject written by this author, please visit the links below.
http://www.edesktopsecuritysoftware.com/
Author: Nate Hill
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Android phones
Purchasing Computer Hardware From the Internet
If you want to purchase a computer or computer accessories, you can find plenty of opportunities on the Web. This article presents various options that have been chosen among online hardware vendors, computer hardware stores, computer shops and internet companies.
You can find online a wide selection of computer hardware and computer related items such as PC, laptops, notebooks, palmtops, computer accessories, printers, scanners, wireless networking, consumables, internet access, website hosting, computer software, software tools, games and much more.
Direct Vendors and IT and Technology Distributors
Some companies such as Dell or HP are Direct Vendors of Computer Hardware and you will find many good products on their Websites, which include also plenty of documentation and other useful information. Often very good prices of used equipment can be found in separate Outlets.
There are many Companies which act as IT Technology distributors and offer online:
- Computer Hardware and Accessories such as Printers, Scanners etc.
- Computer software such as Antivirus programs, Productivity programs, Operating Systems and more.
- Consumables such as paper, envelopes, CDs, boxes, tools for the office, ink and toner.
Computer Online Auctions
Another way to find Computer Hardware, is to access an online auction, where often the prices are much lower than those requested for new items. You will find many cheap products( e.g. cheap PC, cheap laptops, printers, palmtops etc.) and you could make a bargain!
A special category is that of Mobile Computing products such as laptops, notebooks, PDAs, palmtops, drive storage, networking and even mobile phones. You will find plenty of good opportunities in online auctions sites.
Conclusions>
It is worthwhile to mention that recent changes in exchange rates make purchasing in the UK very convenient for other countries.
Therefore, if you are looking for Computer Hardware, use the browser.
Mario Pesce – Computer consultant
http://www.datamission.co.uk
http://mariopesceuk.blogspot.com/
Author: Mario Pesce
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Need help with computer viruses fast!!!!?
i was browsing the internet and all of a sudden my computer started freaking out and scanning this and that then it said i had like over 100 viruses and i thought i had a protection thing but i guess it expired or something and i cant figure out how to get a new one i have no way of buying one and i tried downloading a free one but then when i get to the final steps it tells me i have to buy it please can someone help me!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!! if it matters its an acer laptop
Answer:
get avast free edition and run the boot time scan after installation(program will ask you) NEVER use 2 antivirus programs at the same time
Virus not as bigger problem as we think ?
companys that make antiVirus programs tell you that you need it but is that alway true if you use internet banking or shop on line or have inportant douments they may be right but if all you do is a bit if web sufing dose matter that much if yoy get any prolems its easy to reload windows and its not my problem if someone uses it as part of a bot net MS made windows not me Ron M Do Not Call Me A Fool You have been repoted for your use of this term. uneducated and fool are words that come to mind when reading your coments and one or two others but unlike you Iwill not be breaking Y/A rules and therefore can not use them Ron M You would put a bunch daffs on your PC if someone told it would make yor wifi work better and if someone told you needed to tie your wife to a tree you wold proberly do that too / THERE IS ONE BORN EVREY SECONDFOLKS ! ONE FUTHER THING RON DO NOT BOTHER TO REPLY TO ANYTHING ELSE I PUT ON NOT INTERESTED IN HEARING FROM SOME WHO HAS AN IQ SMALLER THAN THEIR SHOUE SIZE THANKYOU VEY MUCH
Answer:
Ok, some users like to be protected some don’t. And you dont need to BUY antivirus software there are lots of free ones.