Is there an antivirus problem?

Question

is it true that any anti-virus system can only protect you from already known viruses, but is completely useless on some newly created one? because my computer recently got infected (its all better now) even though it was technically protected.

Answer 1

No, it's not technically true. Your antivirus does need the latest updates, and protection is helped by your browsing habits.

however the best Antivirus programs can catch stuff that has not been reported yet based on how certain files are "acting" using Heuristics

Eset nod32 has very good Heuristics

http://www.eset.com/products/compare_heu...

Answer 2

yes, but the developer of the software "try's" to get one step ahead of the virus maker.  just keep your definitions up to date  

Answer 3

Yes, that's why it's better using software that detects suspicious behavior in applications like for example - trying to access the internet and acting as a server, modifying startup values, modifying root threads, etc.

Answer 4

The problem is yes and no there are some that see if anything is attack a system file and can stop it that way but because there are so many holes in the computer op system there are more people finding them every day. The anti-Virus is only as good as it's last up date so it's best to update ether automaticaly every few hours or do manuely.

Microsofts answer is to get Vista and create diferent acounts and use anther account to surf the net. so the files do not have access to the major files. It works in theory but Vista is still young and many games and programs cant run without full access.

Answer 5

It can protect your computer from known viruses in the systems database, it can help protect your computer from new viruses, you can help the company learn about new viruses by sending them the file, or its name, DO NOT send it over e-mail there might be a features I know McAfee and AVG have the feature. Update your software, and windows everyday.

Answer 6

Thats true. Some good Anti viruses do have technologies that catch suspicious behavior of apps on the comp and deal with them, but all Anti Viruses usually work by finding new viruses, and storing a signature of them and distribute it as an update. I recommend Kaspersky AntiV because they have the best AV lab in the world and are always the first to disassemble the viruses. So for example, if there is a virus that is small time and targeted specifically for you, you have no chance. If you need to do online shopping and other things securely, PM me and I'll tell you how.

Answer 7

yeah, pretty much.  they try to bring out updates as viruses are released, but it's pretty much impossible to tell the future like that.  

Microsoft should try to make Windows with less holes and security weak spots, instead of sitting back and letting you pay money for their OneCare anti-virus.

Answer 8

I'm afraid so.They can come out with new viruses faster than the anti-virus company's can come up ways to protect us. This is unavoidable. I have McAfee with site advisor. I get updates more than once a day. With Norton it was only once a week.

Answer 9

bit defender,,,,updates every hour http://anti-virus-software-review.topten...