Virus and antivirus are two commonly used terms in the field of computer technology. They are often used together, but they mean very different things. In this article, we will discuss the difference between virus and antivirus in tabular form.
Definition
A virus is a malicious software program that is designed to replicate itself and spread to other computers. It can cause damage to your computer system, steal your personal information, and cause other problems.
An antivirus is a software program that is designed to detect, prevent, and remove viruses from your computer. It works by scanning your computer system for any malicious software and removing it before it can cause damage.
Function
The function of a virus is to spread and cause damage to your computer system. It can do this by deleting files, corrupting data, and stealing personal information.
The function of an antivirus is to prevent and remove viruses from your computer. It does this by scanning your computer system for any malicious software and removing it before it can cause damage.
Types
There are many types of viruses, including boot sector viruses, file infectors, macro viruses, and email viruses. Each type of virus has its own unique characteristics and methods of spreading.
There are many types of antivirus software, including free and paid versions. Some of the most popular antivirus programs include Norton, McAfee, and Avast.
How they work
A virus works by attaching itself to a file or program and then replicating itself. It can spread to other computers through email attachments, file sharing, or over the internet. Once a virus has infected your computer, it can cause damage and steal your personal information.
An antivirus works by scanning your computer system for any malicious software and removing it before it can cause damage. It does this by using a database of known viruses and malware, as well as real-time scanning to detect any new threats.
Signs of infection
There are several signs that your computer may be infected with a virus, including slow performance, pop-up ads, and unusual error messages. You may also notice that your computer is running slower than usual or that your internet connection is slower than normal.
There are no signs that your computer is infected with an antivirus program. Instead, you should look for signs that your computer is protected by an antivirus program, such as regular updates and real-time scanning.
Protection
The best way to protect your computer against viruses is to install and use antivirus software. You should also be careful when downloading files from the internet and avoid opening email attachments from unknown sources.
There is no protection against antivirus software, as it is designed to protect your computer against viruses. However, you should make sure that you keep your antivirus software up-to-date and run regular scans to detect any new threats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, virus and antivirus are two very different things. A virus is a malicious software program that is designed to spread and cause damage to your computer system, while an antivirus is a software program that is designed to prevent and remove viruses from your computer. By understanding the difference between these two terms, you can better protect your computer and keep it running smoothly.