Computer viruses and antivirus software are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, they are not the same thing. In this article, we will differentiate computer viruses and antivirus software and understand how they work.
What is a Computer Virus?
A computer virus is a type of malicious software that infects computers and other devices. It is designed to spread from one computer to another and cause damage to the system. It can also steal sensitive information from the computer, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal information.
How Does a Computer Virus Work?
A computer virus works by attaching itself to a file or program on the computer. When the infected file or program is opened, the virus is activated and starts to spread throughout the computer. It can also spread to other computers on the same network or through email attachments.
Types of Computer Viruses
There are different types of computer viruses, including file infectors, boot sector viruses, macro viruses, and more. Each type of virus has a different way of infecting and damaging the computer.
What is Antivirus Software?
Antivirus software is a type of program that is designed to detect, prevent, and remove computer viruses. It works by scanning the computer for viruses and other malicious software and then removing them from the system.
How Does Antivirus Software Work?
Antivirus software works by using various techniques to detect and remove viruses from the computer. It uses signature-based detection, behavioral analysis, and heuristics to identify and remove viruses from the system. It also updates its virus definitions regularly to keep up with new threats.
Types of Antivirus Software
There are different types of antivirus software, including free and paid versions. Some popular antivirus software include Norton, McAfee, Avast, and AVG. Each antivirus software has its own features and benefits.
Key Differences Between Computer Virus and Antivirus Software
The key differences between computer virus and antivirus software are as follows:
- A computer virus is a type of malicious software that infects computers, while antivirus software is a program that is designed to detect, prevent, and remove viruses from the computer.
- A computer virus causes damage to the computer and steals sensitive information, while antivirus software protects the computer from viruses and other malicious software.
- A computer virus spreads from one computer to another, while antivirus software does not spread to other computers.
- A computer virus can be removed using antivirus software, while antivirus software cannot be removed by a computer virus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, computer viruses and antivirus software are two different things. A computer virus is a type of malicious software that infects computers and causes damage, while antivirus software is a program that is designed to detect, prevent, and remove viruses from the computer. It is important to have antivirus software installed on your computer to protect it from viruses and other malicious software.
