When you open AVAST 4 you'll find two different interfaces-one for the average user and one that is for the more advanced user. The simple interface has the look and feel similar to that of DVD player software. It is very easy to use and navigate. The advanced interface provides plenty of options to customize the program to fit your needs.

F-Prot for Windows is easy to install and use. This antivirus program has a nice interface although it would be better if the options were available from the Taskbar instead of from the Start Menu or desktop. All of the options are straightforward and practical. Some of these options include right-click, on-demand, on-access and scheduled scanning.

PC Tools AntiVirus program is easy to use and navigate. You can choose from two different scans. The full scan is what the average user will most often use. This will scan your entire computer. The other is a custom scan where you can choose which files you would like to scan.

WinAntiVirus appears to use aggressive and deceptive advertising and despite several attempts to contact the company, they never responded to any of them.

The average user that wants to install and forget about the antivirus software should look into the Gold, Silver or Bronze products. This program does have many nice scanning capabilities-you can scan email attachments in real-time while they are downloading from the POP3 server. Viruses will never make it to your inbox.

Everyone has been infected with a virus at one time or another either through the common cold or the flu. A virus attacks the human body by entering through one of the many openings and attaching itself to a host cell. It releases a piece of genetic information into the cell and recruits the cell's enzymes to propagate the genetic information. Once the genetic code has been adequately replicated, it destroys the cell and attacks cells nearby.

Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Anti-Virus Software.

There is a villain in the computer industry that can strike fear into any company or individual that encounters it. It has been wreaking havoc in both the business and personal computer world for many years. Its frequency and intensity of attack is on the rise. It's the computer virus

A virus is a computer program designed to enter your computer and tamper with your files without your knowledge. Once the program containing the virus is open, the activated virus can not only infect other programs and documents on your computer, it can duplicate and transmit itself to other computers that are connected to yours, just like a physical virus can move from one human host to another.

Where do viruses come from? Every virus is created by an author with a different motive-but all virus builders feel their actions are justified. For some, a killer virus is the ultimate technical challenge, like climbing a mountain. For others, creating viruses is a form of self-expression. Some disgruntled employees, consumers or citizens turn to virus building as revenge for perceived injustices. And though it's a frightening thought, some viruses are built and aimed by legitimate (but disreputable) businesses to weaken competitors. Other virus authors want to make their mark in Internet history; these writers get a thrill out of seeing their virus cause damage enough to attract news headlines both online and on the evening news.