April Fool's! You've just been sent a "Trojan horse" via an email attachment. Today computer viruses are as routine as the common cold. Still, it's no fun to receive a bug that could potentially transform your PC into an expensive "paperweight". Here are a few antivirus websites that promise to protect you from unwelcome intruders in cyberspace.
AVG Anti-Virus System (grisoft.com)
With all the destructive codes floating around the Internet, antivirus protection is a good thing to have around, especially when it's free. AVG Anti-Virus System spots programs that “act” like viruses, so they’re dealt with, even if there isn’t an actual virus “definition” installed. You can manually run a scan on your files and emails, or schedule them at predetermined times, for specific folders. When an infected file is detected, it’s automatically quarantined and inoculated “behind the scenes.”
Trojan Remover (simplysup.com)
This program detects 3 158 trojans/worms (including variants). Trojan Remover examines and assesses all systems files and programs loaded at boot time. For each identified Trojan Horse or unrecognized program, an alert screen pops up showing the file name and its location. When a “memory-resident” Trojan is uncovered, the program will reboot your system and completely “disable” it before Windows restarts. It also protects system files by making them “read-only.” This essential security utility is available for you on trial for 30 days. Afterwards, you have to register it for $24.95.
Panda ActiveScan (pandasoftware.com)
Another free online antivirus utility, Panda ActiveScan allows you to detect and eliminate any of over 60,000 viruses and “Trojan horses.” You can access this utility from a website, but you cannot download it onto your computer. It uses Microsoft ActiveX technology and works within your browser. ActiveScan is updated at least once a day, and can scan both email messages and compressed files. This is a service, not a download, so you won't be installing any programs. When you click on the link, you'll be directed to Panda Software's site, where you can use the free service.
ZoneAlarm (zonelabs.com)
If you have an “always-on” connection with a permanent IP address, your computer is particularly vulnerable to hacker attacks. This free utility offers you some protection against that. You can block uninitiated and unwanted traffic, even while your PC is unattended, or while you’re not using your connection. You can also limit your exposure by specifying which applications can access the Internet. The program lets you stop email-vehicled Visual Basic Script worms, such as the “I Love You” virus. This latest version includes a new tutorial with expert advice on how to combat Internet threats.
HouseCall (housecall.antivirus.com)
Search your hard drive for viruses at no cost, while you’re online. After you download this free utility, it will scan your computer’s hard drive in search of intruders. If it finds any, you can click on the name of the virus to find out more about it, cleaning up or deleting the infected file. Note that this program doesn’t provide continuous virus protection in real-time -— it does so only while you’re connected to HouseCall. So your computer is still vulnerable to virus attacks in between online virus scans.
