Antivirus FAQ

To all antivirus experts, enthauists

I'm trying to create a vendor neutral FAQ about antiviruses, that can help clear up some of the myths, misunderstanding with regards to antiviruses. The aim here is to arm users with knowledge to help him make decisions when purchasing antiviruses, without getting into questions like whether Antivirus A is really better than antivirus B.

I have made a very rough start at http://wiki.castlecops.com/Antivirus_FAQ with some sample answers using my very meager understanding.

You can contribute better, fuller answers, more relevant questions, links/resources etc.

Answers should strive to be technically accurate without going too much into obscure details (this can be linked to a resource). In cases where there is some debate, we should strive to represent both sides of the debate fairly.

Anyone game to help me share their knowledge and expertise? I accept answers, comments given here, but you can edit the page directly if you wish.

 

Brilliant idea! Should come in very handy as a link-to! I'm sure you'll have lots of help from the more qualified wilders members, and some questions from us lesser qualified!

 

After the weekend maybe Looking good so far though!!!

 

Looks very good

 

I think that there is a misunderstanding regarding "running" two AVs.

I think that many vendors and security experts are quick to tell users that running two AVs is a no-no, and that is what the novice or average user retains.... two AVs could mean conflict, instability and blue screens.

I "run" two AVs, and have for many years. One is real time and the other is on-demand only. Most of us here know that the only danger lies with installing two AVs as memory resident, or real time applications. Knowledgeable security program users understand that one AV as real time and one AV as on-demand is possible, acceptable and does not create problems. (Some might say it is overkill, but I am speaking here of whether it is doable and safe for the system.)

Long story short, it might be helpful, in the realm of clearing up "some of the myths, misunderstanding with regards to antiviruses", if this was addressed, so that folks can undertstand and learn how to install on-demand AV scanners, what the different is between real time and on-demand, and so that maybe some well-intentioned people will stop telling users to never run two AVs.

HTH

 

seriously, i think you should stop doing this.

 

that's a nice idea. I'll try to help you.

 

Thanks. I'm still waiting....

 

I guess it depends on which av's you are using. I once tried this with aol avs (kav6) real-time, and Bitdefender free, on demand. My system locked up quicker than a government office at 5:00 p.m. on a Friday.

 

Back on topic, it would be great to see that posting finished! Now if only we knew some av-experts

 

It was a dumb idea anyway.

 

I think it would make a good sticky-link, especially for new members questions. We just need a few av-experts to see the thread and have the time to fill in some of the blanks. Perhaps posting some of the questions in this thread could get the ball rolling...

 

Q: What is a memory scanner?

Q: What is a memory scanner?


Tell me as much as you know about this topic. Thanks.

 

Okay, point taken, I guess I'm too optimistic too.