Newbie help: Real Time and On Demand

I see these two words ALOT at this forum.

What does it mean by Real Time and On Demand?

How do you know which programs to run for each?

Also when you say you run a program in either Real Time or On Demand how do you do this, is there a feature on certain programs that enables you to do this?

Sorry if this seems like a stupid question, probably does to most people here but for a newbie I find alot of good info here and sometimes the only to find the answer is to ask.

Thanks.

 

Hello,
Real time means software that does its job without your intervention, running in background while you do whatever you do - for instance, anti-virus that automatically scans files as you download them - no need for extra input.
On demand - software does its job only when you ask it for it - you download a file then you scan it.
Some software can do one or the other or both.
How do you know? You ask here or in other security forums or try to glean the info from faq on relevant software sites.
Mrk

 

Hi Guys.

Hmm! So is passive protection, (HOSTS, Spywareblaster, IE-Spyad, etc) now considered "Real Time" protection?

Take care
Rico

 

Hello,
That's blacklisting.
Mrk

 

Real-time is a misnomer really. What they usually mean is always running, or continuous, as is the case with an antivirus program designed to protect you from infection. They are like attentive guards, always watching out on your behalf for anything untoward.

On-Demand, on the other hand, means what it says. Nothing happens until you demand it, like carrying out a virus scan to see if the antivirus protection has done its job properly. They are more like a clean-up squad that are sent out as required to see if anything is wrong.

 

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

Hi All,

Not quite sure what your saying here. I think that in the discussion of, "On demand" & "Real-Time" protection, it's worthy to mention "Passive" defense schemes. Note passive defense ploys, will save the user from more malware, than (IMHO) than any other form of defense! Also "Passive" defense mechanism, kind-a share attributes, of real time protectors. I guess we have three schemes, for defeating malware:

1. Passive defense
2. Real Time Protection*
3. On-Demand

*Perhaps "real-time" can be separated, via the fact that they require, system memory (all the time), where passive defense does not require system mem..

Take care & to all a wonderful day
rico

 

The only stupid question is the one not asked.



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