OMG, My Computer is doing Something Weird

Finding a good antivirus package can be a daunting task for anybody with a computer.  There are a lot of choices and as many opinions.  Once you have chosen a package there are no guarantees you will be problem free.

Antivirus applications today deal with three basic classifications; Spyware, Malware and Viruses.  Spyware monitors internet usage and reports this to companies for marketing purposes. Malware entices users to click on links to ‘fix’ problems for a cost, or buy services. Actual viruses allow remote access to systems and try and look for and infect other computers. It becomes even more complicated in a corporate environment.  Business owners require that their networks run reliably and fast.  A small network of 5 computers can cost hundreds of dollars an hour in lost productivity when they are not functioning. 

There are some criteria that need to be considered when choosing a package;

Installation                                                                            

Some packages are very easy to install, and some are much more complicated.  Existing problems on the system and removal of the existing package can complicate the task.  Often people will attempt to install a package when they believe they have a problem, or a problem becomes evident during the install.

Operation

Antivirus applications often operate silently in the background.  Users can scan their computers, or this process can be automated to run on regular schedules.  The same is true for updates.  When an infection is found, user intervention may be required.

Performance

Performance can be a key selling point.  Obviously customers want the best protection, but some antivirus applications can seriously affect performance.  It’s important to find the right blend.  In addition, some client applications perform better with certain configurations, particularly when running network applications like accounting and pos software. 

Infection

Inevitably systems will become infected.  Some antivirus applications can become as big a problem after an infection as the original infection.  There are a lot of tools available to fix problems and an experienced technician will be aware of the most effective treatment.  It’s important to balance the labour cost of trying to fix the problem, versus just erasing and reloading the entire computer.  Sometimes, after a long and frustrating attempt, a decision needs to be made to simply erase the computer and start from scratch. Unless you are part of our IT Manager program, all costs are your responsibility.

In our work with various clients, we see a number of different solutions and are constantly discussing what is best for our clients.  Many of the ‘free’ antivirus applications available are not licensed for business use and even fewer have any kind of support for network environments.  It’s important to install a solution that supports networks and also allows for centralized management.  Updates need to be monitored, and notification of infections documented.  Some systems will provide automated notification via email which allows us to respond, often before a customer is even aware of a problem. Northern Computer has been using Symantec Corporate Edition on many installs for some time now but we have a number of customers with other systems that are already in place.  The cost of switching from one product to another needs to be balanced against the cost of support.

If you are not paying for monthly monitoring and support it’s important to be aware of some key points. Updates on all your workstations and servers need to be checked as well as running regular scans.  Log files need to be checked since repeated infections can be a sign of other problems.  Sometimes a particular user is blamed for constantly getting infected, but the reality is that older systems, and systems with faults, will be prone to infections.

- Mark S. Network Support Technician, NPA

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca  or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca