Antivirus: Real-time Protection

These programs monitor computer systems for any suspicious activity such as computer viruses, spyware, adware, and other malicious objects in 'real-time'. In other words, while data is coming into the computer (for example when inserting a CD, opening an email, or browsing the web) or when a file (already stored on the computer) is opened or executed, these programs scan those data for any threats. Let’s get some technical support to learn more about this.

If a computer has antivirus installed in it, all the data/files stored in the computer are analyzed each time the user attempts to access those. This way, the antivirus detects any malicious objects in your computer and prevents any further damage. Real-time protection is used in contrast to "on-demand scan" triggered by the user. Even free antivirus programs nowadays usually have real-time protection, which has become one of the prominent features of antivirus support.

How It Works

Most real-time protection systems hook certain API (Application Programming Interface) functions provided by the operating system in order to scan files in real-time. It then scans programs and searches for any malicious objects. If malicious software is found, the antivirus program blocks execution of it and informs the user.

Antivirus with Real-time Protection

List of free antivirus programs with real-time protection:

• Avira
• Avast!
• AVG
• AOL Active Virus Shield
• Comodo AntiVirus (Now part of Comodo Internet Security)
• DriveSentry
• Microsoft Security Essentials
• Moon Secure AV
• PC Tools AntiVirus
• SMADAV
• FortiClient
• INNOBATE AntiVirus

Antispyware with Real-time Protection

List of free antispyware programs with real-time protection:

• Ad-Aware
• BitDefender
• DriveSentry
• IObit Security 360
• Microsoft Security Essentials
• Spybot Search & Destroy (reduced functionality called "TeaTimer")
• SpywareGuard (only active against browser hijacking, spyware definitions not maintained since January 2004)
• Spyware Terminator
• Sunbelt CounterSpy
• Windows Defender
• Avira (From version 9) (Included in antivirus package)