How to Update My Anti Virus

Anti-virus software protects your computer from viruses, worms and other parasites. For an anti-virus to be effective, it should be able to identify newly-released viruses. Unlike most other software, updating an anti-virus means updating the list of threats it can protect against,\ and not the program itself. The exact process of updating depends on the developer of the anti-virus, but most programs can be updated in a similar manner.

1. Identify and locate the anti-virus icon in the system tray, near the clock in the bottom right of the desktop screen. In general, the program's shortcut icon in the desktop is the same as its system-tray icon. Some operating systems automatically hide inactive icons in the system tray; click on the small arrow in the system-tray to show hidden icons. For McAfee, the icon is a large white 'M' in a red background, for PC-Cillin it is a lightning bolt,and for Avast! a small 'a' in a circular orange background.

2. Right-click on the anti-virus icon to view different options in the menu. The option for updates may be labeled "Check For Updates," "Update Now" or simply "Update." The update option for McAfee and Avast! is "Updates" and for PC-Cillin is "Update Components." Highlight the appropriate label and click.

3. Confirm any alerts. Some programs, such as Trend Micro PC-Cillin, display a message in a dialog box, and asks for a prompt. Confirm by clicking on "Yes" or "OK" and proceed.


4. Wait for the software to check for available updates. You will have to be connected to the Internet. When new updates are found, the software shows a list and prompts for a confirmation. You can select which updates to download by checking its box or highlighting it. Items with unchecked boxes will not be downloaded. Specify which items to download and click "Yes" or "OK."

5. Download the selected updates. Depending on the type of anti-virus and the sizes of the update files, the time for this process may vary. Most anti-virus programs will display progress of the download on a status-bar.


6. Check whether the updated components have been installed correctly. After the download finishes, click "Yes" or "OK" to complete the process. Right-click on the system-tray icon and attempt to download updates again. After checking for updates, the program should display a message that the anti-virus software is up-to-date. Run a full-system scan with the updated anti-virus.

Read more: http://goo.gl/7ox8V