“Computer virus” can be an ambiguous term. Some think of it as a specific type of malicious software (or malware) that spreads infected code typically through downloads, email attachments, or removable media like DVDs. Others think of “computer virus” as a generic, blanket term for all kinds of malware.
Because of its widespread use as a catchall term, phrases like “antivirus software” have come to signify software that defends against all kinds of malware—not just viruses. So when someone downloads free antivirus software like PC Tools Antivirus Free, for example, what exactly does it protect against, if not just viruses?
Generally, antivirus software combats various forms of malware including viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware. Worms, like viruses, spread malicious code, but they’re different in that they’re self-replicating. A Trojan, on the other hand, is a type of malware designed to provide unauthorized access to a user’s computer. Trojans often rely on another type of software, called rootkits, to disguise themselves as necessary files on your PC, thereby avoiding detection.
Antivirus software also monitors for spyware, a type of malware that’s installed on a computer without the user’s knowledge in order to collect private information. PC Tools’ free antivirus software includes Email Guard, which specifically defends against spyware and viruses that are propagated via email.
So whether you opt for an award-winning antivirus like PC Tools Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus or PC Tools AntiVirus Free, you can rest assured that it will protect against a lot more than just viruses.
