Monday, 21 October 2013

Get a Better Understanding of Cloud Antivirus Protection

The cloud antivirus is becoming an increasingly popular option. By learning about this program, you can decide if the cloud antivirus is right for you.
For computer users who are not extremely tech-savvy, the term "Cloud" can be very confusing. Many people that hear about cloud antivirus software wonder how it differs from standard antivirus software and why it may be helpful to their systems. By better understanding cloud-based antivirus programs, you can make an informed decision regarding whether or not this service is right for you.
Defining the Cloud
A cloud is a remote server that contains data which is not stored within your computer. Instead, this data is kept in a host server on the Internet so it can be easily accessible, regardless of where you and your computer are located. A cloud can also allow for the sharing of information amongst users in your network. A cloud service also has three characteristics that separate it from standard hosting:

  • It's sold on demand, either by the hour or minute.
  • It's elastic, so users can utilize as little or as much of a service as they need, at any time.
  • The provider is responsible for managing the service in its entirety.
The Security Obtained
Cloud antivirus is used to protect your computer from attacks, even though your data is not physically stored on your computer. The information on your computer will run through a check outside your system within the infrastructure of the host. The benefit of this type of antivirus protection is that it can protect your system considerably faster than older methods, as the protection will automatically detect new viruses. The days of people testing virus codes on their own are over, as the cloud technology will do it automatically.
Advantages
Online antivirus programs offer a variety of benefits to computer users, some of which are outlined below.
  • Quick scanning capabilities. Using cloud antivirus allows you to quickly scan your computer for viruses, even if your computer does not have an antivirus program installed on it. You don't have to go through a long installation process, and the scan is completed in a matter of minutes.
  • A second opinion. If your computer already has an antivirus program installed and running, a quick scan using the cloud can provide you with ability to double-check your computer system. It is generally not a good idea to install more than one antivirus program onto your system, as this can lead to potential interference, but an online antivirus tool works differently. The cloud system can quickly scan your computer without the need to run in the background, and it should not cause any problems.
  • Always up-to-date: An online antivirus program is always updated, and you will never have to worry about downloading the most recent virus definitions.
What to Look for?
If you are considering cloud antivirus protection for your computer system, there are a few questions that you should ask and things to look for:
  • How much information is reported by the central management console?
  • Is the client lightweight?
  • If I don't connect to the Internet regularly, what will happen?
  • Does the program work with all versions of Windows?
  • What protective features does the program include?
  • Are any other services included besides antivirus protection?
  • What is the total cost of the program?
Cloud vs. PC Antivirus Protection
In the debate between cloud and PC antivirus protection, no clear winner has been established. However, many people believe that the cloud protection is faster and also helps to prevent the bogging down of CPU since the software isn't actually found on the computer. PC users argue that cloud antivirus programs are not able to provide 24 hour protection, and it has been suggested that users who have dial-up, shared, or wireless connections may not be able to utilize cloud technology.
If you are in need of a new antivirus protection solution for your computer system, the cloud may be a good option for you. While this system is sometimes confusing to people who are not tech-savvy, by better understanding its features and benefits, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8021396

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