Using Antivirus and Firewall Software
You would normally use antivirus and firewall software to protect your computer from malicious attacks by other computer users and programs. Antivirus software is specifically used to stop, discover and get rid of malware. Malware includes computer viruses, Trojan horses and worms. Most antivirus and firewall software will now also destroy spyware and adware which whilst they do not tend to harm the computer other than perhaps the performance, they can be used to track your use of the computer and send back personal details ranging from your shopping habits to your bank details. A number of different tactics are used to detect these, however some applications are more successful than others.