IT Technology

Difference Between Firewall and Antivirus

Firewall vs Antivirus

Summary: Difference Between Firewall and Antivirus is that a firewall is hardware and/or software that protects a network’s resources from intrusion by users on another network such as the Internet. All networked and online computer users should implement a firewall solution. While an antivirus program protects a computer against viruses by identifying and removing any computer viruses found in memory, on storage media, or on incoming files.

Difference Between Firewall and Antivirus

Firewall

A firewall is hardware and/or software that protects a network’s resources from intrusion by users on another network such as the Internet. All networked and online computer users should implement a firewall solution. Organizations use firewalls to protect network resources from outsiders and to restrict employees’ access to sensitive data such as payroll or personnel records.

They can implement a firewall solution themselves or outsource their needs to a company specializing in providing firewall protection. Large organizations often route all their communications through a proxy server, which is a component of the firewall. A proxy server is a server outside the organization’s network that controls which communications pass into the organization’s network.

Home and small office/home office users often protect their computers with a personal firewall utility. A personal firewall is a utility program that detects and protects a personal computer and its data from unauthorized intrusions. Some operating systems, such as Windows, include personal firewalls. Some small office/home office users purchase a hardware firewall, such as a router or other device that has a built-in firewall, in addition to or instead of personal firewall software. Hardware firewalls stop intrusions before they attempt to affect your computer maliciously.

Antivirus

 

To protect a computer from virus attacks, users should install an antivirus program and update it frequently. An antivirus program protects a computer against viruses by identifying and removing any computer viruses found in memory, on storage media, or on incoming files. Most antivirus programs also protect against worms and Trojan horses. When you purchase a new computer, it often includes antivirus software.

Three more popular antivirus programs are McAfee VirusScan, Norton AntiVirus, and Windows Live OneCare, most of which also contains spyware removers, Internet filters, and other utilities. As an alternative to purchasing these products on disc, both McAfee and Norton offer Web-based antivirus programs

Spyware and Adware Removers

Spyware is a program placed on a computer without the user’s knowledge that secretly collects information about the user, often related to Web browsing habits. The spyware program communicates information it collects to some outside source while you are online. Adware is a program that displays an online advertisement in a banner or pop-up window on Web pages, e-mail, or other Internet services. Sometimes, spyware is hidden in adware.

A spyware remover is a program that detects and deletes spyware, and similar programs. An adware remover is a program that detects and deletes adware. Most spyware and adware removers cost less than $50; some are available on the Web at no cost. Some operating systems include spyware and adware removers.

Internet Filters

Filters are programs that remove or block certain items from being displayed. Four widely used Internet filters are anti-spam programs, Web filters, phishing filters, and pop-up blockers.

Anti-Spam Programs

Spam is an unsolicited e-mail message or newsgroup posting sent to many recipients or newsgroups at once. Spam is Internet junk mail. An anti-spam program is a filtering program that attempts to remove spam before it reaches your inbox. Internet access providers often filter spam as a service for their subscribers.

Also Read:

Difference Between Firewall and Router

Difference Between Personal Firewall and Network Firewall

Difference Between VPN and Firewall

Difference Between Client Server Network and Peer to Peer Network

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