Good antivirus software is now an essential part of any computer or server installation. Like a person "having their jabs" it provides proactive protection against computer viruses, Trojans, worms, and all sorts of other malicious software.  Without it a computer or server is just waiting to get infected.

It is essential, having installed antivirus software, to keep it up to date.  Again, like "jabs", if you don't keep the protection up to date or have a booster, then it will not be effective.  Most antivirus software comes with 1 year of updates and software maintenance.  Some manufacturers offer 2 year licenses.

The simplest way to install antivirus software is as a download from the manufacturer's website.  For one or two computers this is the most cost effective solution.  Recommended products include:

• Kaspersky Antivirus v7.0
• Grisoft AVG Free Edition v8

The Grisoft product really is free for non-commercial use.  It does not have all the features and falls short of the detection rate of the paid-for Kaspersky Antivirus product but it really is free.  So there really are no excuses for not being protected.

For computer networks having more than a couple of computers it is usually more cost effective to purchase a multiple license for antivirus software.  Recommended products include:

• Symantec EndPoint Protection v11.0
• AVG Antivirus Network Edition v8.0

The minimum number of licenses is 10 for the Symantec product and 5 for the AVG product.  With charity pricing available for all not-for-profit organisations this is a cost effective way to purchase antivirus software.

Computer networks containing an email server need to run antivirus software for the email program, usually Microsoft Exchange.  Email is the most common way in which viruses and malicious software is spread across the Internet.  Recommended product:

• Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange

Licensing of this product is included when Symantec EndPoint Protection is specified at the correct level.