This document is intended primarily for technical personnel selecting anti-virus tools for an organization. Additionally, this document is useful for personal computer end-users who wish to select appropriate solutions for their own system. This document begins with an overview of the types of functionality available in anti-virus products and follows with selection criteria which must be considered to ensure practicality and convenience. The body of the document describes specific classes of anti-virus tools (e.g., scanners) in terms of the selection criteria. This document closes with a summary comparing the different classes of tools and suggests possible applications.
The guidance presented in this document is general in nature. The document makes no attempt to address specific computer systems or anti-virus tools. However, at this time the computer virus problem is most pressing in the personal computer arena. Consequently, most types of anti-virus tools are available as personal computer products. As a result, some information will address that specific environment.