what is the difference between a firewall and an antivirus program for my pc?

Question

what is the difference between a firewall and an antivirus program for my pc?

Answer 1

The firewall blocks packet 'attacks' or port attacks/intrustions from people in the internet.



anti-virsu programs protect malicious programs already on your computer from doing bad things, or try to reverse damage done by them, as well as deleting the bad programs.

Answer 2

Firewalls block unauthorized access if they are working properly. Once anything gets through it can do nothing. Anti-virus is in deeper, scans and removes any viruses it knows about. New viruses appear weekly which is why AV must be frequently updated. PLUS spyware is different type of infection but you did not ask about that.

Answer 3

In a nutshell firewalls restrict network traffic and anti-virus restricts the programs that can run.



For example a firewall can be configured to allow or block email traffic (SMTP, IMAP and/or POP3) to and from the network. A virus scanner will examine each email message to make sure it is free of viruses.

Answer 4

Firewall blocks your computer ports. It is your first line of defence againest random port scanning by others who wish to steal your data or cause other harm to your computer.



A-V will scan for and try and remove infected files that have already made it through your firewall or that you have obtained by downloading an infected file or clicking on an infected attachment.

Answer 5

a fire wall is like a dog.it does not let anyone(any program) suspicious into your PC.



a anti-virus is like a police.it catches known thieves(viruses) but can not stop a new one.but it recognises new ones(once they effect you) and protect you(and others) from it later.



so always have both firewall and anti-virus on your PC.