What is Xp Antivirus?  Something You Don't Want--that's What! 

XP Antivirus is an executable file that will try to take your money!  No, it won't just reach into your bank account and draw it out (although it might have been bundled with some other programs that will help somebody do this!).  It is, however, a program that will make you think things are worse than they are, and try and con you into buying some expensive software to “fix” your computer's “problem”.

XP Antivirus downloads what it says is a “free” version of its scanning software to your computer.  You may have heard of XP Defender, which does the same thing.  This supposedly beneficial program then alerts you to supposed infections on the victim computer and directs its user to buy a “complete” version of the software.  In reality, it is just a trick to get people to spend money, by unduly alarming them over often non-existent threats.

Most people first see XP Antivirus in a pop-up window, telling them their computer is infected.  How many reputable programs do you know that sell themselves through pop-up windows?  Pop-ups are used for merchandise, information products, and special offers.  Anti-virus programs don't need them.

Another thing to take to heart is that XP Antivirus (supposedly) scans your computer without even asking.  If the pop-up window wasn't your first clue, then this should be.  Sure, any web site can easily know the physical location of your internet provider, as well as the operating system and browser you are looking for.

But no reputable software will scan your whole computer, without asking for your consent first.  This goes for any program out there.  If you ever come to a site that says it's scanned your computer, close your browser (or tab), disconnect from the internet ASAP, and run whatever reputable anti-spyware or anti-virus software you have.

Typically, XP Antivirus downloads a “free” version of itself.  It then alerts you to supposed “dangers” and directs you to buying the full version of the software. Any executable file that downloads itself without asking is not your friend.  In fact it's even worse than the unasked-for scanning, mentioned above.  This is very similar to a program called XP Defender.

Think about it: anyone who would prepare software that scans and/or downloads itself to your computer--what else would they have in mind?  If you have XP Antivirus on your computer, you have to consider that it might have been bundled with some other, more malicious software as well.  In fact, by the time you've seen the “Yes/No” box on whether to download it, it's often downloaded itself--and who knows what else!

XP Antivirus doesn't just affect Windows XP, however.  It also affects Windows 93, Windows 2000, and Windows Vista (there is also a program called “Vista Defender” that is every bit as bad).

The technical specifications of XP Antivirus are a little beyond this article.  But basically all you need to know is this: if it shows up on your system, make sure you get a legitimate antispyware program to remove it!