Situation:
Auto-Protect is the real-time scanner in Norton AntiVirus. You need to know how Auto-Protect works.

Solution:
The Auto-Protect module of Norton AntiVirus loads with Windows as a virtual device driver, or VxD. As Auto-Protect runs in the background, it protects your system by scanning files for viruses, Trojan horses, and worms. Auto-Protect scans all files that are received from any source, such as the Internet, removable disks, or email attachments. Auto-Protect scans files for viruses, Trojan horses, and worms any time that the files are accessed, such as when they are copied, moved, run, or opened.

Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect intercepts any run, open, or create activity and scans the file before allowing the action to continue. These scans are transparent to the user and have little, if any, noticeable effect on system performance. If Auto-Protect detects a virus, then you are prompted to repair the file.

When shutting down or starting Windows, Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect will scan the boot record of any floppy left in drive A for boot sector viruses. If a floppy disk is not in the floppy drive during shut down or restart, then Windows will time out and the shutdown or restart process proceeds normally. If Norton AntiVirus detects a virus, then you are prompted to repair the infected floppy disk boot record.

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Note: Auto-Protect is the first line of defense against virus infections. Therefore, it is important to run LiveUpdate regularly to keep your virus definitions current and ensure that Auto-Protect is providing maximum protection.

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