An explanation on virus protection and why you may get one, despite your best efforts

I included a page intended for everyone who has asked me the simple question, "If I have an anti-virus program on my computer, why did I get a virus?" I get this question so often that I am kicking myself for not addressing it completely before.  I always stumble trying to explain what happens.  It's not a simple explanation or one that most people want to hear, but you need to know.  In short, the name anti-virus is misleading.   If you read any information on any anti-virus program you will find that none gaurantee that you will not get a virus.  There is no way for the anti-virus program to know something is bad BEFORE you click on it. How could it? It hasn’t scanned it, and doesn’t even know you will click on it until you do.  In short, this is why you may get infected.  Check out the article for a full explanation for the mechanics of how virus detection and removal works.