1.) Identify at least two features that you think would be most useful. Why do you think these are useful?

2.) There is an option to exclude specific files, folders, file types, or processes from being scanned. This is an option that can be used for trusted items that you are certain don’t need to be scanned. What would be the pros and cons of setting this option?

3.) There was an option to check for Protection Updates in the previous activity. Why might it be a good idea to check for protection and antivirus updates?

3 answers

1) Two useful features could be real-time scanning and automatic updates.

Real-time scanning continuously monitors the system for any malicious activities or files. It instantly detects and blocks any threats, providing immediate protection. This feature is useful as it prevents malware from infecting the device and causing damage.

Automatic updates ensure that the antivirus software's database is up to date with the latest definitions and security patches. It helps improve the effectiveness of the antivirus program by detecting and defending against newer threats. This feature saves time and effort for the user, as they don't have to manually update the software and can trust that they are protected against the latest threats.

2) Setting the option to exclude specific files, folders, file types, or processes from being scanned can have both pros and cons.

Pros:
- Improved system performance: Excluding trusted files or processes from scanning can reduce the workload of the antivirus software, leading to better system performance.
- Avoiding false positives: Sometimes, antivirus programs mistakenly identify legitimate files or processes as threats. By excluding trusted items, users can prevent unnecessary alarms or actions taken against harmless files.
- Time-saving: Excluding trusted items from scanning can save time, especially for large files or folders that don't pose a high risk of infection.

Cons:
- Increased risk: Excluding certain files or processes from scanning means they will not be checked for malware, making the system more vulnerable to potential threats.
- Overlooking malware hiding in trusted items: Certain types of malware can hide within seemingly trusted files or processes. By excluding them, users may inadvertently leave their system exposed to potential malicious attacks.
- Difficult to determine trusted items: It can be challenging for users to accurately identify which files or processes are truly safe and don't need to be scanned. Mistakes in excluding critical items can result in compromised security.

3) Checking for protection and antivirus updates is crucial for maintaining a high level of security. Updating the antivirus software's protection and database definitions ensures that it has the latest information regarding new malware threats, vulnerabilities, and methods of attack. This helps the antivirus program in accurately detecting and blocking potential threats.

Regularly updating the antivirus software is essential because:
- New threats are constantly emerging, and updating protection updates the software's defense mechanisms against the latest malware.
- Vulnerabilities in the software itself can be patched, preventing attackers from exploiting them.
- Outdated antivirus software may not effectively detect or combat newer types of malware, leaving the system at risk.
- Security updates may add additional features or enhancements to the software, improving overall protection.

By checking for updates, users can ensure that their antivirus software is armed with the latest tools and information to guard against potential threats and maintain a secure system.
Is the history function of CodeHS more similar to a full backup or an incremental backup? Explain your answer.
The history function of CodeHS is more similar to an incremental backup rather than a full backup.

In backup systems, a full backup refers to creating a complete duplicate copy of all the files and data at a specific point in time. On the other hand, an incremental backup only backs up the files that have changed since the last backup.

The history function in CodeHS allows users to view previous versions or iterations of their code. It maintains a record of changes made to the code over time, including additions, deletions, and modifications. When a user accesses the history, they can see a timeline of different versions of their code, with the ability to compare and revert to previous versions if needed.

This functionality aligns more with an incremental backup because it captures and stores only the changes made to the code rather than duplicating the entire codebase. Each time the code is saved or modified, the system records the specific changes, making it more efficient in terms of storage and retrieval compared to maintaining a full backup of the codebase every time.