What do you do if you have a Windows server that runs a non-critical application and you dont want to pay big dollars for commercial antivirus protection? The answer is ClamWin, read more to find out all about it.
Server software can be very expensive. In many ways server software is like the restaurant industry, if you slap the "restaurant grade" label to a standard refrigerator the price goes up 300%. Regular software backup is like the “consumer quality” stuff, while server software is like “restaurant grade”. Luckily there are FREE alternatives out there, so you aren’t forced to spend insane amounts of money on server backup.
One that is designed to work on Microsoft Windows operating systems is an open source program called ClamWin. You can run ClamWin on Windows 98/ME/2000/xp and 2003 versions. It is based on the open source ClamAV engine, but with a graphical interface to make it much more user friendly. The only downside to using ClamWin is that it does not offer any real-time protection. In other words, it does not scan your system unless you ask it to. If you have less critical systems in your server room like a backup DNS or DHCP server then this could be a possible solution for you. The easiest way to make sure that the scans get done on a timely basis is just to “schedule” it onto your calendar. This way, your protection isn’t lagging due to your system not getting scanned on a regular basis.
You don't want to risk critical systems to an antivirus solution that doesn't scan real-time, so I would not recommend ClamWin for a critical production server. For all those other servers and all those older computers that are not used to access the internet (you know, the ones that are sitting in the basement, used by someone just to open that 10 year old application that no one will spend the money to upgrade), ClamWin could be the solution for your business.
My name is John McNamara and I have over a decade of experience in the computer industry. I currently teach server security at a state college in Ohio. I hold many technical certifications including Microsoft Certified System Engineer and Certified Ethical Hacker. Check out my http://www.myvirusremoval.com/free-antivirus-downloads.php website. You will find the latest virus news, anti-virus program reviews and almost anything else virus related you can think of.
