This enhances the antivirus software's ability to detect new or mutated viruses. Disinfection Most modern antivirus software includes the ability to remove viruses from infected files and disks. Disinfection is almost always included with virus scanning software, as the virus signature information used to detect a virus is the same used to remove the virus from infected areas. Some desktop antivirus software now includes features that make administration of the software over a LAN much easier. These features are typically only of real value in large organizations where software distribution and updates are controlled by a central IT department.
Email scanning Some newer antivirus software includes hooks into common email client software.
These hooks allow a resident virus scanner to detect viruses in received email, typically in email attachments. The problem, as with other forms of resident software, is that these hooks tend to interfere with normal operation of the email client software, either slowing down the process or causing instability. The importance of regular virus signature updates cannot be overemphasised. Without regular updates, new viruses can escape the detection of most antivirus software. The use of Heuristics and activity monitoring in antivirus software can decrease the risk of infection from new or mutated viruses, but there is no substitute for having a current signature database.