Now, you can check if your antivirus really works. Type the following in notepad:
X5O!P%@AP[4\PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*
Save the file as virus-test.txt
Scan the file. If your antivirus detects this file as a virus and tries to remove it, then you can be sure your antivirus is a good one. This is a much easier way, than actually downloading a virus to test it. This sample virus code is perfectly harmless and allows you to test your antivirus. A good antivirus like MS Security Essentials will detect this test virus even before you scan it.