We have all heard the words virus, malware, trojan, adware and spyware, but you might not understand what they really are. Unless you have spent time learning about these terms, you probably have a small understanding that a computer virus is bad and must be prevented. To comprehend how to prevent a computer virus you need to look at what they are, how they work and the available antivirus software offered.
Definition of 'Computer Virus'
A computer virus is a program that can copy itself, infecting your computer and lowering its functioning speeds. A true virus will go from computer to computer. Generally, there is a target computer that works as the host for the virus to spread. The person sending out the computer virus may use a network or the Internet. It can also be spread via disk, CD, DVD or flash drive.
A virus is usually written to target a network file system or a shared file in order to spread from one computer to the next on a network or the Internet. A trojan or worm is slightly different in that it appears harmless, but has a malicious function. This type of program exploits security holes you may have then spreads through to other networks or Internet users.
How Computer Viruses Work
A true virus will infect a small section of software, hanging on as the user opens the software program. It could be attached to a spreadsheet, word document or other software program you might run. It will then reproduce, modifying any file it can get its hands on.
Email viruses are just a different form of the true virus that uses email to infect your computer. An attachment in an email that is opened will launch the infection allowing it to spread. Email viruses cannot infect your computer unless the malicious file is opened.
Trojans work by claiming a game or other file to get inside. It could then erase the content stored on your hard drive and other drives. They do not replicate like a virus. Worms are able to look for security holes and then replicate in the network.
How Do You Know Your Computer is Infected?
At first you may not realize that conficker, Kido, win32, viruses or trojans have got into your computer if you do not have Internet security and antivirus software. The ability of these programs to get inside an operating system undetected and subsequently wreak havoc is frightening indeed. Eventually, your computer will slow down. It may take longer to load the operating system, a program, or perform a task. Depending on the infection, you may be greeted with a black or blue screen when the OS is unable to load; you will not be able to access any files, documents or other information on the computer.
If there is only one file infected, the computer may refuse to open that file. When you shut down you may get messages that a program is still running but the program may have numbers and letters only. It is most often not a program you recognise, even though it might state it is in the registry or part of a system operation.
You can try to run task manager to stop the program without result since the virus, trojan or malicious entity has the control it wants to continue infecting the computer until it has run its course, rendering your computer ineffective.
How Do You Protect Your Computer?
Understanding what a virus is and how it works is the first step to obtaining the necessary protection for your computer. Computers with Windows 7 have firewalls, security updates/ patches and Windows Defender. These three devices are the first stage to protecting your computer. They work as PC virus protection, but they are not enough to stop all problems.
You need to find additional antivirus protection. Antivirus software such as Mac antivirus or Windows 7 antivirus are further protection programs that will stop computer viruses. They are a second line of defence, if you will. Antivirus software tends to block holes left by PC virus protection.
A hacker that encounters antivirus software will have to work harder to get through with their computer viruses. Furthermore, you do not have to worry about spending additional money to purchase the virus internet security protection. There are free antivirus programs available to download right from a secure Internet site.
The free antivirus is designed to run an initial scan of the computer to see if your computer is already infected. It will then remove any infections you might have. It may be unable to remove the entire infection, in which case it will quarantine the virus in a place where it can no longer affect other files on your computer. It will also try to repair any damage.
Other Protection Methods
Downloading an antivirus software helps, but there are also other measures you can enact on your own to keep out malicious viruses. First, never open an email attachment if you do not recognise the sender. Also, have your antivirus software run a scan on the attachment in the event that the sender’s computer has been infected.
Second, never download items from a site you do not trust or that does not have the secured server symbol - a lock. Download only files you recognize, including music, movies and other online media.
Third, set up your wireless network security and obtain a mobile antivirus. An unsecure Internet connection is an invitation to hackers to try to download malicious threats. A mobile antivirus is also set up for wireless networks, whereas other antivirus software is meant for secured connections.
Stop the Bugs Before They Arrive
Your best prevention regarding computer viruses is to know how they work, what they are and the steps you can take to prevent your computer from being infected. Antivirus software is the only sure way you can protect your computer, even if you are hyper alert when opening files, downloading files or opening email attachments over the Internet.