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Computer Virus Facts
By peace | December 5, 2006
A computer virus is a code written into a program that can repeat itself onto other files and alters the way a computer works without the user’s permission. It behaves just like a biological virus, which spreads by inserting itself into living cells. The insertion of the virus into a program is termed infection, and the infected file (or executable code that is not part of a file) is called a host.
There are many different types of viruses. A worm is self-replicating code that spreads itself through a network, a trojan horse opens a backdoor for access into a computer, a time bomb is malicious code that lies dormant until specific stimuli, and a nose bite is when someone hollows out your monitor and places a monkey inside who then jumps out and bites you when you sit down. Flat screen monitors were invented as a security measure against the latter. The Resident Virus usually is not network aware like the worm. When the resident virus infects a file, it integrates itself in the file waiting to be run. When then you run the file, in the background, the virus simply executes its payload. It infect other files and then runs in the background without your knowledge. It can then infect every file you run, thus spreading itself thru your actions. Still another viruses being circulated on the Internet, the so-called Love Bug virus wreaked havoc on computer systems worldwide in May of 2000.
Viruses spread by attaching themselves to files. When these files are downloaded or executed on an unprotected system, the virus infects the host machine. The most common methods of transmission of viruses are:
* downloading from the world wide web,
* opening email attachments,
* using diskettes on multiple computers.
What damage can a virus do to my computer? While most viruses just cause minor annoyances, some can be very harmful to your computer. Misconceptions about computer viruses are plentiful and lead to a great deal of confusion about how to avoid and kill these little bugs.
How do to protect computers from viruses?
First, you must have an antivirus program. You can purchase or download it for free.
Second, make sure you consistantly update your antivirus programs definitions Definitions are additions to your program that help identify existing viruses and possibly help block ones that have yet to be identified. Most programs can be setup to downoad its updates automatically.
Third, do not open any email in which you do not know who its from. Simply delete it. Most viruse epidemics are started by people who are unaware and simply open programs, attachments to emails and emails they know nothing about.
Nowadays, it is possible for you to contract a computer virus, not only through the download of executable data files, but also through attachments to e-mails you receive . Computer viruses are a real threat to your computer. It depends on the virus. Some viruses are designed to simply display annoying messages on your screen, others can overwrite or destroy files, compromise your protected information, or wipe out your hard drive. You just got to protect your computer. Get your antivirus download now.
