In its simplest terms a virus is a disruptive computer code
period! A computer virus almost always repeats itself and
spreads by attaching itself to other files. Viruses can be made
to host a number of harmful things on any computer from
disrupting files to crashing networks. It can even be laying
dormant, without you knowing it's there and then attack when
least expect it, like right in the middle of downloading a large
file or typing a long report.
It can even be made to open at a certain date, sitting like a
timebomb until it's time arrives. As you can see it can be
annoying at the very least. I do not want go into all the
different types of viruses here because there are so many and
more are being made everyday in some dank basement by the Dark
Lord. However, since so many viruses came from unknowingly
opening e-mails I would like to mention some basics here:
Never open e-mail attachments unless you know for sure who it's
from and that it's safe. Some mail programs will even ask if you
trust the attachment and if you're sure this you want to do.
Your computer software can also scan attachments for viruses.
The danger is that when the attachment is opened the virus can
attach itself to your hard drive and damage files. Not only
that, it can search your saved e-mail addresses and send itself
out to your friends, business partners and whoever is on the
list, masking the message to look like a legitimate one from
you. It will probably have an attachment too and when opened
will infect other computers.
Many people like to download music, video, games or other
programs from different sites. If it is a site you dealt with
before and trust it may be safe ok, but if you're not sure you
can always run a virus scan on the download before installation.
(You will need to check the anti-virus program that came with
your system on procedures). This security measure is necessary
because some downloads may contain virtues, spyware or adware -
these last two can collect personal information, note your
browsing habits and spam your e-mail with unwanted ads. Some
software sites will offer a readme file that shows technical
information on the download (if you like tech talk) as well as
contact info. The better sites that offer downloads will test
and scan all there software programs before going online with
it. As a last resort you can do an internet search for reviews
on that particular company to see if others got burned.
This may sound scary to some but the fact is in this world
anyone who owns a computer will have to look over there
shoulders for hidden attacks when working with online. That said
there are some things should do to prevent viruses from
attacking your computer:
* Download the latest virus definition lists ( files that tell
your computer what to scan for) that's used for your anti-virus
program.
* Check to see if your internet service provider has tools to
stop viruses before they can reach your mailbox.
* Always back-up your computer on CD-R disks or other media in
case you loose some or all your data.
* You can scan software for viruses before installing it. (See
system manual for procedure)
* Set your security settings at the highest level.
* Check your web browser and e-mail settings.
Doing these things at least every week will help keep your
computer up to date on Virus protection and running safely.
About the author:
Robert is a self-taught internet entrepreneur and is the owner
and operator of
http://www.fileanddatarecovery.com
