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Computer Virus's
What is a computer virus?
A computer virus is a program designed to spread itself by first infecting
executable files or the system areas of hard and floppy disks and then making
copies of itself. Viruses usually operate without the knowledge or desire
of the computer user.
What do viruses do to computers?
Viruses are software programs, and they can do the same things as any other
programs running on a computer. The actual effect of any particular virus
depends on how it was programmed by the person who wrote the virus.
Some viruses are deliberately designed to damage files or otherwise interfere
with your computer's operation, while others don't do anything but try to spread
themselves around. But even the ones that just spread themselves are
harmful, since they damage files and may cause other problems in the process of
spreading.
Note that viruses can't do any damage to hardware: they won't melt down your
CPU, burn out your hard drive, cause your monitor to explode, etc.
Warnings about viruses that will physically destroy your computer are usually
hoaxes, not legitimate virus warnings.
Some general tips on avoiding virus
infections:
1. Install anti-virus software from a well-known, reputable company, UPDATE
it regularly, and USE it regularly.
New viruses come out every single day; an a-v program that hasn't been updated
for several months will not provide much protection against current viruses.
2. Virus scan any new programs or other files that may contain executable
code before you run or open them, no matter where they come from. There
have been cases of commercially distributed floppy disks and CD-ROMs spreading
virus infections.
3. If your E-mail or news software has the ability to automatically
execute JavaScript, Word macros, or other executable code contained in or
attached to a message, we strongly recommend that you disable this feature.
4. Be extremely careful about accepting programs or other files during
on-line chat sessions: this seems to be one of the more common means that people
wind up with virus or Trojan horse problems. And if any other family
members (especially younger ones) use the computer, make sure they know not to
accept any files while using chat.
5. Do regular backups. Some viruses and Trojan horse programs will erase
or corrupt files on your hard drive, and a recent backup may be the only way to
recover your data.
Dealing with virus infections:
1. If you haven't used a good, up-to-date anti-virus program, such as
Norton Anti virus, on your computer, do that first. Many problems blamed
on viruses are actually caused by software configuration errors or other
problems that have nothing to do with a virus.
2. If you do get infected by a virus, follow the directions in your
anti-virus program for cleaning it. If you have backup copies of the
infected files, use those to restore the files. Check the files you
restore to make sure your backups weren't infected.
3. For assistance, check the web site and support services for your
anti-virus software.
And don't forget:
"Just because your computer is acting strangely or
one of your programs
doesn't work right, this does NOT mean that your computer has
a virus."
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