Protecting Your Computer
There are many dangers your computer is at risk of and you need to be aware, you can get infected through links, websites, e-mails, without being on the internet. Even without you doing anything if you don't have proper protection you can get infected.
It's best to buy protection for your computer so that you can be put at some ease that your information is safe and you wont corrupt other's computers.
Learn more about computer viruses, protecting your computer, and much more on tecca. http://www.tecca.com/basics/what-is-a-computer-virus/
Here's an article from tecca,
"What is a computer virus?
Learn about computer viruses and how they can affect you by Michael Arcand |
Last updated 6:00PM EDT on June 7, 2011Filed under: Basics | Computers
Computer viruses are something you hear about all the time, especially in advertisements about keeping your computer secure — but other than the negative connotation from the name, you're not really sure what viruses are or what they do. When we refer to a virus, we are talking about a piece of software that can wreak havoc on your computer system, then spread to other computers (similar to a real virus). But what exactly do they do in the process, and how?
What a computer virus does
Computer viruses have been around almost as long as personal computers. A virus is basically a small program that has the ability to cause damage of some kind to your computer, then replicate itself and infect other computers. A computer virus can spread through any number of methods, but it has to be opened or executed in order for it to run and replicate.
After gaining access to your computer, a virus can perform a lot of different functions, all of which end up slowing down your system. Viruses can corrupt data, files, and even wipe hard drives at a specified date or time. They can scan for personal information, or wait until you use your credit card online to gather that information. They may simply be tied in to a rogue network of computers used to perform mass attacks against various websites. Any way you look at them, computer viruses are bad news.
Replication is the key
You may think you're safe by not opening up emails from strangers, but there's more to it than that. Once a virus gains access to a computer system, it typically has access to everything, including email contacts. In order to replicate itself, it can send out emails to all of your contacts with a copy of its original file.
Your friends think the email came from you, and a lot of people may end up opening the file, infecting their system in the process. That's why you have to look beyond where the email in your own inbox has come from and examine any files they contain. If you're not expecting an attachment from your friend, email them to confirm the content is safe to open.
Viruses can also be spread through other methods such as flash drives, CD-ROMs, and even DVDs. They are often confused with another type of malware known as spyware. Unlike a virus, which introduces an entirely new file to the system, spyware works within existing files known as cookies.
Call the exterminator
When you get sick with a biological virus, your body usually fights it off using your immune system. A computer system doesn't have its own immune system, so when you get a computer virus, it's more like you need to call an exterminator!
Many anti-virus programs on the market can help protect your computer from a virus and clean it off your system, should you end up with one. Be wary; some computer viruses masquerade as anti-virus programs! Stick with names you know such as McAfee or Norton, and your computer will be safe."
Learn more about computer viruses, protecting your computer, and much more on tecca. http://www.tecca.com/basics/what-is-a-computer-virus/
Here's an article from tecca,
"What is a computer virus?
Learn about computer viruses and how they can affect you by Michael Arcand |
Last updated 6:00PM EDT on June 7, 2011Filed under: Basics | Computers
Computer viruses are something you hear about all the time, especially in advertisements about keeping your computer secure — but other than the negative connotation from the name, you're not really sure what viruses are or what they do. When we refer to a virus, we are talking about a piece of software that can wreak havoc on your computer system, then spread to other computers (similar to a real virus). But what exactly do they do in the process, and how?
What a computer virus does
Computer viruses have been around almost as long as personal computers. A virus is basically a small program that has the ability to cause damage of some kind to your computer, then replicate itself and infect other computers. A computer virus can spread through any number of methods, but it has to be opened or executed in order for it to run and replicate.
After gaining access to your computer, a virus can perform a lot of different functions, all of which end up slowing down your system. Viruses can corrupt data, files, and even wipe hard drives at a specified date or time. They can scan for personal information, or wait until you use your credit card online to gather that information. They may simply be tied in to a rogue network of computers used to perform mass attacks against various websites. Any way you look at them, computer viruses are bad news.
Replication is the key
You may think you're safe by not opening up emails from strangers, but there's more to it than that. Once a virus gains access to a computer system, it typically has access to everything, including email contacts. In order to replicate itself, it can send out emails to all of your contacts with a copy of its original file.
Your friends think the email came from you, and a lot of people may end up opening the file, infecting their system in the process. That's why you have to look beyond where the email in your own inbox has come from and examine any files they contain. If you're not expecting an attachment from your friend, email them to confirm the content is safe to open.
Viruses can also be spread through other methods such as flash drives, CD-ROMs, and even DVDs. They are often confused with another type of malware known as spyware. Unlike a virus, which introduces an entirely new file to the system, spyware works within existing files known as cookies.
Call the exterminator
When you get sick with a biological virus, your body usually fights it off using your immune system. A computer system doesn't have its own immune system, so when you get a computer virus, it's more like you need to call an exterminator!
Many anti-virus programs on the market can help protect your computer from a virus and clean it off your system, should you end up with one. Be wary; some computer viruses masquerade as anti-virus programs! Stick with names you know such as McAfee or Norton, and your computer will be safe."
Read up more info on viruses, worms, and trojan horses on webopedia. http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Internet/2004/virus.asp
Learn the names of some of the most deadly computer viruses on http://www.pcworld.com/article/103992/the_worlds_worst_viruses.html
Learn the names of some of the most deadly computer viruses on http://www.pcworld.com/article/103992/the_worlds_worst_viruses.html