Computer Viruses

A software application is a series of instructions that provide a computer with detailed directions on how to complete a task or solve a problem. A computer virus is a type of software that, in many cases, is designed to execute some form of malicious action. We use the term “computer virus” because, similar to biological viruses, these malicious programs have the ability to self-replicate and insert themselves into other executable software and data files. The executable programs and data files act as a host to the computer virus in much the same way that the human body is a host for biological viruses.

There are many different types of computer viruses, including stealth computer viruses, polymorphic computer viruses and boot-sector viruses. A boot-sector computer virus is one that executes itself when a computer or hard disk first boots up. Polymorphic computer viruses have the ability to mutate and modify themselves each time they self-replicate. Stealth computer viruses are designed to avoid detection by antivirus software by concealing the modifications they make to program files, data files and boot records.

Computer viruses are transmitted in a multitude of ways. Viruses are frequently spread via email attachments, downloadable files from the internet, removable data-storage media such as floppy disks, CDs and flash drives, and even by simply visiting compromised websites. All of these can put your computer at risk for becoming infected with a computer virus.

While the specific symptoms that arise when a computer has been infected with a virus vary depending upon the specific type of virus with which the computer is infected, there are some general telltale signs that often serve as a warnings that a computer has been compromised by a virus. Some of these signs include the following:

• Your computer inexplicably starts to run slower.
• The software on your computer mysteriously begins to freeze or perform oddly.
• Your computer becomes prone to crashing unexpectedly without explanation.
• Certain software will no longer launch.
• You are no longer able to open previously accessible files or folders.
• Your computer's administrator is unable to install new software.
• The appearance of the desktop or screen saver changes inexplicably.
• Unknown files appear on your computer.
• You experience mysterious printing problems or keyboard malfunctions.
• Bogus pop-up dialog boxes warn you that a virus has infected your computer, luring you into running a system scan using fake antivirus software that actually infects your computer with a virus.

There are several measures that you can take to diminish the possibility of your computer picking up a virus. First and foremost, install antivirus software on your computer and update it regularly. Do not open email attachments from unknown sources. Always use your computer’s antivirus software to scan email attachments for viruses before you open them, even if the files are sent from a known source. Be very cautious about downloading files from the internet, and only download files from trusted sources. Do not ever respond to email spam messages. Delete chain emails on sight. Be wary of using removable storage media, such as flash drives, on unknown computers.

If a virus does infect your computer, not all is lost. In many instances, running antivirus software is enough to remove the virus. Windows users also have the option of performing an operation called System Restore that will restore a computer’s critical system files to an earlier configuration. You can use this operation to turn back the clock, as it were, and restore your computer’s settings to a time before the virus infected your computer.

Computer viruses are not only designed to mimic the characteristic of biological viruses, but they are often engineered to be just as harmful to computer systems as real viruses are to living systems. Remember, however, that the best defense against contracting a computer virus is to practice routine, common sense measures designed to guard against a virus infecting your computer in the first place and keep your antivirus software up to date.

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