Recognizing Viruses

Many of us use our home computers or laptops every day for a wide variety of purposes: surfing the internet, balancing the checkbook or updating our Facebook pages. Even so, how much do we really know about our computers? Unless you are an information technology expert or work in computer manufacturing, you probably don't know as much as you think you do.

You are probably able to do some basic troubleshooting when something goes belly-up on your PC or Mac, but you would likely be unable to recognize a computer virus or other destructive malware – many of which are just as complex and sophisticated as the anti-virus software they are programmed to invade.

The first step to recognizing computer viruses is to realize that the vast majority of them are designed to fool you. They are quite often masked to appear benign or, in some cases, are totally undetectable. Some viruses activate when you turn your computer on, and some subversively and quietly infiltrate your system and hide for a while, waiting to be activated by a specific event such as a certain date on the calendar or a similar occurrence.

Between the time when a virus gains access to your computer and the moment that the little bugger makes itself known to you, you might have already innocently and unknowingly spread it to all the files and software on your computer.

The most up-to-date viruses are extremely problematic and deviously tricky. In many cases, these viruses will come to you cloaked in the guise of an email or email attachment from a company or business you are likely to recognize.

The best rule of thumb to follow regarding emails and attachments is to be wary of any messages from any company, unless you had been anticipating receiving one from the sender.

It is vital to remember that most viruses are self-inflicted, either through opening an email message or attachment. If you do not click on and thereby open the email attachment, the virus or viruses within it will quite likely not infect your computer.

Some of the current email viruses' characteristics of which to be aware today include:

• Mail Propagation: The body of the message is created with a number of components to efficiently adapt or mask the email in order to make it appear legitimate.
• The From address is bogus or is written in such a way that at first glance it appears to be the name of a legitimate company or person.
• Another place for detecting viruses is in the subject line, which might include an email account security warning, a notification about using the email account, a warning in relation to your email account or an email account utilization warning.

Luckily, there are a great deal of simple steps you can take to avoid these types of computer viruses. Some of those steps include:

• Take your time. Slowly and carefully read the wording of all emails warning you about a virus. Look to see if the email claims that the virus it is warning you about can potentially destroy components in your computer.
• If the email asks you to forward it along to everyone in your personal email list, chances are better than average that it is a hoax.

Check out some of our reviews of the best anti-virus software. These anti-virus applications will have a number of features, tips and suggestions for keeping your computer safe.

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