What is a Virus?
They come in various disguises and are known as a Virus, Trojan or Worm. You
do not really need to know exactly what they are other than to say they
completely mess up your computer by:
-
Destroying data on your hard drive.
-
Reflashing the BIOS, (this is responsible for booting your pc), rendering your computer useless.
-
Causing your operating system to behave erratically or run slowly.
-
Displaying annoying messages.
-
Sending email to everyone in your address book(s).
-
Stealing passwords and important data such as credit card information and bank details.
-
Allowing hackers to have complete control over your computer.
<>Anti-Virus software
These programs are written to protect your computer from being infected. The
manufacturers regularly update their software because new viruses/trojans/worms
appear on an all too frequent basis.
<>What should I do?:
You would be foolish if you did not have any anti-virus software installed
on your PC. By not doing so your PC will become infected in a
very short period of time.
It is not good practice to install more than one anti-virus program.
Installing more than one can cause conflicts and your PC not to perform as
it should.
If you have an Anti-Virus subscription service and you are happy with what
it does then keep your subscription up to date and make sure that you
regularly check for updates at the manufacturers website. Most subscription
services have an automatic update facility that will tell you when updates
are available. Make sure you download any updates regularly and scan your
computer frequently.
If you do not have an Anti-Virus program then use one of the free ones such
as Grisoft's AVG:
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
Remember to check for updates regularly (at least once a week) and scan
frequently.
A list of the most popular anti-virus programs and download links can be
found here:
<>Popular Anti-Virus Software
If you believe or suspect that your PC is already infected then go here for
a free online virus scanner by TrendMicro:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
Stay away from websites where you can download music or copies of Software
free of charge without the manufacturers permission (Piracy). Not only is it
illegal to do this but you are downloading from another persons hard drive
and you are running the risk that their PC is infected with some ‘nasty’ and
you are about to spread this infection to your PC.
Happy computing and safe surfing.
by:Tjolly
5 Star Support
Forums
Related material:
What is a Virus?
What is Spyware?
What is Phishing?
What is a Firewall?
Preventing malicious attacks
Additional resources:
Security and Vulnerability
Spyware and Adware