A computer virus is programmed, written code that is usually designed to spread from one PC to another with the intent to either cause damage to your computer or use your PC to get to other computer systems. It works by interfering with or infecting programs, files, memory and/or hardware on your computer.
Viruses are a growing threat to PCs both at work and at home. There are many new viruses introduced every day and the numbers are increasing. In addition to viruses, there are other types of malicious software to be aware of such as Trojan horses, worms and spyware/adware.
- A Trojan horse is software that, once installed, compromises the security of your computer or damages files on your system. Trojan Horses often arrive via e-mail and masquerade as something else in order to convince the recipient to install them.
- Worms are files that, when activated, make copies of themselves and attempt to spread via e-mail or other mechanisms. They have the ability to damage files as well as compromise the security of your computer.
- Spyware and adware programs have the ability to track your Internet activity and report your travels to companies interested in collecting marketing data and advertising. They may also generate “pop-up” advertisements on your computer. These programs are most often installed when other software such as file sharing applications are installed on your computer.
Do not become a victim. Become aware of some of the ways you can prevent the spread of malicious software to your computer.
There are some relatively inexpensive anti-virus and spyware detection software programs available. They can protect the programs and data on your computer by seeking out and removing viruses and malicious software. No computer should be used without this protection. Of course, the real key to protecting yourself, once you have installed this software, is to keep the programs up-to-date and to run them on a regular basis.
DO's
- Make sure to perform a virus scan on everything you download by using your anti-virus program.
- Download information to a floppy disk or an isolated folder on your hard drive and perform a virus scan before you open the file.
- If unsure about strange files or unlabeled disks, assume they are not clean and keep them out of your computer.
- Obtain and install regular updates to your virus protection software to stay abreast of new viruses. Most anti-virus programs now come with an automatic reminder to download such updates from the Internet.
- Be aware that file sharing applications and other freeware often include spyware or adware that is installed at the same time. Install a spyware detection program and keep it updated.
DON'Ts
- Do not use strange files or unlabeled disks without scanning them first.
- Do not leave disks lying around.
- Do not reuse a disk that you lent out without scanning it for any viruses first.
- Do not use any shareware or free software without scanning it first.
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