What is a Computer Virus and Malware?
At one point in time if you’ve ever used a computer you have encountered a computer virus or malware of some sort. Just like a human virus copies itself and spreads, a computer virus or malware is a harmful software that spreads by duplicating itself and attaching to other programs and computers. What many people don’t know is that there are several different types of infections that are categorized under malware, which stands for malicious software. These varying computer viruses and malware softwares are created by virus authors who are in the same category as an arsonist or a vandal, they don’t really have a goal for creating the harmful software other than practicing their programming skills and being a menace.
A few Types of Viruses and Malware:
Trojan Horse– is a malicious software that hides in disguise as a real program.
Spyware– spys on your internet activity and changes your computer configuration and it installs on your computer without your knowledge.
Rogue security software– this is a tricky malware that has the user interact. This software has the user think they have an infection and then prompts them to buy and download antivirus. It can cause certain programs on your computer from opening.
Worm– Worms cause unstable computer and network problems. They are a computer code spread through email attachments and don’t require user interaction to spread..
Symptoms of an infection:
Some signs that indicate you have a computer virus or malware include:
- Very Slow Computer
- Constant display of pop- up ads windows
- Random PC Reboots
- Displaying unknown Error pop-up windows
How to remove a computer virus:
In order to remove a computer virus you will need to have the most up to date anti-virus software installed on your computer. There are several kinds of anti-virus software available, some are free and some are commercial anti-virus programs which have a short free trial period that allows you to scan and clean your computer. A few of these antivirus programs include; ESET Nod32, AVG, Norton, Bitdefender, and Microsoft Security Essentials. For extra security measures you can install MalwareBytes Anti-Malware, and SuperAntispyware. These programs are excellent for scanning your computer and finding the latest malicious software that the most common anti-virus programs miss.
How to prevent computer viruses:
Prevention is the best protection against computer virus and malware. First and foremost have the latest Antivirus program installed on your computer. Secondly, be cautious on the web, only download programs from trustworthy websites, be cautious of popular sites that allow free music and movie file-sharing programs, and when reading emails, keep your contact list current and only open messages from people you know. Also, turn on Firewall, and keep your computer up to date. Follow these preventions and your computer will be infectious free.
Stay tech savvy, my friends.
