What is a Virus?

A virus is any computer program that can "self-replicate" or make copies of itself and spread itself from one machine to another without the help of the user.

How do viruses spread?

Viruses can be spread via floppy disks or CDs, email attachments, or in material downloaded from the Web, although the majority of viruses that are currently a threat are spread by email. These viruses are usually hidden inside of attachments emailed to computer users, and the emails are usually labeled with intriguing subject lines -- "I Love You" or "Anna Kournikova Naked" -- designed to tempt users into opening them. When the attachment is opened, the virus is activated, and the user's computer becomes infected.

How do I avoid getting a virus?

The best way to avoid getting a computer virus is to be cautious when opening email attachments. If you are not expecting an attachment with your received email, don't open it, or contact the sender to confirm the attchments validity.

Also, check the type of attachment before opening it. Attachments that end with the .vbs extension (Visual Basic script) or the .exe extension (program files) pose a real danger and are often how viruses are spread.

Finally, make sure to install and update antivirus software. Companies such as Norton, Symantec, and McAfee offer many kinds of antivirus programs, some of which are downloadable from the companies' websites. You can use this software to scan attachments for viruses before you open them.

You can also run an antivirus program that utilizes "on-access" scanning. This type of scanning takes place constantly, automatically checking every file, program, or document every time it is opened or used.

How does antivirus software work?

Antivirus software keeps a database of "fingerprints" -- a set of characteristic bytes from known viruses -- on file. It searches files and programs on your computer for that pattern, and when it finds a fingerprint it recognizes as belonging to a virus, the antivirus software notifies the user that that virus is present. There are also heuristic programs that look for virus-like behavior in programs, allowing the software to detect completely new viruses.

Antivirus software needs to be updated regularly so that it can search a computer for new viruses. Be sure to check with the company that produces your antivirus software package for periodic updates.

What do I do if I suspect my computer has become infected?
If you think your computer may have a virus, the first thing you should do is find out for sure by running a virus scan of your machine. If you have antivirus software, have it search your computer for the latest viruses.

Once you know for sure which virus you're dealing with, you can find a removal tool for that specific virus on some of these antivirus sites. Follow the instructions on the site carefully. Afterward, you may have to repair whatever damage the virus did.

Download, install, & run antivirus software on your computer. Some of the most popular 'free' antivirus software tools are listed HERE.

If you have a problem with your pc or have an internet related problem, please call either 07738 712181 or 01234 818616, or send me a message using the 'contact us ' link.