Computer+Virus

= = **What are computer viruses? ** Viruses, worms, and trojan horses are malicious programs that can cause damage to your computer and the information stored in it. They can also slow down your pc and try to spread automatically to your friends and families pc’s much like a case of the chicken pox. The good news is that with an ounce of prevention and some common sense, you are less likely to become a victim of these threats, so read on to learn how to stay safe.


 * What is a virus? **

A virus is a piece of code that attaches itself to a program or file so it can spread from computer to computer. They can also try to damage your software, your hardware, and your files. Just as human viruses range in severity from Ebola to the 24-hour flu, computer viruses range from the mildly bothersome to the downright destructive. The good news is that someone has to share the file or send an e-mail in order to continue the infection.




 * What is a worm? **

A worm, like a virus, is designed to copy itself from one computer to another, but it does so automatically. First, it takes control of features on the computer that can transport files or information. Once a worm is in your system, it can travel alone. A great danger of worms is their ability to replicate in great volume. For example, a worm could send out copies of itself to everyone listed in your e-mail address book, and their computers would then do the same, and so on till they clog the networks. Because worms don't need to travel via a "host" program or file, they can also tunnel into your system and allow somebody else to take control of your computer remotely.




 * What is a Trojan horse? **

Just as the mythological Trojan horse appeared to be a gift, but turned out to contain Greek soldiers who overtook the city of Troy, a pc Trojan horse is a computer programs that appear to be useful software, but instead they compromise your security and cause a lot of damage. Trojan horses spread when people are lured into opening a program because they think it comes from a legitimate source. Trojan horses can also be included in software that you download for free.

The first step is to make sure your pc has up-to-date **virus protection software** on it. Windows Live OneCare is Microsoft’s solution, though there are also many other brands available in the market. Once installed be sure that it’s enabled, and schedule regular scans of your pc. Second step is to use Windows Update to keep your pc current. These updates close any security holes that have been found in Windows, or in the third party drivers, in order to keep you safe. Third step is common sense. Virtually all viruses and many worms cannot spread unless you open or run an infected program. **SO **, never open anything that is attached to an e-mail unless you are expecting it, even if it came from you best friends. And never download software from a source that you don't trust. If you receive an e-mail with an attachment from someone you don't know, delete it immediately.
 * How can I stop myself from getting them? **



Your computer might slow down or crash and restart every few minutes. Sometimes a virus attacks the files you need to start up a computer. In this case, you might press the power button and find yourself staring at a blank screen. All of these symptoms are common signs that your computer has a virus—although they could also be caused by hardware or software problems that have nothing to do with a virus. Unless you have up-to-date antivirus software installed on your computer, there is no sure way to know if you have a virus or not.
 * How can I tell if I have a worm or other virus? **