by Abby Way

Created on: June 14, 2009

Computer viruses are always talked about in the media these days, but they usually don't take the time to explain what they are or how you can prevent your computer from being infected with a virus.

WHAT IS A VIRUS?
A computer virus is basically a malicious piece of computer code. Like viruses that attack humans and other animals, a virus replicates itself and creates as many identical copies as possible, attaching itself to files in the hopes that you'll distribute those files to others and thus pass along the virus.

More advanced viruses can send emails or instant messages without your knowledge, disrupt your computer operations, cause beeping sounds from your computer on a certain day and time that are impossible to stop, crash your network at random, or cause your computer to randomly shut down. A virus can cause all kinds of chaotic effects.

Viruses are usually made by malicious individuals who wish to either use your computer as a part of a "bot network" of computers that then attack other computers, or people who make these viruses simply to cause as much panic, chaos and disruption as possible.

Different types of viruses exist, but you may hear terms like malware, worms, trojans, and others depending on the type of virus it is.

PREVENTION
It is important to note that viruses can nearly always be removed, but it's easier to simply not allow your computer to be infected in the first place. Here are some tips to help you prevent your computer from being infected by one of these viruses:

1. Never open emails when you don't know the recipient. Downloading attachments when you're not sure what they are is an equally bad idea. Sometimes your computer software or email program will automatically scan attachments for you, but don't assume that it does unless you know otherwise. These viruses can send themselves to all your contacts just like you got it, so that you end up sharing the virus with all your friends and business contacts.

2. Use caution when downloading files. Always scan them with your antivirus software before unzipping files, or opening files such as music, games, or pictures. Adware can even collect personal information that you type in, like bank account information and passwords.

3. Keep your antivirus software updated with the latest virus definitions (files that tell your software what the latest viruses are so it can scan your computer effectively), and scan software before installing it.

4. Backup your computer on a regular basis so that if you do lose some of your data or end up having to wipe your hard drive to get rid of a virus, you'll still have your important files.

Keeping your computer up to date by following these tips will save you a lot of time and aggravation later.

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