What Is A Computer Virus And How Can It Affect My Computer?

All computer viruses and malware behave in different ways and have different affects

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The term 'computer virus' is a very general term to describe a software program or a code which gains access to your computer without your permission. As is the case with any other software programs, an individual has to create and write a computer virus in the first place. Some are just annoying, like pop up advertisements. Though appearing relatively harmless they should never left alone and should always be dealt with. A virus is able to reproduce itself and cause great damage to websites and/or the hard drive of your computer. They are designed to spread from one computer to another and to interfere with computer operation. There are many thousands of different types of computer viruses. Here are a few examples.

Redirect Virus

This is the top of the list as my laptop was recently infected with this virus, although I didn't realize initially. Firstly it affected my internet connection making it very slow and sluggish. Then I realized I had a different search bar but had not downloaded it. I realised something was very wrong when I started to get redirected and my contact list were receiving spam from my address. Fortunately I was able to clean up my laptop after 12 hrs of realizing I had it.

Direct Action Virus

When the required execution is met this virus affects the computers files when it is booted.

Overwrite virus

Once infected with this virus files are rendered useless as it deletes the information contained in them.

Polymorphic Virus

Every time it infects a system, a polymorphic virus encodes itself differently each time, making it impossible for anti-virus programs to find. It then continues to make multiple copies.

Resident virus

This virus resides in the temporary data storage in your computer (random access memory or RAM). Once there it can override any operations carried out by the system. Any files that are opened, closed, renamed etc. are affected.

Worms

A worm does not need to attach itself to another program in order to replicate itself. Sometimes the only effect it has is to use up bandwidth but this alone is enough to cause considerable disruption. It spreads by sending copies of itself by email. By attachments or replies to incoming messages.

Trogan Horse

This is a very destructive program that pretends to be something else. It's not a virus as such as it does not replicate itself. It basically tricks its way into a computers hard drive just like its namesake the Trojan Horse in Greek mythology. It pretends to be something useful or helpful. Trojan horse programs can be used to give access to a hacker who will then be able to perform many malicious tasks. These include causing the computer to crash, stealing data, passwords, money by electronic transfers and personal information.

The hacker does not need to be the one who distributes the Trojan horse. The hacker may scan computer networks in order to find a system infected. The main purpose of the Trojan horse is to enable access by hackers through the internet.

The threat of virus attacks and malware will always be a problem so your system should never be without up to date computer antivirus software. Be on the alert for any changes such as constant pop ups, files moving around or weird error messages. Also you must always be aware of how your system is running. Is it sluggish? Check your connection speed. If it is what you expect, a virus or malware may be causing it and you must investigate.

by: Cheryl Rushton

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