What is a Computer Virus?
(Or Watch Video: "What is a Computer Virus?")
A
Computer Virus is a relatively small software program that is
attached to another larger program for the purpose of gaining access to
information or to corrupt information within a computer system. Some
computer viruses may be relatively harmless. For example, some of them
just cause a certain message to pop up on a user's computer screen.
Other viruses can be deadly to the computers they infect, erasing
information and hard drives, stealing data, and slowing down the entire
computer system. Like other software programs, someone must create and
write a computer virus; once they are created, viruses can multiply
rapidly and spread themselves from computer to computer.
Computer Virus Definition & Characteristics:
A
Computer Virus is a program that can copy itself and infect a computer without the permission or knowledge of the user. A computer virus has
2 major characteristics:
the ability to replicate itself, and the ability to attach itself to
another computer file. Every file or program that becomes infected can
also act as a virus itself, allowing it to spread to other files and
computers. The term "computer virus" is often used
incorrectly as a catch-all phrase to include all types of
Malware such as
Computer Worms, Trojan Horses, Spyware,
Adware, and
Rootkits - all of which are slightly different than
Computer Viruses.
A computer virus needs another program in order to be able to be
activated and infect other computers files. Essentially, a computer
virus rides piggyback on another file into your computer - once it is
executed, the virus will continue to replicate and attach itself to
other program files and continue to spread.
A Brief History of Computer Viruses:
Although computer scientists were aware of the theoretical possibility
of computer viruses for decades, it was not until the 1980s that viruses
began to gain a hold and multiply in large numbers. With the advent of
the personal computer, floppy disk drives, and other portable
information storage devices, it became easier to program and transfer
viruses from one machine to another. Fred Cohen is often cited as the
first person to use the term "computer virus" in an academic paper in
1984, although some suggest that he may have learned it from his mentor
Leonard Adleman (more info:
History of Computer Viruses).
Does My Computer Have a Virus?
Of course, if you ask anyone the question “what is a Computer Virus?”,
the reply is likely going to be a bit jumbled. There are many different
forms of computer viruses, although many have the same goal; to slow the
infected computer system, steal and/or copy information from the
computer, and attach itself to sent files and attachments in order to
spread to other computer systems. The following are a few telltale signs
that your computer might have a virus:
• Slow response and slow program execution
• Random hard drive crashes and restarts
• Distorted graphics and text
• Files that have mysteriously vanished
• Extensive pop-up ads
• Inability to open files with existing passwords
How Can I Protect My Computer from a Virus?
It is far better to avoid computer viruses and take proactive measures
to protect your computer system than it is to clean up after them once
they have gotten into your computer and caused damage. The following
tips will help increase your odds of avoiding infection from a computer
virus:
• Download programs only from trusted, reputable websites
• Install a quality Internet firewall
• Do Not open suspicious emails or email attachments
• MOST IMPORTANTLY — Make sure you have a trusted
anti-virus program installed on your computer - such as
Norton Antivirus,
NOD32 Antivirus, or
Kaspersky Antivirus.
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