Computer Viruses - The Basics

Computer Viruses - The Basics 
By Robert Hanania, Mon Jan 2nd 

In its simplest terms a virus is a disruptive computer codeperiod! A computer virus almost always repeats itself andspreads by attaching itself to other files. Viruses can be madeto host a number of harmful things on any computer fromdisrupting files to crashing networks. It can even be layingdormant, without you knowing it's there and then attack whenleast expect it, like right in the middle of downloading a largefile or typing a long report.

It can even be made to open at a certain date, sitting like atimebomb until it's time arrives. As you can see it can beannoying at the very least. I do not want go into all thedifferent types of viruses here because there are so many andmore are being made everyday in some dank basement by the DarkLord. However, since so many viruses came from unknowinglyopening e-mails I would like to mention some basics here:

Never open e-mail attachments unless you know for sure who it'sfrom and that it's safe. Some mail programs will even ask if youtrust the attachment and if you're sure this you want to do.Your computer software can also scan attachments for viruses.The danger is that when the attachment is opened the virus canattach itself to your hard drive and damage files. Not onlythat, it can search your saved e-mail addresses and send itselfout to your friends, business partners and whoever is on thelist, masking the message to look like a legitimate one fromyou. It will probably have an attachment too and when openedwill infect other computers.

Many people like to download music, video, games or otherprograms from different sites. If it is a site you dealt withbefore and trust it may be safe ok, but if you're not sure youcan always run a virus scan on the download before installation.(You will need to check the anti-virus program that came withyour system on procedures). This security measure is necessarybecause some downloads may contain virtues, spyware or adware -these last two can collect personal information, note yourbrowsing habits and spam your e-mail with unwanted ads. Somesoftware sites will offer a readme file that shows technicalinformation on the download (if you like tech talk) as well ascontact info. The better sites that offer downloads will testand scan all there software programs before going online withit. As a last resort you can do an internet search for reviewson that particular company to see if others got burned.

This may sound scary to some but the fact is in this worldanyone who owns a computer will have to look over thereshoulders for hidden attacks when working with online. That saidthere are some things should do to prevent viruses fromattacking your computer:

* Download the latest virus definition lists ( files that tellyour computer what to scan for) that's used for your anti-virusprogram.

* Check to see if your internet service provider has tools tostop viruses before they can reach your mailbox.

* Always back-up your computer on CD-R disks or other media incase you loose some or all your data.

* You can scan software for viruses before installing it. (Seesystem manual for procedure) 

* Set your security settings at the highest level.

* Check your web browser and e-mail settings.

Doing these things at least every week will help keep yourcomputer up to date on Virus protection and running safely.