What is a Computer Virus
A virus is a program that infects other programs and is often detrimental to computer data and system integrity. Viruses are most frequently spread by opening infected email attachments. The virus can then send itself to everyone listed in the recipient's email address book. Some viruses are spread through Internet downloads, while others are spread through infected disks.
There are several categories of computer viruses:
File-Infecting Viruses - This is the most common type of virus. A file-infecting virus attaches itself to an executable program file by adding its own code to the file. An executable program file can be run and has an .EXE extension. When the infected file is run, the virus can attach itself to other executable files. Files infected by this type of virus usually have a .COM, .EXE, or .SYS extension. Damage to data occurs when the virus is triggered. A virus can be triggered when an infected file is executed, or when a particular environment setting is met (such as a specific system date).
Boot-Sector Viruses - When a computer boots (or starts), it looks to the boot sector of the hard disk before loading the operating system or any other startup files. A boot-sector virus is designed to replace the information in the hard disks' boot sectors with its own code. When a computer is infected with a boot-sector virus, the virus' code is read into memory before anything else. Once the virus is in memory, it can replicate itself onto any other disks that are used in the infected computer.
Trojan Horse Programs - A Trojan horse program disguises itself as a legitimate program such as a game or utility, but once it is executed, it can destroy or scramble data. A Trojan horse program can contain viruses, but is not a virus itself.
Worms - A worm is an independent program that replicates itself, crawling from machine to machine across network connections. It often clogs networks as it spreads, often via e-mail.
Viruses are most frequently spread by opening infected email attachments. The virus can then send itself to everyone listed in the recipient's email address book. Some viruses are spread through Internet downloads, while others are spread through infected disks.
There are several easy ways you can protect yourself from virus infections:
First and most importantly is to install a quality AntiVirus program. I use and recommend PC Tools AntiVirus software. Be wary of opening email messages from people you don't know. Also be wary of opening emails from people you do know if the email has a strange subject line or unexpected attachment. Keep your antivirus protection software up-to-date
If you are using Internet Explorer as your browser, make sure you have the latest security updates from Microsoft installed. If you are using another Internet browser, visit the web site of the browser's manufacturer to make sure you have the latest updates installed.
Powerful protection against malicious virus infections!
With PC Tools AntiVirus you are protected against the most nefarious cyber-threats attempting to gain access to your PC and personal information. Going online without protection against the latest fast-spreading virus and worms, b such as Netsky, Mytob and MyDoom, can result in infections within minutes.
Once infected, the virus will usually attempt to spread itself to your friends, family and associates by accessing your email contacts and networked PCs. The infection may also allow hackers to access files on your PC, use it to launch attacks against other computers and websites or to send mass SPAM email.
That’s why PC Tools AntiVirus provides world-leading protection, with rapid database updates, OnGuard™ real-time protection and comprehensive system scanning to ensure your system remains safe and virus free. PC Tools products are trusted and used by millions of people everyday to protect their home and business computers against online threats.
PC Tools AntiVirus feature highlights
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Protects your PC as you are working, surfing and playing
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Detects, quarantines, disinfects and destroys Viruses, Trojans and Worms
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OnGuard™ protects your computer against threats in real-time
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Automatically checks for frequent updates against the latest threats
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