Rabu, 30 April 2014

General Information About Computer Viruses

By Frankline Bell


The dastardly computer virus is something we all dread, and even those who are very computer savvy are not immune to these destructive bits of malware. While we all know a virus is destructive, not everyone knows much about how viruses are created or spread. The following information about viruses can leave you better informed and more prepared to fight these computer "illnesses."

Basically, a virus is a computer program and like all programs, it is created with code. Within the code, there is a piece of it that is designed to attach to files or programs and replicate. This means it keeps replicating and attaching to more and more files or programs or begins to clog up your hard drive space or slow down the CPU or central processor of the computer. There are even viruses that are designed to seek out and steal passwords. Many viruses are spread via email, and the virus gets into your email and begins sending out emails to all of your contacts. These emails also contain the virus and it just spreads further and continues to infect more and more users.

The vast majority of computer users in the United States use a computer with a Windows operating system. For instance, many people have a PC with either Windows 7 or Windows 8. Because so many people use Windows, most viruses are created to attack these operating systems. So if you have a Mac or use Linux as your operating system, you are far less likely to encounter a virus simply because those creating viruses tend to focus on Windows where they ostensibly get more bang for their buck, so to speak. However there are viruses that attack Macs or Linux users, and those using software to emulate Windows might be susceptible to a Windows virus.

There are many ways to protect your computer from a virus. For one thing, resist the urge to click on pop-up ads, especially those that look like anti-virus software and claim that your computer is infected, as this is a scam and probably a virus. Also, be careful about the emails you open. If you don't recognize the sender or it's from a contact but is missing a subject line or the subject line looks odd, simply delete it and don't open the file. Many viruses are transmitted by email and even on social media sites, such as Facebook. In general, be very careful before you click on a link from anyone or download anything from the internet.

If you have not installed antivirus software on your computer, you should, even if you have a Mac or another operating system. An antivirus combined with a firewall is even better. Your antivirus program often will ask if it can make updates, and you definitely should let it do so. You also need to update your browser, such as Explorer or Firefox, when updates come up. These often have important security updates that will help make your computer more secure.

Of course, even the savvy user can acquire a pesky virus and when your computer is sick, it's often a good idea to call in the experts at GeeksAKnockin. They have a special guaranteed virus removal service that removes any type of malware, from viruses to spyware and more. In addition, they perform a security audit to identify your areas of vulnerability and also make sure that your computer is performing properly. They also will provide you with some tips and tricks to reduce your risk of security problems in the future.




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