What is a virus?

In general, threats to your computer or information you have are called “viruses” by most people. However, there are actually a few different forms these threats can take. 

• Malware is a generic term to attempt to cover all of the following threats to your computer. If someone is talking to you about malware, it can be any kind of software, program or code than can be dangerous to your computer and information. 

• Viruses are just like the flu virus. They can infect computers and make them “sick” or perform badly, and can infect other computers that come in contact with them by sharing emails or files. In the same way that you can tell you are coming down with something by the way you “feel”, if you notice your computer is slower than usual, you may have a virus. 

• Worms are another form of a threat to your computer. Just as normal worms leave trails or tunnels through the dirt as they travel, computer worms leave tunnels or backdoors that are accessible to the people who know how to use them. This allows them to have access into your computer. 

• Spyware, or spy-software, allows someone to collect the data on your computer. Whether this is the keys you press on the keyboard, or the websites and adverts you visit, there is a wide range of spyware dedicated to finding out more about you and your details. 

• Scareware is now a common problem today. It often fakes that your computer is filled with viruses or other problems, and then offers to fix them when you purchase the full version of their product. This scare tactic often works when people fall for this trick in the desperation that your computer can be fixed quickly. More often than not, though, the scareware itself is the source of your problems. 

• A Trojan Horse is another kind of threat. While other malware or threats rely on security flaws or no anti-virus, a Trojan horse pretends to be a legitimate program that seems interesting or useful. The program will run, and seem to work, but in the background it releases the viruses, worms and spyware it holds within. 

All of these kinds of malware and others can be avoided altogether with good computer care.  Over time, malware can copy itself or introduce new harmful programs. If you notice something is wrong with your computer, it may be time for an expert to look at it as a “just in case” precaution. Of course, if someone you do or don’t know sends something suspicious, don’t open it! And if you’ve downloaded something that you’re not 100% about, give it a virus scan before opening it, whether it’s a document, a video, a music clip. Just about anything can hold some malware, and a virus scan never hurts. In general, while an anti-virus gives some good protection overall, better protection comes from being aware of how your computer should run, and quick action when something goes wrong. 

Again don’t hesitate to speak to your local computer specialist to help solve any of your computer needs.