The Computer Virus
by
Brian Doig, BEng, Comptia A+, DCSE
Northern Computers
Recently, I was asked to contribute to our local newspaper by providing a monthly article revolving around Information Technology. So, I pondered for about a week struggling to come up with my first topic and after a quick review of what was ailing computers in our service shop this week I figured an article on computer viruses was in order.
A computer virus tends to grab our attention. On the one hand, viruses show us how vulnerable we are. A properly engineered virus can have an amazing effect at the global level shutting down large international corporations and governments. On the other hand, they show how sophisticated and interconnected human beings have become to the World Wide Web.
But what is a virus? A Computer virus is a program designed to spread itself by first infecting executable files or the system areas of hard drives and floppy disks, then making copies of itself. Viruses usually operate without the knowledge or desire of the computer user.
Your computer can become infected by a computer virus in a variety of ways:
· From an infected floppy disk (or any other removable media e.g. Zip disks, CDs.)
· By opening a file that is infected with a macro virus.
· Through email attachments infected with macro viruses.
· From infected email messages.
· From hostile Java applets and ActiveX (controls which you might unknowingly download when browsing the Internet and play online games).
· From infected programs and files (like music) downloaded from the Internet
Here are a few tips on avoiding viruses:
· Install an anti-virus program, update it regularly and use it regularly. New viruses come out daily. A virus program that hasnt been updated is useless.
· Scan any and all new downloads and programs for viruses - no matter where they came from.
· Do not accept offers from pop-ups that occur while surfing the Internet.
· Dont read or accept emails from people you not know.
· Be very careful about accepting files from on line chat sessions.
· Do regular backup. This way if you are infected you have a chance to save your computer.
· Dont go back to the same web site that gave you the virus!
Next months article will review how to deal with a virus infection.
Until then, Surf Safely .
