COMPUTER VIRUS

                                COMPUTER VIRUS

Computer virus is an illegal program that destroy other programs, files or folders in the computer. Types of computer virus include Trojan horse, Worms, and Spyware etc. most computer virus attach themselves to a program on computer and then begin to multiply.A computer virus, much like a flu virus, is designed to spread from host to host and has the ability to replicate itself. Similarly, in the same way that viruses cannot reproduce without a host cell, computer viruses cannot reproduce and spread without programming such as a file or document.

How does a computer virus attack.

Once a virus has successfully attached to a program, file, or document, the virus will lie dormant until circumstances cause the computer or device to execute its code. In order for a virus to infect your computer, you have to run the infected program, which in turn causes the virus code to be executed. This means that a virus can remain dormant on your computer, without showing major sings or symptoms. However, once the virus infects your computer, the virus can infect other computers on the same network. Stealing passwords or data, logging keystrokes, corrupting files, spamming your email contacts, and even taking over your machine are just some of the devastating and irritating things a virus can do.

How do computer viruses spread

In today’s constantly connected world you can contract a computer virus in many ways, some more obvious than others. Viruses can be spread through email and text message attachments, Internet file downloads, social media scam links, and even your mobile devices and smartphones can become infected with mobile viruses through shady App downloads. Viruses can hide disguised as attachments of socially shareable content such as funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files.

To avoid contact with a virus it’s important to exercise caution when surfing the web, downloading files, and opening links or attachments. As a best practice, never download text or email attachments that you’re not expecting, or files from websites you don’t trust.

 SIGNS OF VIRUS ON THE COMPUTER

            System slows down.

                                                            Unusual activities occur on the computer.

                                                            Programs do not function properly.

                                                           Change in hard disk size.

EFFECTS OF VIRUS

   It displays unwanted messages.It corrupts programs, files and folders on the computer.
      It slows down the system, especially when booting.

  It changes the reaction of programs.

SOURCES OF COMPUTER VIRUS

     Installing programs that are infected with virus.

     Downloading programs and files from the internet.

    Sharing of removable storage device with others.

  Networking your computers.

VIRUS PREVENTION

  Computer can be protected from virus by installing anti-virus programs on the computer. Example on anti-virus programs include.

·         Avast  anti-virus

·         McAfee anti-virus

·         Norton anti-virus

·         Avira anti-virus