What is a Computer Virus?

A Computer Virus is a program that is designed to spread from one computer to another and may corrupt data on your computer, use your e-mail program to spread itself to other computers, or delete data on your hard disk. Viruses are most easily spread by attachments in e-mails and can be disguised as attachments of word documents, images, greeting cards, or audio and video files. A virus also spreads through downloads on the Internet. They can be hidden in software or other files or programs you download.

Tips to Prevent Viruses

• Keep up-to-date anti virus software running at all times on your computer. Anti Virus software is designed to protect your computer from known viruses. Unfortunately new viruses are created daily so they need to be kept up-to-date. These two products are popular choices Norton AntiVirus 2005 Special Edition, AVG Antivirus Free Edition
• Use a Firewall – it’s not difficult to install and will prevent hackers from breaking into your computer. Some good firewalls available are Windows XP, Windows Vista , ZoneAlarm and Outpost.
• Never open an email attachment from an unknown supply particularly if the attachment has an .exe extension.
• Be careful of opening email attachments from someone you know as they may not know that it contains a virus.
• Keep informed of recent threats by doing research on the Internet.
• Download from reputable sites and avoid downloading files you can't be sure are safe. These may include freeware, screensavers, games and any other executable files.
• Backup! Backup! Backup! No anti virus product can guarantee that a virus does not exist on your computer, as there are continually new ones out there. To guard against disasters, make sure you have an up-to-date backup of your computer and store backups in a separate location.

How Do I know if I have a virus?

Even though your computer is infected, you may not realise that you have introduced a virus until you notice something is not quite right. Here are a few things to keep in mind that may indicate that your computer is infected: -

• Your computer appears to be running slower than normal
• Your printer does not work
• Unusual Error messages appear regularly
• Your computer crashes regularly
• Your computer restarts by itself regularly
• Drives on your computer appear inaccessible

How Do I get Rid of a Virus if I have one?

There are many Software Tools available that are designed to detect and remove viruses. You can get free or trial-packs that usually are sufficient. The following are popular choices:-

Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

McAfee AVERT Stinger  

Symantec Virus Removal Tools