A computer virus is a malware program that, when executed, replicates by inserting copies of itself
into other computer programs, data files, or the boot sector of the hard drive; when this replication
succeeds, the affected areas are then said to be 'infected'. Like a human virus, a computer virus can
range in severity: some may cause only mildly annoying effects while others can damage your hardware,
software or files.
Almost all viruses are attached to an executable file, which means the virus may exist on your computer
but it actually cannot infect your computer unless you run or open the malicious program. It is important
to note that a virus cannot be spread without a human action, such as running an infected program, to keep
it going. Because a virus is spread by human action people will unknowingly continue the spread of a
computer virus by sharing infecting files or sending emails with viruses as attachments in the email.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO REDUCE RISK OF VIRUS
“VIRUSES CAN BE PREVENTED BY TAKING SENSIBLE PRECAUTIONS”
Most of us today use some kind of computer, whether it is Windows, Linux or Apple based and counter to
some beliefs are ALL at risk to being infected by a virus. The first computer virus was actually being
on an Apple in 1981. It is true that Windows platforms are targeted more by the virus creators but this
does not mean that the other platforms are ignored, which means each and everyone one of us needs to
take the necessary precautions to keep our computers safe and in-turn the computers of the people around us.
There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of infection and below is a list of these.
(Please note they are not listed in order of importance)
1. Keep your Operating System (OS) up-to-date. Most updates can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
2. Install an anti-virus software package. There are many packages on the market, both free and paid.
3. Do not download pirated software, videos, music files etc. They are being given away for free for a reason!
This relates to software that you would normally have to buy, not shareware or freeware….although they should
still be downloaded from a known source.
4. Do not open attachments in emails if you think that they are suspicious……No one wants to give you $130 million!
Even if you know the source of the email, it doesn’t hurt to double check if they did indeed mean to send you the attachment.
5. Always scan memory sticks/external devices before using them on your computer if they have been used on
another machine, no matter how safe you think it is. You don’t know how the other person protects their computer
and they could be the 'weak link'
6. Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date! New viruses are being made every day and to keep your machine
protected you need to get regular updates.
7. Use some kind of Firewall as this will give you additional protection when using the Internet.
8. Perform regular scans. Most anti-virus software these days allow you to configure this option to happen
automatically at a set schedule, whether it is daily or weekly. Never leave it longer than a week.
9. Disable autorun as this feature is abused by viruses and allows them to install themselves and result in
automatic spreading throughout your network.
10. When online, Surf SMART. If you visit websites that are not reputable the chances of being infected are
dramatically increased. Remember to turn on your POP-UP blocker so as to limit the chance or 'drive-by'
installs. Never ever use your user accounts, personal, financial or other sensitive/private information
on any website that you did not arrive at by your manual choice. Avoid clicking links unless from a trustworthy source
Most of these are common sense to most of us, but we are all prone to the odd mistake. Remember to stay mindful
and alert when using the Internet or related services.
I have listed some articles below that make for good reading. Click to follow link (Yes they are safe)
The Best Free Antivirus for 2014
Free and Paid Antivirus Programs Compared
12 Antivirus Apps for the Mac