Computer Virus?

A computer virus is an executable program. Depend on the nature of a virus, it may cause damage of your hard disk contents, and/or interfere normal operation of your computer.


What Viruses Don't Do!

Computer viruses can not infect write protected disks or infect written documents. Viruses do not infect compressed files, unless the file was infected prior to the compression. [Compressed files are programs or files with its common characters, etc. removed to take up less space on a disk.] Viruses do not infect computer hardware, such as monitors or computer chips; they only infect software.

How do Viruses Spread?

Viruses begin to work and spread when you start up the program or application of which the virus is present. For example, a word processing program that contains a virus will place the virus in memory every time the word processing program is run.

Once in memory, one of a number of things can happen. The virus may be programmed to attach to other applications, disks or folders. It may infect a network if given the opportunity.

Viruses behave in different ways. Some viruses stay active only when the application it is part of is running. Turn the computer off and the virus is inactive. Other viruses will operate every time you turn on your computer after infecting a system file or network.

How to Prevent a Virus Invasion!

1. Load only software from original disks or CD's. Pirated or copied software is always a risk for a virus.
2. Execute only programs of which you are familiar as to their origin. Programs sent by email should always be suspicious.
3. Computer uploads and "system configuration" changes should always be performed by the person who is responsible for the computer. Password protection should be employed.
4. Check all shareware and free programs downloaded from on-line services with a virus checking program.
5. Purchase a virus program that runs as you boot or work your computer. Up-date it frequently.