A Computer Virus is a program that is unknowingly downloaded to your computer that affects it in a negative way and changes exsisting files (slow computer, crashing computer, data theft). The most common way to get a virus in my experience is downloading free screensavers. Now I can't say all the sites are malious(bad), but the bulk of them are. There are a few main file types you should be careful of, especially if you get them in an email. .EXE (program), .SCR(screensaver), .DLL(program instruction). I will get into greater detail about file types in other lenses.


FAST FACTS


- The new buzz word for a virus is "Malware".


- The plural for Virus is NOT Virii, it is Viruses


There are other kinds of programs that affect your computer negativly that are not considered Viruses.


The first of which is called "Spyware". Spyware in short are pop-up ads and key-loggers(they record everything you type and relate it to an advertisment). They are not viruses becuase they do not change existing files (there are a few exceptions as always).


The second of which is called "grayware". These are programs that are neither spyware or a virus. The best example I have of this is all those desktop weather icons. The take up system resources, may unsecure your software firewall by opening ports that should be closed. You can keep or remove these at your descresion.


To remove a coputer virus you must stop all infected programs, and then delete the affectted file or files. Most Anti Virus software offers a option to clean a file, in which it find the bad code(instructions) and removes it. Always use a professional program or use the service of a professonial technician to remove them. One wrong move and you may be locked out of your computer for good!

I hope that gives you a basic overview of what the heck a virus is and isn't. If you'd like more information or a new more advanced lens go to My Site and email me.

-Zepps Home Computer Repair
Your Home Computer Specialist