COMPUTER VIRUSES: WHAT THEY ARE, HOW TO AVOID THEM
by Paul and Kerri Elders
What is a "virus"?
A computer virus is a snippet of computer code that can "infect" your computer. Usually, a virus masquerades as authentic computer code, and you will not even be aware of its existence. When it is activated, the virus will install itself into your system and can have a variety of effects, depending on the type of virus you have contracted. There are several specialized breeds of viruses; some affect Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Others infect the computer's operating system itself.
How do you get a virus?
A virus can be acquired by sharing data with someone who (usually unknowingly) has a computer virus.
Viruses can be acquired from infected floppy drives, zip disks, CD's, even email. In the past, email viruses could only be acquired by opening an attachment; now, a variety of email viruses can activate themselves simply by being opened. If you spread a virus to your friends and business associates, the costs can be enormous--and this "favor" certainly will not be appreciated.
What does a virus do to my computer?
Viruses can do a number of things. Some can embed themselves in Microsoft Word documents. When sent to another Word user, these viruses will infect the new user's system. Once embedded in the program, they will infect all subsequent documents generated. Some of these viruses, like "Payload" will replicate within the document, cutting and pasting information randomly (every time the document is saved), eventually devouring the document.
Microsoft Word and Excel viruses are usually macro-based.
Other viruses will install themselves on your system, and then use up system resources such as memory. This will make your system sluggish and unresponsive.
Some of the most malicious viruses infect the boot sector of your computer; some of these are capable of reformatting your hard drive (thereby erasing ALL data--your data, all programs, and the operating system itself).
How do I protect myself?
- Get a high-quality virus scanner, install it on your computer, and UPDATE IT REGULARLY.
- Don't open email attachments from people you don't know.
- Before installing any programs on your computer, scan them with your virus scanner.
- Prevent macro viruses from infecting Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel without your knowledge by selecting the option "enable macro protection" by clicking on the Tools menu. Click Options, click the General tab, and then make sure the Macro virus protection check box is checked (selected).
Where do I get a virus scanner?
Most computers today come with virus scanning software pre-installed; the most common is Norton Antivirus. Others include McAfee, and F-Secure (F-Prot). If your computer does not have a virus scanner installed, you can visit any of the previous links to purchase a virus scanner.
Who Is At Risk?
Anyone who regularly downloads programs from the internet or shares files with others is at risk.
HOWEVER, if you make it a practice to download programs only from trusted sites that regularly scan for viruses themselves, your risk is greatly reduced.
But the only sure way to avoid infection with a computer virus is to regularly use an updated virus scanner to check your system and remove any infected files.
Paul & Kerri Elders are freelance writers who live in Ranchvale, New Mexico.
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