What is a Virus?

By Tyler Downer
2/16/08

A Deadly Virus

Computer viruses have become a pandemic throughout the Internet. Large companies like McAffee have been formed that develop software to combat viruses. Unfortunately, thousands of viruses are released every year. Compounding the problem, there are many myths and virus hoaxes that fill the web. Part of these are produced by the general misunderstanding surrounding viruses. This article will not attempt to refute every myth, but give what a virus is so you can sift through what you have heard.

Virus Anatomy

A virus is a small program that is usually transferred through an e-mail, or downloaded from the Internet. This application then tries to trick you into allowing it to run. After it begins to run, that is when the trouble begins. The damage that a virus can do depends on the person who wrote the program. Some viruses only cause a harmless message or file to appear, usually to prove a point. Others are more harmful, deleting files or changing programs. Some leave a hole that can be used later to enable a cracker to access your computer. Most viruses usually attach themselves to e-mails, so that they are spread to other users.

Counter-measures

You can protect yourself from viruses in several ways. The first and most important way is to download and install anti-virus software, like AVG Free. These programs watch for activity on your computer that looks like a virus. Next, never download or open anything that you do not trust. Finally, if you receive an e-mail that talks about "the worst virus ever". Such e-mails are usually hoaxes and are made just to spread panic. You can help prevent this by deleting the e-mail immediately.

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