Viruses

What is it?

A virus is a malicious software which will attack and dame your computer and ings on it e.g. delete files.

Computer viruses are small software programs that are designed to spread from one computer to another and to interfere with computer operation.

A virus might corrupt or delete data on your computer, use your e-mail program to spread itself to other computers, or even erase everything on your hard disk.

Viruses are most easily spread by attachments in e-mail messages or instant messaging messages. That is why it is essential that you never open e-mail attachments unless you know who it's from and you are expecting it.

Viruses can be disguised as attachments of funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files. They can be in things like emails or links.

Viruses also spread through downloads on the Internet. They can be hidden in illicit software or other files or programs you might download.

How can you prevent it?

To help avoid viruses, it's essential that you keep your computer current with the latest updates and anti-virus tools, stay informed about recent threats, and that you follow a few basic rules when you surf the Internet, download files, and open attachments.

Once a virus is on your computer, its type or the method it used to get there is not as important as removing it and preventing further infection.To remove it you need to eithr instal specific software or take it to a computer exert though you will almost definately be charged.

The only problem with antivirus software is that it is expensive, can block things which aren't dangerous/ be over precausious and ca slow down your computer.

Example cases

If you click on a link sent over an email or a social networking site you could end up getting a virus which could delete your work or even shut down your computer and not let you turn it on again. This can get you in trouble, make you stress and even cost you a lot of money to fix, replace or hire someone, if you don't spend this money you will be lefty without a computer!