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A computer virus is a small software program that spreads from one computer to another computer and that interferes with computer operation. A computer virus may corrupt or delete data on a computer, use an e-mail program to spread the virus to other computers, or even delete everything on the hard disk.
Computer viruses are most easily spread by attachments in e-mail messages or by instant messaging messages. Therefore, you must never open an e-mail attachment unless you know who sent the message or unless you are expecting the e-mail attachment. Computer viruses can be disguised as attachments of funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files. Computer viruses also spread by using downloads on the Internet. Computer viruses can be hidden in pirated software or in other files or programs that you may download.
SYMPTOMS:
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The computer runs slower than usual.
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The computer stops responding, or it locks up frequently.
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The computer crashes, and then it restarts every few minutes.
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The computer restarts on its own. Additionally, the computer does not run as usual.
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Applications on the computer do not work correctly.
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Disks or disk drives are inaccessible.
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You cannot print items correctly.
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You see unusual error messages.
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You see distorted menus and dialog boxes.
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There is a double extension on an attachment that you recently opened, such as a .jpg, .vbs, .gif, or .exe. extension.
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An antivirus program is disabled for no reason. Additionally, the antivirus program cannot be restarted.
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An antivirus program cannot be installed on the computer, or the antivirus program will not run.
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New icons appear on the desktop that you did not put there, or the icons are not associated with any recently installed programs.
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Strange sounds or music plays from the speakers unexpectedly.
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A program disappears from the computer even though you did not intentionally remove the program.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET A VIRUS
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Stop all your work, close all your files and opened windows.
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Run your antivirus software to make sure it is operable; do this even before updating it with the latest virus definitions.
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Update your antivirus with the newest virus definitions and run it again.
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If your system is still complaining, check it for spyware.
Don’t, in any case, start deleting files and programs as you're likely to cause even more harm. This is a good time to backup all your data if you don’t have any backups already. Even if you back up data infected with a virus, there is a good chance that it can be recovered and this will spare you from loosing important files if your first effort to identify and remove the virus fails
PROBLEMS
Good anti-virus software costs a lot of money, plus the yearly (and sometimes monthly) fee, and some anti-virus software updates everyday and will slow down your internet connection when you start up your internet everyday.
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