About Computer Viruses
A computer virus is a form of vandalism created by computer programmers. Viruses are most commonly spread by programs and documents that are attached to e-mail messages, but they can also be transferred from one computer to another by sharing infected disks or CDs. Infected files, regardless of the source, must be downloaded and opened onto a host computer before a virus can be activated.
The effects of viruses vary — some are merely annoying (such as those that alter format codes in text documents) while others can disable entire computer networks by replicating themselves to the point of overloading a computer’s memory capacity and causing it to crash.
Computers are at a high risk of virus infection when they are used frequently by more than one person or used regularly to download files from e-mail attachments or websites. The best defense is to install and use a reputable antivirus software package that checks for viruses every time you expose your computer to new files.
Virus Protection Software: A Smart Investment
The number of new viruses doubles every year, with a major virus showing up each month. Antivirus software is a minor investment compared to the major aggravation and disruption that can be caused by a virus. (See 10 Worst Computer Viruses of All Time.)
Because file sharing and downloading are common modes of operation for even a small organization, it is highly recommended that antivirus software be installed on all computers.
In short, antivirus software:
- Alerts you to viruses before they are activated on your computer.
- Repairs files that have already been affected by viruses.
Many technology-based magazines and websites routinely review antivirus software, so it can be useful to refer to those. Some key considerations for selecting antivirus software are:
Auto Scan. Will the software automatically scan the hard drive, disks, CDs, and downloads? This is especially important for computers that are shared by more than one person.
Support. Does the software company provide adequate technical support (online tutorials, help desk phone number, etc.)?
Updates. Does the software company provide regular updates, and are they free? If so, for how long? Will the software update automatically, or does the operation have to be performed manually?
Price. The antivirus software market is fairly competitive, and good bargains can be found with a little research. Antivirus software is also often sold at a considerable discount as part of an office software package. Costs can be reduced by purchasing a site license, which allows installation of the antivirus software on all of the computers in your office at one lower rate.
Simple Precautions
Building a few simple precautions into your daily workflow will greatly decrease the potential of a computer virus outbreak.
Be aware of who uses your computers. All of your hard work to prevent a virus attack will be in vain if other people who are careless about viruses are permitted to access your computer.
Pay attention to disks or CDs being used. Disks and recordable CDs can carry viruses, so be sure to share files/disks only with those people you know are conscientious about virus protection. Always scan disks or CDs with antivirus software when borrowing from unknown sources. Commercial disks and CDs distributed by software developers are generally safe.
Take care to download only from verified sources. Is that e-mail attachment a file you are expecting, or is it a virus in disguise? It only takes a minute to e-mail the sender asking to verify that they did, in fact, intend to send you an attachment.
Notice file extensions. Some extensions, such as .vbs or .js, would rarely be needed for the average computer user, but they are commonly used to spread viruses. Other extensions, such as .exe or .zip, are not uncommon but can also be virus carriers.
Become familiar with the general operations of your computers. This will enable you to notice when something unusual happens. These signs can indicate that your computer may be infected with a virus:
- Unusual error messages
- Slower response times
- File names being changed
- Printed documents not displaying proper formats
- Any quirks that have not happened in the past
