Computer Virus Information
Easy access to the Internet has revolutionized both business and entertainment by allowing people to instantly communicate with one another. Unfortunately, these quick and easy connections make it easier for malicious software known as viruses to infect computer systems and wreak havoc on hard drives. With a little pre-planning, you can effectively protect your system from virus programs and stop them from spreading from your machine.
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History
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The first recorded computer virus was released in 1973 onto the original computer network designed by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for the Department of Defense. While it was a relatively benign virus, displaying a message that informed the user that the computer had been infected, it set the stage for the more malicious virus programs that would come as personal computers became more prevalent. During the 1980's, most computer virus programs were spread through floppy disks that contained other computer programs, such as games. Since Internet access has become widespread, the Internet is now the primary means by which virus programs are propagated between computer systems.
Identification
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There are several symptoms that can indicate your computer has been infected with a virus. Your computer may run more slowly than normal, take much longer to boot up than is usual or it may not boot up at all, if the virus has corrupted your hard drive. You may also notice programs running that you didn't install, or there could be programs that you don't recognize appearing in your task manager menu. E-mails being sent without your knowledge are another major indicator that you have some sort of malicious software on your machine.
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Function
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Virus programs infect your computer clandestinely by masquerading as beneficial software or they install without your knowledge. They are frequently installed alongside other files that you want to download such as e-mail attachments, files sent to you through instant message sessions or through online games. They can also be installed if you click a link from a website that has been infected. Some virus programs, called worms, proliferate themselves by taking advantage of security lapses in network firewalls.
Features
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There are many virus programs sent through the Internet. The most simple varieties just display a message or play an audio file repeatedly. More advanced programs are used to steal your personal information, watch your web-surfing habits to tailor advertisements to you or cause numerous pop-up windows to appear on your desktop at random intervals. Some virus programs are intended only to damage computer systems by deleting critical files on your computer.
Prevention/Solution
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You can prevent virus programs from being installed on your computer in the first place by using anti-virus software such as Norton, McAfee or AVG. Always update your anti-virus software at least once a week to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information about new viruses that have been released. If your computer is infected, you can repair the problem by either backing up your hard drive to an older restore point or by completely re-installing your entire operating system.
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