Different Kinds of Computer Viruses

Surfing the Internet for multimedia content and downloading applications to customize your computer system can place it in jeopardy. Unknowingly, your computer system can be quickly invaded by a virus that can turn it into a useless product. Taking precautions and learning about different kinds of computer viruses is the smartest thing you can do to decrease the chances of your computer becoming infected.

Function

Computer viruses are created to infect your computer system and gain full control over it. Once your computer has been compromised, these viruses begin to cleverly seek out unprotected information that can be stolen or destroyed. Identity thieves are notorious for planting viruses on an unsuspecting computer system to steal Social Security numbers, banking information, passwords, usernames and account numbers. Other virus writers create viruses that prevent your computer from accessing the Internet, powering on or running normal software applications.

Types

There are different kinds of computer viruses that currently exist. They can quickly alter the way your computer system operates in a number of ways. One common type of computer virus is called a directory virus. This sort of virus accompanies an executable program that has been downloaded onto your computer. Once you innocently run the program, it will be released on your computer system to wreak havoc.
A boot virus is another common type of computer virus. It can be hidden on a removable media such as a floppy disc or even a removable drive. When you power your computer on, it automatically scans all the drives and removable media connected to it. The boot virus begins to spread through your computer as soon as the system is in a boot mode. Resident viruses can also infect your computer system and cause it to perform strangely. This type of virus lives in the computer's memory. Once it's been executed, it will begin to copy itself, corrupt important files and even incorrectly rename vital files that make your computer run.

Identification

One of the easiest ways of identifying a virus on your computer system is to run a virus scan. Anti-virus programs such as AVG, Norton AntiVirus and McAfee VirusScan are capable of scanning your computer system for unknown threats and removing them. Unfamiliar programs running in your taskbar, applications not functioning properly and frequent rebooting are all symptoms of a computer system infected with a virus.

Misconceptions

Frequent virus scans are necessary to keep your computer system free of harm. Not taking the time to set up a regular scan schedule will place any sensitive data stored on your computer system at risk. Daily scanning of any drive or file located on your computer system will prevent unauthorized users from stealing your data.

Warning

With all of the different kinds of computer viruses, you shouldn't access unfamiliar websites without installing some sort of security measure. There are a few useful tools such as McAfee SiteAdvisor and AVG Safe Search to prevent you from clicking on an infected computer link.

Resources

• Virus Threats