What is a Malware File?
Malware is malicious software that can consist of a virus and can infect a computer system. A malware file can be removed by using various anti-virus and anti-spyware programs that can be downloaded or used online. Precautions need to be taken to guard against malware threats, such as adding protections to Internet browsers.
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Infections
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Malicious software or malware can infect a computer system by many different methods. Most malware files infect a system by being downloaded when you visit a compromised website. An infection can also be caused by opening an infected email. Malware files can also infect a system by being installed when free shareware programs are installed. When a system is infected with malware, symptoms can range from excessive processor use to changing the default home page of a browser. Malware can also be used to display pop-up advertisements as well as cause Internet Explorer to crash.
Exploits
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Some types of malware files try to exploit a particular computer program. An exploit takes advantage of a particular bug or vulnerability in a computer program. A program vulnerability allows malware to be used to run an unauthorized code to gain remote access to a system. One of the most heavily targeted programs is Microsoft Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer is targeted because it is widely used and contains many flaws that require patching by Microsoft. Malware attempts to take advantage of computer systems that have not applied patches to fix these flaws.
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Tracking
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Malware files can track what you do on your computer system. Once malware has been installed, it can keep a log of all the websites you visit. Malicious software such as spyware can then display various advertisements or other information that can be annoying and obtrusive.
Removal
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Malware files can be removed by running an anti-virus as well as an anti-spyware scan on the infected system. There are many types of programs available that can be used to scan and remove malware from a computer system. Many of these programs are free to download and use. A free anti-virus program that can be used is AVG Free Anti-Virus and a free anti-spyware program is Spybot Search and Destroy (see Resources section).
Prevention
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Preventing malware files from infecting a computer system requires not only installing but regularly updating anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. It is also important to download and install all updates that are available for the operating system. Preventing malware also requires using an anti-spyware program that can scan in real time, such as Windows Defender from Microsoft.
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