-
Step 1
Understand what a virus is. A virus is a computer file that replicates itself on your hard drive when activated and infects your computer files. Many viruses are acquired via email or downloading a seemingly harmless file from the internet. Not all viruses are designed to erase your hard drive or damage your computer, but they all infect your computer files in some fashion.
-
Step 2
Learn the definition of a Trojan horse. A Trojan horse, while not necessarily a virus, is a common program type against which most anti-virus software defends. Trojan horses are malicious programs that don't replicate themselves as viruses do, but they do things to your computer that you do not expect. "Malware" is a commonly-used slang term for these malicious programs.
-
Step 3
Be able to identify a worm from a virus. A worm doesn't infect programs as a virus does, but it makes copies of files and can be a nuisance by taking up space and copying sensitive information. If your computer is connected to a network, a worm can copy files across the network, posing a security threat.
-
Step 4
Know what spyware is. Spyware is often confused with viruses, as it installs itself on your computer and can cause performance problems. Spyware, however, is a type of software that often comes attached to free downloads. The software installs itself on your hard drive and is designed to track information about your internet surfing habits and send it back to a website.
