What is a Computer Virus?

Introduction

"Virus" was the original name given to infectious computer programs many years ago, even before the internet was popular. Computer virus infections are named after the biological counterpart due to their characteristic of being able to replicate and spread to other computers. The internet has created a perfect connection medium for computer viruses to multiply and spread. Now a virus can infect a single machine, replicate itself and spread around the globe in a matter of hours.

Technical Information

A computer virus is basically a malicious program which you get through email attachment, or internet download or sent through a messenger program. Once you accept the download, or open the email attachment, the virus will perform a basic installation of itself. Viruses can do many things including:

  • Delete files or your entire hard drive partition.
  • Rename files on your hard drive so you can't open them anymore.
  • Affect the performance of your computer.
  • Open up your computer system to attacks.
  • Replicate itself and try to spread to other computers on your network or over the internet. Replication usually happens by the virus inserting itself in to other executable programs.
  • Display messages on your screen.

Method of Virus Infection

Computer infection occurs with the consent of the victim when visiting a website and giving permission to download and open. It can also be transmitted via email attachment or chat messenger, or done automatically without user consent through security holes in your operating system. Computer viruses can also come on floppies or CD's or any media your PC will accept.

Detection of Viruses

Good anti-virus programs will detect most known computer viruses. If you believe you have a virus that is not being detected, you can have a technician verify and remove the virus from your system. Be sure you keep your anti-virus program up to date. Also be aware that new viruses are being discovered constantly, and it can take a couple of days before anti-virus makers issue the update for their program. During that time you are unprotected.

Summary

A computer virus is the most malicious of infections. Typically the intent of a virus can range from a hoax or prank message on your screen to having your entire system deleted. Proper virus detection should be employed as well as staying current with all Operating System security updates and not opening email attachments.

The experts at support.com can remove a computer virus from your system if you're infected.