Computer Viruses : A SearchMeSilly Guide

A computer virus is named as such because of its similarities to a biological virus. They both look to replicate and pass on from one host to another.

With a computer virus, programming code is created, with the intention of getting onto your computer to infect healthy files and attempt to spread the damage to other systems, all without your knowledge. The virus will attach itself to a program or document to enable its activation. They are generally spread using removeable media or via e-mail and the internet.

A virus can become infectious in different ways. It may attach itself to a file and activate when that file is opened. Alternatively, it may be programmed to wait for a specific date or time, for example.

Viruses are written for different purposes and can result in various things happening to an infected system. It may simply be the creation of a text box with an obscure message. Alternatively, files may be changed or deleted, which at worst could render your computer unusable.