What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is simply a program that spreads malicious code by duplicating itself and infecting your computer.

Most viruses attach themselves to executable files which when opened up by the user allow the virus to be loaded onto their computer.  Usually, a virus is activated when loaded onto a computer’s memory and then often continues to spread its viral code into other files and programs on the machine.  The computer may still function normally but may also spread the codes to other computers on the network or onto other computers that use the same storage devices.

Some malicious computer viruses are programmed to harm your computer by damaging programs, deleting files, or reformatting the hard drive. Others may replicate themselves and flood a network with traffic, making it impossible for the user to perform any internet activity. Less harmful computer viruses can significantly disrupt your system’s performance, sapping computer memory and causing frequent computer crashes.

A few computer viruses will attempt to use your e-mail programs to distribute the malicious code to everyone in your contacts list.  Finally, there is a malicious hacker who will use a virus to get remote access to your computer.

What are the symptoms of a computer virus?

Symptoms can be annoying or even catastrophic.  Your computer may be infected if you recognize any of these symptoms:-

• Slow computer performance as the malware replicates itself until it fills up all the available space on your hard drive.  Programs may be running slower or won’t even open and you may also notice that your hard drive seems to be running constantly.
• Erratic computer behaviour.
• A decrease in download speed.
• Frequent computer crashes with your computer becoming unstable.
• Home page redirects, instead of your usual home page the web browser displays a different page.
• Mid browsing redirects this occurs when after you have visited a number of pages on the net a new page automatically opens up or you get sent back to one of your original pages.
• Unexplained data loss or corrupt data.
• Pop-ups keep occurring sometimes even when you aren’t using your web browser.
• Distortions on your desktop if your dialogue boxes, chat windows or other programs suddenly look different you may have a virus – alternatively you could have a problem with your display or video card.
• The appearance of new icons.
• Bizarre error messages show up on the screen.

If you have a particularly vicious virus that you are unable to remove, give us a call on 3397 1215 and will remove it for you – we are open 6 days a week.