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Virus Software
A virus is a program which infects computer systems causing mischief, damage, and even complete loss of the computer's hard drive. Viruses can invade a system when an infected file, e-mail, or input media (CD-ROM or floppy disc) is opened or accessed, allowing the virus to spread onto the system and wreak havoc. Tens of thousands of viruses exist already and more are being created all the time.
Virus software can guard against the most common forms of infection, namely e-mail attachments and file downloads with viruses embedded in them, but it is only effective if the computer user is diligent about using it and keeping it updated. Viruses can also invade computers and computer networks in the forms of “worms” (programs that duplicate themselves and send themselves out to other e-mail users or throughout a computer network), “Trojan Horses” (a malicious virus or program hiding in what appears to be a benign program like a game), and “e-mail bombs” (attachments that do immediate harm to computers simply by opening or accessing them). There are software applications designed to combat all of these but, again, it's only effective if properly installed and updated. The telltale signs of virus infection include unexplained slowdowns in a computer system's operating speed and efficiency, mangled or altogether missing files, and an inability to start up the computer at all. Good virus software can be a preventative shield against getting infected in the first place and, if the virus damage isn't too extensive, it can help root out infections already present in computer systems and minimize the damage. However, if the virus has completely compromised the computer or the network, even the best virus software will be hard pressed to prevent complete loss of data and the need to purge the system completely and start from scratch. Preventative Measures The installation of good virus software from a reputable source is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your computer or your computer network. Virus software that is automatically updated with the latest safeguards against the latest viruses is also a wise investment (subscribing to a updating service from the source of the virus software is the easiest way to make sure your system has the most up-to-date protection possible). A bit of common sense will go a long way in helping virus software better do its job. Things like backing up the system in case a virus slips through and scanning all e-mail and new software with the anti-virus software will add extra layers of protection. Also, making sure that the virus software is running and updating on a regular basis and being extremely careful about opening unexpected or unsolicited e-mail attachments is a must (especially if they have executable file endings like “EXE”).
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