Computer Virus Detection And Prevention

A computer virus is a self-replicating malware that infects computer programs .The virus itself is a set of executable codes or documents that spreads with the help of hosts. As most viruses are destructive in their objective they are called malware meaning 'malicious software'.

The modus operandi of a computer virus is similar to that of a biological virus, wherein these infect the normal computer operating system or computer program by attaching itself to it. Viruses have been adept at infecting almost all types of operating systems from widely used MS-DOS to the selectively used AmigaOS, Linux and Mac OS. Viruses usually spread with the help of 'hosts', which are the infected files. The 'infection' spreads to more and more computer systems when a user sends it over a network or carries it on a removable medium. The malice can also be spread through infected files on a file network system, infected script files of application programs .

Generally viruses are intentionally and operationally destructive, performing tasks like deletion of important information or crashing the hard disk. However some of them are known to be much benign in nature, originated with a preventive intention like those designed to deter pirated copies of software or merely to rankle users.

A virus can be attached to any file copied to the computer. Susceptibility to viruses is at an all time high while downloading files from the internet or while coping files on to floppy disks. Moreover viruses continue to evolve continually maximizing their reach, without sparing almost anything from network services like World Wide Web, e-mail to file sharing system.

Viruses may announce their arrival in various manners. You may observe sudden increase in file size, appearance of unknown files, loss of files or flashing of strange messages on the screen. You might become unable to save files or to access programs. Suddenly your system might behave like a recalcitrant not starting or closing correctly or showing abrupt lack of hard drive space.

Prevention

You need to install virus protection software that can detect and eradicate viruses. Chose from a gamut of available antivirus programs. Such programs are cheap and are easily available. The popular maxim that 'prevention is better than cure' is effectively applicable in this regard. Moreover installed anti-virus software needs to be upgraded regularly to remain effective. Regular signature file upgradation is as important as installing an anti virus software in itself, as new viruses emerge daily.

Businesses must take extra care to ensure that all of their internet browsers are kept up to date. If however, the browsers cannot be updated, users should sacrifice certain scripting features of JavaScript, Java and activeX. It is advisable to delete risky email attachments without opening them and also to refrain from downloading files from the Internet.

Detection

To detect viruses files on the computer or network should be scanned to find whether they bear similarities with known computer virus definitions. Anti virus programs should be run regularly.

Eradication

Using real time monitoring anti virus, the moment a virus is detected, warning is displayed on the screen. The virus must be countered with the help of virus protection programs that either repair the infected program or delete them.

These simple rules can construct a bulwark against virus infection to your computer. Virus protection software can continue to do the job for us, but the onus lies on us to ensure that they have the required in built ability through timely up gradation.

» SPAMfighter News - 12-06-2006

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