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Computer viruses are feared by the average computer user. There are many stories of how computer viruses can infect a computer and destroy the system, remove important files or perform any number of vicious and terrible actions on the user’s computer. With so many people connected to the Internet with ADSL or other broadband connections, computer viruses are still a threat, even if there are ways to combat them.

A computer virus is, at its simplest, a self-replicating programme that spreads from one computer to another via networks, the Internet or other detachable computer devices (like memory sticks). They are malicious programmes created to destroy, hinder or damage a person’s computer files and systems. Other malicious programmes like malware, spyware and adware are often confused with viruses. While these files can also infect a computer with a broadband ADSL connection, they are not self-replicating.

Today computer viruses spread most easily via the Internet. Broadband connections and ADSL keep computers connected to the Internet 24 hours a day, making it that much easier for computer viruses to spread. They can also spread across networks and some viruses are programmed to attach themselves to files that are guaranteed to be shared over a network.

Email attachments are another common way for viruses to spread. All a user has to do is to open an attachment or click on a link in an email and their computer will be infected. Once on the computer, the virus usually attaches itself to an executable file (.exe). When the program is run the virus is activated. It runs its insidious code and replicates itself, further infecting the computer it is located on and spreading the taint.

The best defence against computer viruses is constant vigilance. People are always warned not to open emails from people they do not know or that look suspicious. Another tactic is to scan a memory stick or disc with an anti-virus programme before you open it or copy any files. There are many anti-virus programmes available and it should be compulsory for anyone permanently connected to the Internet with broadband ADSL. Norton and McAfee are two well-known anti-virus programmes available for purchase, but the Internet offers many free anti-virus programmes as well, like AVG Anti-virus.

Anti-virus programmes scan a computer on a regular basis to look for computer viruses and other malicious code. To be effective, however, they need to be constantly updated. A computer permanently connected to the Internet with broadband ADSL should update its virus definitions frequently, but if your computer is not permanently connected be sure to make time to update your virus definitions whenever you go online.

Computer viruses can be dangerous or just annoying, but either way it is better to protect yourself than fall victim to one. Computer viruses are often hard to notice if your anti-virus programme does not pick them up. If your computer is slower than usual, frequently crashes or freezes, or restarts for no apparent reason, you may be infected and you should scan your system as soon as possible.

With a little prevention, you can ensure that you are protected against any and all computer viruses.

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