Say 'no' to virus

Lahiru FERNANDO

Imagine this. When you switch on your computer, it begins to malfunction. You have no idea what has happened. The screen is either blank or the tabs do not function properly.

What can be the root of your dilemma? It can be a virus that infected your computer without your knowledge and it can be quite a disastrous experience for most computer users since a majority does not know what to do to get rid of it.

No matter how careful you might be, chances are, at one time or another, you will find your computer infected with a virus. Apart from the common worms and Trojan viruses the latest virus to make its presence known is a virus named 'Flame' which had been detected in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

This virus is capable of spying on various different computer files, especially those created by industrial engineers.

There are many ways in which a virus spreads from computer to computer. It is to be update about the means in which they spread and find means on how to keep your computer safe from such infections.

Email attachments

Email attachments are a path in which viruses can enter your computer. It can carry viruses from one end to other. It was a common method of spreading viruses in the past but today people are more aware of these harmful attachments which are generally sent to the spam folder in your e mail.

Thus e mail infections are considerably lower compared to the other methods in which viruses take over computers. An e mail virus can infect the computer the moment you open the folder but today's users take safety methods and delete infected files and folders from their e mail instead of running a risk.

Rogue websites

Have you ever noticed that when you open your browser, there is an outbreak of popup windows on you screen?

You have no idea that by simply visiting a website you might be luring virus or spyware into your system. Some adult websites such as gambling website are equipped with virus or spyware.

When you visit this type of website it has the capability of accessing your computer without your knowledge and installing adware bugs into the system.

These products are harmful to your computer and even infect programmes which are already running smoothly in your system.

This can be prevented by updating your virus guard. Also consider increasing your security on firewall. Then none of these programmes can be installed in your computer without your permission.

Through network

If your computer is a part of a large network, you are running a risk of having your computer being open to viruses. This is not your fault because if someone mistakenly downloads some bugs, it can be spread throughout the entire network in a matter of minutes. The administrator control needs to take this issue into consideration and keep the antivirus software uptodate.

Phishing

Phishing is another way of spreading viruses. This method attempts to acquire personal information of the user such as the username, passwords, credit card details etc.

Some websites simply e mails links to capture peoples' attention and provoke them to click on a link and visit to their website. Then they are requested to fill out a personal information form to enter the website.

The tragedy is that the moment you click on the link some spyware or bugs are installed in your computer. At times it goes as far as to steal your personal information. So if you spy a suspicious link - just do not click!

Infected boot disks

When you start your computer, the machine first checks for drivers and inspects whether there are any boot information present in the disk. If a virus is present in that disk, it will infect to your computer and execute it. It is always important to check the origin disk which you insert into your computer.

Hackers

Internet is one of the most public places with less rules and laws to govern it. Hackers can access anyone's computer without authority if the suitable conditions and capable methods are within their grasp. If they break into your computer via internet, they are capable of installing virus in to your computer, making mischief and stealing your data and information. Hackers get the opportunity to log into your computer if you have not updated your antivirus software and firewall.

Infected software

We all know that there are many free websites that enables users to download games and software. Some downloading options come with a price and some are totally free. Some free downloading programme websites are infected with the Torjan virus. When you download a game or Software from these websites there is a potential of your computer getting infected.

Therefore download games and software only via trusted sources.

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