Computer Line: PCTechNotes

Senin, 08 Agustus 2011

PCTechNotes

Posted: 07 Aug 2011 08:57 PM PDT

The most common ways that viruses spread are through email attachments, boot infections and program infectors. But aside from the given, there are some more ways by which viruses spread.

Computer Virus through disks

USB, Zip, CD's, tapes, etc. are the usual sources of virus spread from one computer to another. When you use disks to copy files from an infected computer, chances are, you can also copy the virus. To clean an infected disk, you can either reformat or use an anti-virus to clean and remove viruses. With CD's, there is nothing you can do to clean it. Once infected, you just have to throw it and never use it again.

Computer Virus Infections through networks

Networks such as peer to peer, LAN, WAN, wireless network, and internet are not safe. As they all serve the purpose of sharing network and information between computers, they are also sharing viruses.

Do you know that even a simple computer (like the one you're using) can be hijacked and used in attacking major online companies like Microsoft, Ebay, banks, etc. with the purpose of disrupting their online services. These attacks are also known as DOS Attack. DOS attack usually works by hijacking thousands of computers without the knowledge of the user, and then at a specific time, launch a combined attack from all the infected computers against the company they're targeting. You can protect your computer by using up-to-date anti-virus and firewall protection.

Other possible sources of computer virus spread

Other sources of virus spreads are downloading software, pirated programs, or even mp3 song and videos. As a matter of fact, the fastest growing sources of virus infections are the files and software downloaded directly from the internet. Make sure you are downloading your files from reputable companies to lessen the risk of downloading infected files.

The alarming and fast growing spread of viruses trigger the needs for proper knowledge of all computer users to protect themselves and their accounts from possible infection of virus. If you are using email or instant messaging system that is installed automatically with your operating system, you have to use the updated and current anti-virus software and change your default settings that leaves your system open even to minor attacks.