What is a computer virus

What is a computer virus and how does it spread

What is Computer Virus to you for better performance and security of the computer? And you must know about the way to avoid it. In common language, Computer Virus is called a type of electronic infection, which, if it gets into your system in some way, it can do many dangerous things with your system, from slowing down its performance to data loss and system crash.

This virus is very dangerous for computer or any other electronic device. Some of the most dangerous Computer Viruses are: ILOVEYOU Melissa, My Doom, Sasser and Code Red. If you want to keep your computer safe from this type of virus, then you have to take many precautions. In this post, we will tell you what exactly are computer viruses, and how do they affect a system.

When we talk about computer security, Virus is a major threat. They are not created on their own, but they are created by the programmer for a specific purpose. Computer Virus can come in a system in many ways, after which it spreads, and then you start seeing many kinds of flaws in your computer. So let’s now know without wasting time, what is a computer virus? And what should we do to avoid this?

In this post you will read about the following topics:-

Topics

• what is computer virus
• types of computer virus
• symptoms of computer virus
• how virus spreads in computer
• Ways to avoid computer virus
• how to remove virus from computer
• in short

What is Computer Virus

A computer virus is a “malicious program”, which is designed to damage and change the way computer operates. It operates by attaching itself to a document or software program to execute its code in the computer, and gradually spreads to your computer. A computer virus has the potential to cause unexpected and harmful effects.

Usually computer virus infects weak systems the most. Once entered, it can damage software programs and all the files stored in your system. Apart from this, it slows down the performance of the computer as well as prevents the system software from working completely. The purpose of creating these computer viruses is to infect vulnerable systems, gain admin control, and steal sensitive data.

Mainly Computer Viruses are used by Hackers or Spammers to deceive the user to gain access to their computer. This computer virus can enter a system in many ways. Most of the time this is through emails; Apart from this, it can also access your system by visiting an infected website, clicking on infected links, downloading malicious software, or plugging a USB drive containing the virus into the computer.

Types of Computer Virus

1 Web Scripting Virus

Web Scripting Virus is the most common. It is attached to any website on the Internet, with links, advertisements, images, and videos, and when the user clicks on them, the malicious code reaches your computer or mobile; Apart from this, it can also send you to any website. This type of computer virus is found on those websites, which are being used for social networking purposes.

For example, a website where facilities like user reviews, web mail, chat rooms and message boards are available. If a computer virus of this category is present in your system, then you will see many symptoms, such as the background of your web browser and desktop will automatically change or the performance of your computer will start deteriorating, apart from this many other symptoms are also there.

2 Browser Hijacker

This computer virus manipulates the settings of the browser without the permission of the user, after which you can access various websites. For example, when you type a URL in the address bar of a browser, Browser Hijacker directs you to another infected website instead of taking you to that website. Usually this type of strategy is done by showing ads to increase the income from it. When infected with this type of computer virus, your browser will continue to show you advertisements after a short time.

3 Boot Sector Virus

It is usually spread when the computer boots from an infected disk. This category of computer virus especially infects the boot sector of the floppy disk or the master boot record (MBR) of the hard disk. If this virus accesses the computer after loading, it will infect other storage disks as well. Although today this computer virus has become obsolete, but still it tries to reach the system in other ways.

4 Direct Action Virus

This type of computer virus attacks only certain files. Usually files with .com and .exe extensions are infected by this. This computer virus does not come into action until it is opened by clicking on its file. The job of this virus is to replicate its program and infect other files. Although this virus is not that dangerous, it can be removed with the help of Computer Antivirus.

5 File Infector Virus

A large part of existing computer viruses belong to this category. It can easily infect files stored in a computer. File Infector Virus is activated when you run a file or program infected with it. This can cause other harmful effects in addition to slowing down your system. This type of computer virus is dangerous for important files and software programs present in your computer.This virus can replicate the infected code and apply it to other software programs. All files can be a victim of this computer virus.

6 Network Virus

Network virus spreads mainly through the Internet or local area network (LAN). This type of virus has the potential to spoil the performance of a network. Due to its effect, the network connection is completely closed. Once a network virus infection spreads, it becomes difficult for the system to establish a connection to a network. The network protocols that these viruses use to infect computers and spread to other computers are called worms.

7 Maltipartite Virus

This computer virus is considered the fastest spreading virus. Most viruses infect the boot sector or program files, but it can infect both the boot sector and program files at the same time. For this reason, it causes more damage than other viruses. It uses File Infector or Boot Infector to attack the boot sector and executable files.

8 Macro Virus

Macro Virus infects software programs that contain Macros. It is an automatic input sequence, simulating keystrokes or mouse actions. These are commonly used to replace a repetitive series of keyboard and mouse actions. This is common in applications such as word processing and spreadsheets.

If this Computer Virus infects any software, then whenever you open that software it will automatically start its actions. Now since this computer virus is spread through software programs, so it can infect any operating system (OS).

9 Encrypted Virus

This is such a computer virus, which is very difficult even for an antivirus to detect. Because these viruses use encrypted malicious codes, they are difficult to catch. While replicating its code, this virus does not use encrypted code, at that time it decrypts itself, then it is easy to catch them. Although there is no harm to the files and folders present in the computer; But it badly affects PC performance.

10 Resident Virus

Resident Virus stores itself in RAM memory and infects other files and software programs present in the computer. This computer virus can damage a system in many ways.

Symptoms of computer virus

Usually virus is a malicious software, which we call malware. They can steal your personal information from the computer, or can technically harm your system. Overall, this is not a good thing for a computer. So the question is, how do you know if a virus is present in your computer? When there is a glitch like this, the system itself gives us a signal.

Below we will tell you about some such signs or symptoms by which you can know whether your computer is infected with a virus or not.

Slow performance: Often this is also due to the low size of the RAM or hard disk. But if there is enough space in your computer, then it can also be due to a computer virus. If your PC is taking a long time to start up, or a program is taking a long time to open, your computer may have a virus.

More visible advertisements: Continuous opening of pop-up advertisement windows in the computer can be a sign of infection with a computer virus. Do not click on any such Popup Ads. Many times it is told in the advertisement itself, that virus is present in your computer, download this antivirus program to remove it. But in reality it is a virus-free program.

Slow Internet Speed: If your internet speed has been continuously slow for more than some time, then you should check whether it is happening due to computer virus. Such a problem occurs with those computer users who use the Internet continuously without any antivirus.

Error Message Appearing: If strange messages or warning alerts appear on your screen while using the browser, then it may mean that your computer is infected with a virus. Some computer viruses are such that they open the way for many other viruses.

Files and software programs not working properly: If you are unable to open or edit any files, folders and programs present in the computer, then it means that your computer has been infected with a dangerous virus. Some computer viruses are created so that they can damage the data stored in a computer.

Disappearance of programs and files: Some computer viruses keep copying themselves of unwanted files as they spread in your system, which reduces your storage space.Along with this, it makes the files disappear from the computer unexpectedly. If you are seeing something like this in your system, then do a virus scan immediately.

Mass emails sent from your email account: If your friend receives unnecessary emails from you asking to download a file or click on a link, it means that your computer is infected with a virus. is. Because of which it is trying to spread from your account to other computers.

Crashing computer system: If your system suddenly crashes, or gets stuck. So the reason for this can also be Computer Virus. It damages your hard drive.

How does a virus spread in a computer

There are many ways in which a computer system can become infected with a virus. Below you have been told about some of the main ways in which a computer virus can enter a system:

• While using the browser, sometimes advertisements appear on our screen, which read: “Your Computer is Infected” and install this antivirus program to fix it. If you click on it and give it space in your system, then in this way Virus can come on your computer.
• During the installation of any software, it asks for many types of permissions from you. If you accept them without reading them, you may inadvertently give them access to your system.
• If you install any third-party apps, then there is a possibility that some kind of computer virus may enter your system.
• Getting emails you weren’t expecting. When you click on the link or attached file in such email, the malicious code is transmitted to your computer.
• Virus can enter your system even if infected hard disks, CDs, DVDs and USB drives are plugged into the computer.
• Many times we do not update our operating system and other software programs, due to which flaws start coming in them and it becomes easy for computer virus to enter our system.
• If you use Pirated Windows and Software, then it remains a threat to the security of your computer.
• Continuous use of internet without antivirus also increases the chances of computer virus entering the system.

Ways to avoid Computer Virus

In today’s modern era, most of the people use computer and internet. There is no repetition in this, that technology has made human life very easy. But most of the people are not aware of its dangers. Computer Virus and other types of Malware work to create those threats. This can harm your security. Any person who uses the Internet must be aware of the ways to avoid them.

You can avoid these Computer Viruses by following the below mentioned methods:

• Use a premium antivirus. If you use the Internet on your PC every day, then you have a special need for it.
• Download third-party applications only from trusted websites. Avoid using websites that are offering different types of offers.
• Keep your system updated. All operating systems keep bringing new updates from time to time, in which the flaws of the previous updates are removed.
• One of the best ways to avoid Computer Virus is to understand Malicious Program well. What does it look like, and how does it spread?
• Be careful with email attachments. Do not click on unnecessary links or attached files in emails. If you want, first scan that email with the help of antivirus.
• Avoid visiting suspicious websites. Nowadays we use search engines to get all kinds of information, so before going to any website, see if it is reliable.
• Before connecting a pen drive or external hard disk to the computer, make sure that you have a good antivirus available, otherwise the infected drive may harm your system.
• If you have sensitive data stored on your computer, then make sure to back it up, no antivirus gives you 100% protection.
• Use Malware Scanner. This is different from antivirus programs, which have the ability to catch any kind of malware.
• Be careful while sharing files. We receive data from any device without any hesitation. By doing this, the infected file can enter our computer.

How to remove virus from computer

To make the computer completely virus free, the first thing you need to do is to scan your system. This will let you know whether your system is infected with a virus or not. Remember a simple Virus Scan will not work, you have to use a good antivirus. If you use a free antivirus on your PC, it can make its security worse instead of improving it.

Below is a list of ten such antiviruses that you can use:

• Quick Heal Total Security
• McAfee Total Protection
• Kaspersky Internet Security
• Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
• Avast Premier
• Norton Security Standard
• Guardian Total Security
• AVG Ultimate
• K7 Total Security
• Webroot SecureAnywhere

in short

Through this article you learned what is Computer Virus? And ways to avoid it. Under this, we have shared important information related to this with you. Hope you have got your questions answered by reading this post. If you still have any kind of question or suggestion, then please let us know by commenting below.

In the end, if the post is informative, then please do share it on social media, so that this information can reach other people through you.

• What is Microsoft Windows And its Types

• What is CPU And its Types

• What is ROM Types of ROM Explained

• What is Monitor its Definition