History of a Virus
The first computer virus was created not to access confidential information, corrupt data, or spam email contacts—all common motives for creating viruses today—but simply to see if it could be done. In 1971, programmers working on internet forebear Arpanet created a bug they named Creeper in order to test whether a piece of code could replicate itself. (It could, and produced the taunt “I’m the Creeper. Catch me if you can!” on the screens of infected computers.) Self-replication is the goal of all viruses, which spread through contact with another infected being via email, flash drives, or software downloads. To learn how three of the most common types spread, read on.
Boot Virus:
This type of virus targets the hard drive’s master boot record, which loads the operating system at start up. When the operating system loads into the computer’s memory, the virus loads with it. Once it’s in the memory, the virus can do whatever it was programmed to do, often overwriting the master boot record with a new set of instructions. This type of virus is most commonly spread through an infected floppy disc or flash drive.
File Infection Virus:
Also known as program viruses, these attach themselves to executable files—those with extensions like .exe, .com, or .sys—and then load into the computer’s memory or other programs when the file is run. This type of virus is most commonly spread when infected files are shared over email or on a flash drive.
Macro Virus:
Macro viruses can hide inside documents or spreadsheets that use macros—custom actions that can be programmed into the document or spreadsheet using a macro programming language—such as Microsoft Excel or Word. The virus is written in the same programming language and infects a computer whenever an infected file is opened. This type of virus is most commonly spread when infected documents or spreadsheets are shared over email or on a flash drive. Microsoft applications now notify the user before automatically opening files that use macros—so unless you know and trust the source of a file, you should heed their warning.
Virus Removal & Computer Repair!
Here at Computers Done Right we can clean out these viruses as well as malware usually within 24 hours of the time the computers is brought in to our office. I strive to get your computer up and running right the first time, but in a timely manner. I know how much you use your computer and depend on it for many things.
Combating Viruses, Worms, Trojans, and Bots
The first steps to protecting your computer are to ensure that your OS is up to date. This means regularly applying the most recent patches and fixes recommended by the OS vendor. Secondly, you should have antivirus software installed on your system and download updates frequently to ensure that your software has the latest fixes for new viruses, worms, Trojans, and bots. Additionally, you want to make sure that your antivirus program can scan e-mail and files as they are downloaded from the Internet. This will help prevent malicious programs from reaching your computer. You may also want to consider installing a firewall.
