Virus related issues - Tech Support - Common errors and FAQs

VIRUS FAQS

DEFINE COMPUTER VIRUS

A computer virus, a type of malware, is exactly what it sounds like, a virus that affects computer software and hardware. A computer virus is a small piece of programming code that is created to “attack” the data files found on the computer. Viruses can often sit dormant within a machine for a very long time, waiting for a particular file to be booted. Some of the worst viruses in history caused billions of dollars in damage, and weakened security systems, exposing vulnerabilities and halting productivity.

Computer viruses, like biological viruses that infect human beings, require a host to survive. While a computer virus is running, it can affect other programs and documents, crippling the machine even further.

While some viruses are created to steal information from the host computer such as credit card numbers, passwords, or personal documents, others are set up to distress or frustrate the owner of the equipment. The simple act of creating a virus that becomes popular in mainstream media is reason enough for some programmers, such as the ILOVEYOU virus of 2000, which overrode existing files on the victim's machine simply to distress them. The ILOVEYOU virus held the Guinness World Record as the most ‘virulent’ virus of all time and cost nearly $15 billion in damages.

What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is a software program that has been intentionally created to cause a user grief, spread to other computers, or destroy data on an individual's computer. To help prevent a computer from becoming infected by a virus, software developers have developed anti virus programs that stay active on the computer helping to protect it. It is important to realize that many computers do not come pre-loaded with these already installed and that if computers do come with these programs, the programs may expire within 90 days.

WHAT IS A COMPUTER VIRUS?

A computer virus, a type of malware, is a program that is intended to spread from one system to another via a contaminated program, file, or document. A computer virus is the digital equivalent of the flu, spreading from one host to another, often undetected and often replicating or altering itself.

While some computer viruses are immediately active, others remain dormant for some time, working slowly to cause destruction over time. A computer virus may be used as a way to frustrate the computer owner, simply for fun by the creator. However, others are created for malicious reasons such as stealing personal information or for financial gain.

Individuals who write viruses are always coming up with new ways to fool their prospects into downloading the virus. And as our lives become more connected via technology, it may be even easier to trick us into downloading it. Victims often fall prey to an email attachment, a social media post that requires a download or sign-in for access, or a music file that contains a virus.

Computer viruses work in phases during their lifecycle. Once a virus accesses its target’s computer, it may sit dormant while waiting to be triggered by the user. Triggering of the virus happens when the computer owner runs the program or file the virus is located within. Not all viruses have a dormant phase; some run immediately. As soon as the virus starts propagating or multiplying or replicating itself, it has moved to a new phase. The virus will copy itself and transfer to other programs or machines on the network. Each infected program will have a clone of the original virus which will then also go into a propagation phase.

The triggering phase of the virus’s life cycle is when the virus completes its intended function. This is often when the virus destroys your computer, steals your personal information, or begins spamming your contacts.

Infected machines often require software to remove the virus from the infected programs. Depending on the virus type, new hardware may also be needed to repair the damage, as some viruses will attack system critical files on the computer

VIRUS, MALWARE & SPYWARE REMOVAL

Nothing can disable a computer quicker than a virus or spyware, and it can come without you even realizing it. You click a link or make what you think is a harmless download, and next thing you know, your computer becomes inundated with pop-up ads, or you find yourself redirected to another site.

Those are just the minimal effects of spyware. More severe malware attacks can result in a compromise of your personal information – for example, your bank account, credit card, or social security numbers. Or even worse, it could cause your hard drive to crash. In any event, you could end up having to spend hundreds, if not thousands, to get your life back in order.

Does Windows come with a virus protection program?

All versions of Microsoft Windows do not come pre-installed with a virus protection program. This includes: Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows 10.

Can a virus damage computer hardware?

No. Computer viruses are software code designed to spread to computer files and other computers, delete files, and cause other problems with the data on the computer. So if you're experiencing an issue with a hardware device such as your printer, video card, sound card, etc. it is not due to a virus.

If I format or erase my hard drive will it remove a virus?

If your computer is infected with a virus formatting or erasing the hard disk drive and starting over will almost always remove any type of virus. However, keep in mind if backups have been made that contain the virus, other media or drives connected to the computer have a virus, your computer is connected to another computer on a network with a virus, and/or the virus is stored on some other type of software you use with your computer it can become re-infected if not properly protected.