Samuel Chiltern answered
A computer virus is a type of malware infection that can harm your computer - by altering or destroying parts of your software system, or even by causing your hard drive to destroy itself.
A virus is composed of one or more dangerous files, which can form part of a downloaded package or can even masquerade as a genuine program.
Computers are easily infected without their users realising that it has happened. This is why it is so important to install anti-virus software, which actively monitors for suspicious files.
Computer viruses have a variety of disadvantages, some of which are discussed below:
Loss of Software Functionality
When a virus infects your computer, it is highly likely it will alter your system so that you will no longer be unable to access certain functionality. It is quite possible that you will no longer be able to install anti-virus software, even if you already have it installed.
It is likely that the virus will prevent any program from detecting and removing the infection it has caused. Naturally, the creators of the virus don't want you to be able to get rid of it.
Exploitation
Some computer viruses are created by Internet criminals seeking to make money out of people. The virus is likely to display messages stating there is a problem with the computer, and suggest that this can be fixed by providing a payment to a repair company.
Of course, in reality this 'company' is operated by the criminals and the payment will not rid the software of the virus - or if it does, then this will be because there was never a real problem in the first place.
A virus is composed of one or more dangerous files, which can form part of a downloaded package or can even masquerade as a genuine program.
Computers are easily infected without their users realising that it has happened. This is why it is so important to install anti-virus software, which actively monitors for suspicious files.
Computer viruses have a variety of disadvantages, some of which are discussed below:
Loss of Software Functionality
When a virus infects your computer, it is highly likely it will alter your system so that you will no longer be unable to access certain functionality. It is quite possible that you will no longer be able to install anti-virus software, even if you already have it installed.
It is likely that the virus will prevent any program from detecting and removing the infection it has caused. Naturally, the creators of the virus don't want you to be able to get rid of it.
Exploitation
Some computer viruses are created by Internet criminals seeking to make money out of people. The virus is likely to display messages stating there is a problem with the computer, and suggest that this can be fixed by providing a payment to a repair company.
Of course, in reality this 'company' is operated by the criminals and the payment will not rid the software of the virus - or if it does, then this will be because there was never a real problem in the first place.
