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Just like a flu virus, a computer virus is programmed to spread from one host to another host and can replicate itself. A technical computer virus definition would be, it is a malicious program or code that is written to change the way a computer works and spread from one computer to another.
When this written code is executed, it modifies the pre-designed programs that support macros and inserts its code. The damage caused by a virus is unexpected; it can corrupt the system software or destroy data. So this explains what a computer virus does and how it affects your device. Now let us move to its types and know about computer viruses in greater detail which will help us to stay cautious and prepared in case of a virus attack!
There are different types of computer viruses. These are mentioned below:
Since now you know what a computer virus and its types are, let us discuss how a virus attacks your device and its effects. After post successful introduction of a computer virus through a document, file, or program into your device, it lies quietly into your system until circumstantially its code gets executed. Once that particular file is executed it leads to the execution of the virus code thus infecting the system as well.
Once the computer gets infected, what does a computer virus do depend entirely on the features of the computer virus? Some viruses can be playful while others can cause deep damaging effects. But the thing about computer virus is, if it has infected your computer, it can replicate on all the computers on the same network thus verifying the computer virus meaning.
Some of the examples of effects of computer virus are: it can steal data or passwords, log keystrokes, spam your email contacts, corrupt files, erase data, cause permanent damage to the hard disk, and sometimes can even take over your device control. Some devastating viruses are designed with the sole motive of financial gains.
How can you catch a computer virus? In this technology-driven world, there are many major sources of computer virus spread. It can spread through text messages and email attachments, social media, and e-file downloads. Your smartphones can get infected via malicious app downloads. Other prime causes of computer virus spread include viruses hiding behind socially shareable posts like greeting cards, AV files, and funny images. This explains how does a computer virus spreads and causes severe damage to a device.
The only way known for computer virus prevention is to stay cautious while being on the internet. Practice extra caution while opening attachments or links and downloading files. Do not download email or text attachments from suspicious websites.
Just like the flu virus starts showing symptoms when it infects the human body, similarly, the presence of a computer virus can be felt with a variety of symptoms. Some of the symptoms that explain computer virus presence are:
How do you prevent your device from different types of computer viruses? Here are the following ways by which you can prevent the virus from infecting your devices:
However vigilant you remain, there could be a scenario where you will need to deal with a computer virus. There are two ways by which you can remove a computer virus. First is the manual approach and the second is with the help of an antivirus program.
In the former approach, you need a little expertise on what is a computer virus and what are the types of computer virus. Which one has infected your system? You need a lot of web search and this approach may take time. If you need an easier approach go with the second one. Download antivirus software and kill the damn virus! This software will protect you from future threats as well.
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