Computer Viruses Are Getting Craftier

Computer virus infections wreck the machines they attack and corrupt the system's code. They can copy themselves and quickly overload a computer's processing ability, completely crashing the machine. Today’s craftier viruses spread from computer to computer autonomously. Dealing with these computer viruses requires knowing how they work and what kinds are out there.

Viruses are somewhat difficult to classify due to their overlapping functions and origins. They are often confused with other types of malicious software or malware, such as Trojan horses or worms. A worm itself is not a computer virus because the purpose of a worm is not to damage computer code. Worms take over computers and link them together to create entire zombie networks.

The primary types of computer viruses are macro, boot sector, polymorphic, browser hijacker, multipartite, file infector, stealth and Active X. Of these, the worst are boot sector and polymorphic. Boot sector viruses infect and destroy the code for the sector of the computer's hard drive responsible for booting it up. This renders the computer useless because the user will never be able to start it again.

Polymorphic viruses are equally dangerous because they change their code every time they execute, making it difficult for anti-virus programs to detect. The other types hide in specific files or hijack browsers to redirect users to unwanted sites. They all pose a threat to computer systems. How can the user deal with an infected computer?

The cheapest option is to use free anti-virus software. Many people might be understandably skeptical of a free offer, but these anti-virus programs are legitimate and work quite well. The more advanced ones even protect against viruses transmitted by infected email messages and web pages. They automatically scan all downloads and isolate infected files for quarantine or deletion.

The main problem with having a virus these days, is that you can often have one and never know it. Viruses of yesteryear focused on causing more damage, slowing things down. These days, they want to be more silent, undetected. However, even after a virus has done a fair amount of damage over a long period of time, there are still options for reversing the damage done. For example, computer repair services in NYC have more resources to deal with infected computers and can deal with special cases.

Free anti-virus scans are often offered by the anti-virus program companies mentioned above. They can help the user isolate and get rid of the infection before installing the anti-virus program. Having a good anti-malware program is also helpful. Anti-malware programs get rid of other malicious software responsible for spreading computer viruses.

Take the Trojan horse, for example. A Trojan horse is so named because it carries a computer virus or worm within it. When the Trojan horse program downloads, it releases the virus into the computer. Anti-malware programs protect against these kinds of attacks, making the computer safer. A user with a bad malware infection may need professional help all the same. Computer repair shops are simply better able to handle stubborn infections in most cases.