Viruses!

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A computer virus is a piece of instruction code added into a genuine program file by a programmer to cause any one or more of the following when the file is executed :

Delete files
Alter files
Corrupt files
destroy FAT ( File allocation table )

destroy hard disk partitions

format drives

corrupt bios info

damage important operating system files

steal passwords

gain personal information ( such as credit card numbers )

cause unusual behaviour i.e slow down pc or show strange images or text messages

send fake email messages to everybody in your address book

destroy MBR ( Master boot Record )

Over write files

spread infection to other pc's and networks

create a hoax virus to cause alarm only

Hide itself from detection

Disables anti-virus and firewall software

One of the most common way's of getting a virus is from the internet , usually by downloading a infected file or from a infected email attachment this is why it is important to use a good anti-virus software and firewall .

Always check floppy disk's and cd-r's for viruses before using any new software or files from friends.

Some viruses are not as harmful as others . Write protecting floppies will prevent viruses being wrote to floppies without your knowledge.

Don't leave floppies in drives also helps .

Some anti-virus software automatically scans floppies ! when you shut down or startup your pc.

Also it is important to regularly backup important files. Just in case !!

Revised: July 07, 2008