Learning Computers: Malware and Viruses

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Whenever your computer is behaving a little slow, erratic, or something just does not feel right, it is easy to think you have a virus but before you determine if you are infected, perhaps it is time to first understand all the things that can infect a computer.

Viruses are just one of many malicious programs that can infect your computer. To paraphrase Sun Tzu in his book on the art of war, “Understanding your enemy makes you stronger.” That’s how I feel you should look at malicious software. Arming yourself with the wrong program can leave you exposed to other attacks. For example:

One of the first things my customers say after asking me to fix their infected computer is “How did this happen, I have an antivirus program installed“? Normally the answer is unfortunately, it was not a virus that infected you.

Just What Is A Virus?

Most people call everything that infects a computer a “virus” but as I mention above, that is not the case. Viruses can and do infect computers but criminals have managed to increase their arsenal of weapons to include all types of malicious software. Therefore, starting with Virus, let’s define each type of malicious software and we will conclude with what you can do to keep yourself safe.

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