Computer Virus Identification and Prevention

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This article will define a computer virus, identify the most common … A computer virus is a software program written to damage other computer programs; …

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THE CENTER FOR EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
IN INFORMATION ASSURANCE AND SECURITY
Computer Virus Identification and Prevention
Even though new computer viruses are created almost daily, there are practical steps you can
take to prevent these viruses. This article will define a computer virus, identify the most common
virus sources, highlight the three virus protection steps, and finally explain your role in virus
protection.
A computer virus is a software program written to damage other computer programs; some
viruses will actually erase everything on your computer, and others will randomly pick a
document in your computer and email it to everyone in your address book. Viruses self-replicate
and attach themselves to files such as documents, presentations, and system files and can be
spread by email, CDs, and floppy disks. Viruses may also infect hardware such as system
memory and hard drives.
There are several warning signs associated with viruses. Files that increase in size randomly, the
appearance of unknown files, lost files, the inability to save files, corrupted files, sudden lack of
hard drive space, the inability to access programs, your system not starting or closing correctly,
or strange messages appearing on your screen are all telltale signs that you…