How To Prevent Getting A Viruse, Worm And Torjan Horse On Your Computer

Wed, May 14, 2008

You constantly here about these pesky and sometimes problematic computer viruses called worms or Trojan Horses. Most people really have no idea what the difference is between these forms of malware. Computer How To has taken it upon itself to write up an explanation of how to tell the difference between a virus, worm and Trojan Horse. Click below or on the title of this topic!

How to prevent getting a virus, worm, and Trojan Horse on your computer:

Here is a good explanation of the difference between these three pests, read below!

I
know most of the people who start off reading this really have no idea what the difference is between a virus, worm and Trojan Horse. Most people really don’t care as long as they do not have to deal with any of these malicious applications. Fair enough, however being knowledgeable of these types of nuisances can help you in your quest to prevent them. So please read on to help you better understand how to tell the difference between a virus, worm and Trojan Horse.

Computer Virus

A computer virus is a program or piece of code that is actually loaded on your computer without your permission or knowing and runs against your wishes. Some viruses are only made to be a nuisance, while others are simply out there to destroy. Some viruses can literally damage all your hardware, software and files on your computer. Almost all viruses are attached to an executable file, which means the virus is on your computer but it has no power to do anything unless you open or execute that specific file. A virus cannot be spread without a human action, (such as running an infected program) to keep it going. People continue the spread of a computer virus, mostly unknowingly, by sharing infecting files or sending e-mails with viruses as attachments in the email.

Worm

A worm is a program or algorithm that can duplicate itself. A worm has the capability to travel without any help from a person from PC to PC and have ability to duplicate itself on your system, so rather than your computer sending out a single worm, it could send out hundreds or thousands of copies of itself, creating a massive problem for you and people you are sending infected files to. Its like a true infestation.

Trojan Horse

A Trojan Horse is a destructive program that “working” as a benign application (like changing your desktop, adding silly active desktop icons) or can cause serious damage by deleting files and destroying information on your system. Trojans are also known to create a back door on your computer that gives malicious users access to your system, possibly allowing confidential or personal information to be compromised. Trojans do not reproduce by infecting other files nor do they self-replicate.

Therefore is very important to protect your PC with a good anti-virus software installed on your system with the latest fixes for new viruses, worms, and Trojan horses.

I perosnally use this program, click here! I personally quit using the mainstream anti-virus programs when I found out all the baggage you get with them. Just like any other mainstream corporate company, they are more concerned with selling you more crap then protecting your computer. Not to mention Mcafee and Norton will also make your computer run much slower. They install tons of uncecessary software to your computer to assist them in their never ending quest for money grabbing. Please check out this anti-virus below, it will work MUCH better for you!

Click here to get your hands on the best all around anti virus program out there today! Remember this will also aid you in the blocking of spyware!

Additionally, you want to make sure your program has the ability to scan e-mail and files as they are downloaded from the Internet. This will help prevent malicious programs from even reaching your computer. Do not worry the anti-virus I recommend above will do all you need it to!

Now lets talk about how to get a virus, worm or trojan horse. This will enable you to prevent ever getting them in the first place!

How to prevent getting a virus, worm, and Trojan Horse on your computer:

Here are some do’s and dont’s when it comes to getting a virus, worm or trojan horse.

H
ere is some great information that can assist you in your quest to prevent horrible computer virses from getting to your computer. If you follow these directions you will definitely increase you chances of staying virus free!. Enjoy!

Get a good anti-virus.

First and foremost and probably the most obvious is to get a good anti-virus. You saw above the one that I recommended above ALL others. I recommend clicking here to read about this anti-virus if you would like the best protection. In addition to getting the good anti-virus remember to always keep it updated. This is very important to stay protected against all the latest viruses, worms and torjan horses.

Keep your operating system updated.

Keeping your operating system updated with the latest patches and updates is crucial in keeping your computer safe from viruses, worms and trojan horses. The writers of these viruses often exploit bugs and security holes in your operating system or software.

Back up your files. Viruses are one more very good reason to always back up your files.If you back up a file that is already infected with a virus, you can re-infect your system by restoring files from the backup copies. Check your backup files with virus scanning software before using them.

Keep your original application and system disks locked (write-protected). This will prevent the virus from spreading to your original disks.

If you must insert one of your application disks into an unknown computer, lock (write-protect) it first, and unlock your application disk only after verifying that the machine is virus-free.

Obtain public-domain software from reputable sources. Check newly downloaded software thoroughly using reputable virus detection software on a locked floppy disk for any signs of infection before you copy it to a hard disk. This can also help protect you from Trojan Horse programs.

Quarantine infected systems. If you discover that a system is infected with a virus, immediately isolate it from other systems. In other words, disconnect it from any network it is on and don’t allow anyone to move files from it to another system. Once the system has been disinfected, you can copy or move files.

If you use a desktop version of Outlook, minimize use of the preview or reading pane feature.

How to prevent getting a virus, worm, and Trojan Horse on your computer:

Here are some signs you can look for that may help you determine whether you have a virus, worm or trojan horse!

ere is a great list of things to look for if you suspect you computer has a virus. Keep in mind just because you may have some of these symptoms does not mean you for sure have a virus. Its possible to have these symptoms without a computer virus. Read this list, if any apply you will want to get an anti virus like described above immediately to clear them out!

Applications that don’t work properly.

Disks can’t be accessed.

Printing doesn’t work correctly.

Pull-down menus are distorted.

File size changes for no apparent reason.

Date of last access does not match date of last use.

An increase in the number of files on the system when nothing has been added

Uncommanded disk drive activity.

Unusual error messages.

System slows down, freezes or crashes.

Remember if you computer is suffering from any of these symptoms do not panic, it could be caused from other things. It is a good idea however to download and run an anti virus. If you are unsure which anti virus to choose simply click here for the one I use.

Check out below for some high risk behavior you should be avoiding or being very careful of!

How to prevent getting a virus, worm, and Trojan Horse on your computer:

Here are some great examples of high risk behavior you should either avoid or be very careful while doing!

B
asically if you are on the internet and are not protected you are always at risk, no matter what. But there are things you can do on the internet to incredibly increase you chances of infecting your computer with a virus. Here is a list of things that you need to either be very careful while doing, or just avoid all together!

Sharing computer programs and system disks, or downloading files and software through file-sharing software such as BitTorrent, eDonkey, and KaZaA.
Clicking on links in an instant message from your friends. Its possible if their computer has a virus it could send you an automated message to click on something that looks to be sent from your friend.
Downloading any free applications from public domain or billboard.
Using your personal disk space with public computers or other computers that are used by more than one person
Opening any kind of email attachment from either friend or stranger without first scanning it with your anti virus.

So remember to be careful when you are running around the internet. Any time you browse the net without an anti virus you are sending your computer on a suicide mission!