Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The Popular Myths Surrounding Computer Viruses And Ways To Deal Around Them

By Gnifrus Urquart


Since all kinds of activities are somehow related with computers nowadays, it could be a highly irritating experience when your computer stops operating. It is no surprise that this often happens and there are a number of reasons behind it, with viruses being one of them. With the wide usage of internet, viruses have found an easy way to reach your computer. Ironically, the best way to keep out the computer viruses is also facilitated by the internet, as you could update the antivirus program online.

Generally, people do not understand the real meaning of Computer Viruses, which has led to the development of some myths about them. As an example, most people think that a simple anti-virus installation is the final solution to keep their computer safe and free from viruses. But, since new and advanced viruses keep developing every day, you need to update your antivirus timely in order to protect your computer.

Another common myth is that whenever a computer stops working, viruses are the cause. Although this might happen, it is very rare as the viruses need the computers to spread. This belief is similar to the one people have that viruses destroy hardware. This would be very hard to achieve, so most of the viruses out there are targeted on software.

Some people also believe that viruses hide mostly in pictures and data files. However, the truth is that they hide only inside executable programs, which the data files are not. And with pictures, they are also not executable programs, but they are read using other programs.

With so much misinformation and myths surrounding these troublesome programs called Computer Viruses, the question still remains unanswered that how could one save a computer from viruses? Installing antivirus program and setting up firewalls can tremendously help you in saving your computer against virus attacks from the internet. Configuring the firewall properly is also an important aspect, because it can sometimes block the antivirus program from automatically updating its versions from the internet.

Apart from the internet most malicious programs are spread through flash drives plugged from one computer to another. Although the antivirus programs will offer you protection, it is also a good idea to have a special program that scans every flash drive plugged into the system instantly. This way your computer can be more secure.

It is a general conception that most of the viruses are designed by antivirus companies that want to further their business, but the fact is that these malicious programs originate from such individuals who have nothing else to do better. Such individuals are always engaged in designing advanced Computer Viruses just to prove that they could do it, which leads to larger problems.




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