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.
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.
Here 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!
Here 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.
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!
Basically 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!
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