What Is A Computer Virus?

Question

I would like to know what a computer virus is and how does a person get one? If someone has one on their computer how do they know and how is it removed?

Answer 1

A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without permission or knowledge of the user. The original may modify the copies or the copies may modify themselves, as occurs in a metamorphic virus. A virus can only spread from one computer to another when its host is taken to the uninfected computer, for instance by a user sending it over a network or carrying it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, USB drive or by the Internet. Additionally, viruses can spread to other computers by infecting files on a network file system or a file system that is accessed by another computer. Viruses are sometimes confused with computer worms and Trojan horses. A worm, however, can spread itself to other computers without needing to be transferred as part of a host. A Trojan horse is a file that appears harmless until executed. In contrast to viruses, Trojan horses do not insert their code into other computer files. Many personal computers are now connected to the Internet and to local-area networks, facilitating their spread. Today's viruses may also take advantage of network services such as the World Wide Web, e-mail, and file sharing systems to spread, blurring the line between viruses and worms. Furthermore, some sources use an alternative terminology in which a virus is any form of self-replicating malware.

from wikipeda

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer. The term "virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware, adware, and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability. A true virus can only spread from one computer to another (in some form of executable code) when its host is taken to the target computer; for instance because a user sent it over a network or the Internet, or carried it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, DVD, or USB drive. Viruses can increase their chances of spreading to other computers by infecting files on a network file system or a file system that is accessed by another computer

The term "computer virus" is sometimes used as a catch-all phrase to include all types of malware. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, trojans, most rootkits, spyware, dishonest adware, crimeware, and other malicious and unwanted software, including true viruses. Viruses are sometimes confused with computer worms and Trojan horses, which are technically different. A worm can exploit security vulnerabilities to spread itself to other computers without needing to be transferred as part of a host, and a Trojan horse is a program that appears harmless but has a hidden agenda.

Answer 4

A virus is a program that can infect or contaminate other programs and is often detrimental to computer data or system integrity. Viruses are most frequently spread by opening infected email attachments. The virus can then send itself to everyone listed in the recipient's email address book. Some viruses are spread through Internet downloads, while others are spread through infected disks. There are thousands and thousands of known viruses, and new virus strains continue to show up regularly. The rate of virus infection is rapidly increasing.

Answer 5

a computer virus is something harmful that can destro ur data or modify it without ur knowing best way to keep away frm them is to keep a good antivirsu on ur pc a i suggest macafee or avast

Answer 6

well, its a program that destroys your comp or destroy some of the data on your comp.

for more details:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_virus