Viruses have many purposes-some are designed to play annoying tricks, whereas others have destructive intent. Some viruses present themselves as jokes while performing secret destructive functions. There two major types of viruses are compiled viruses, which are executed by the operating system, and interpreted viruses, which are executed by an application.
Viruses insert themselves into host programs and propagate when the infected program is executed, generally by user interaction (e.g., opening a file, running a program, clicking on a file attachment).
- Load only software from original disks or CD's. Pirated or copiedsoftware is always a risk for a virus.
- Execute only programs of which you are familiar as to their origin. Programs sent by email should always be suspicious.
- Computer uploads and "system configuration" changes should always be performed by the person who is responsible for the computer.
- Password protection should be employed.
- Check all shareware and free programs downloaded from on-line services with a virus checking program.
- Purchase or download a anti-virus program that runs as you boot or work your computer. Up-date it frequently. There are free anti-virus programs available.
For more information, please check out the National Institute of Science and Technology which is the US government office in charge of this problem, at this URL:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_virus
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