Effects and prevention from a Computer Virus

Computer virus is a malicious application code that reduces work efficiency of your desktop PC. It is a software program that copies itself and infects a computer. Widely, computer virus is a common term used to represent other types of malwares, adware and spyware programs that cannot reproduce further.

There are different types of virus threat that might be detected easily, but there are viruses that are hidden in form of files. This makes the users unaware that their computer has been affected by viruses.

Some of the common types of virus are-

• Boot sector viruses: This virus badly affects removal disks, diskettes and hard drive.Virus affects the Mater Boot Record present in floppy disk and inserting it causes severe infection to your Desktop PC. Inserting of infected floppy into hard drive causes infection to system as well.

• Program viruses: This type of virus is referred as extensions of .BIN, .COM, .EXE, .OLV,.DRV. Opening of program file containing virus, activates the affect of virus infection. Activation of program virus causes reduplication of virus and infection to other programs atsystem.

• Multipartite viruses: This virus infects the program files and boot records once the program is activated. As soon as you boot your system, all the local drives and application programs will be infected causing system breakdown.

• Stealth viruses: It is not easily detected by any antivirus security software. The virus hides in a very unique manner, such as hiding himself in memory or modifying its file size.

• Polymorphic viruses: It has a capability of changing virus signature that is known as binary pattern. Known for its multiplying and hiding capability, it is not easily detected by any antivirus security program.

The hazardous affects of computer virus are mentioned below-

1. It causes slow working of system.
2. The probability of freezing and halting of desktop screen increase.
3. It often restarts itself.
4. It displays some uncommon error messages, dialog boxes and distorted menu.
5. Improper working of application programs and incorrect document printing.

To prevent unnecessary virus attack at your system, antivirus install security software, such as McAfee Premium or AVG free version.