COMPUTER VIRUSESJulia White

WHAT ARE COMPUTER VIRUSES?

Computer viruses are small software programs that are designed to spread from one computer to another and to interfere with computer operation.

HOW DO THEY GET INTO A COMPUTER?

Accepting without reading Opening e-mail attachments Not running the latest updates Pirating software, music, or movies No antivirus spyware scanner Downloading infected software

HOW CAN VIRUSES BE AVOIDED? Never click on a link or attachment in an email if it is not

from a trusted source. Be wary of files with a double extension such as ".txt.vb" or

".jpg.exe". Use USB drives with caution Beware of internet pop-ups Beware of unusual emails from companies you do business

with Make sure you have a antivirus protection Have an antispyware program Use Window’s firewall Set up your Windows Update to automatically download

patches and upgrades Consider switching to a different web browser When in doubt of an email, Google it to see what others are

saying about it Limit the people you allow to remotely control your computer

HOW DO YOU GET RID OF THE VIRUS AND FIX YOUR COMPUTER ONCE ATTACKED?

Keep antivirus up to date Use an online scanner Stop a runaway virus - viruses that take

control of your computer and send copies of themselves from your computer to other computers. It is stopped by turning off your network until the virus is manually removed.

WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF SOFTWARE USED TO KEEP YOU FROM GETTING A VIRUS?

Microsoft Safety Scanner Bitdefender Norton McAfee

WORKS CITED

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372364,00.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/virus-whatis.aspx

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/worst-computer-viruses.htm#page=3