Computer Viruses

What is a computer virus?

Virus???

Computer viruses and malwares strike when you rarely expect them. So it is important we be on our guard against viruses and malwares.

A computer virus can be defined as a software program that spreads from one computer to another and that interferes with normal computer operation. A computer virus may corrupt or delete data on a computer, use an e-mail program to spread the virus to other computers, or even delete everything on the hard disk. Viruses have the ability to duplicate themselves thus negatively affecting your computer.

Computer viruses are most easily spread by attachments in e-mail messages or by instant messaging messages. Therefore, you must never open an e-mail attachment unless you know who sent the message or unless you are expecting the e-mail attachment. Computer viruses also spread by using downloads on the Internet. Computer viruses can be hidden in pirated software or in other files or programs that you may download.

Once they reach your computer, they will then be tranferred easily by flash disk drives and other removable media types.

The term "virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware, including but not limited to adware and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability. A true virus can 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.

Malware, short for malicious software,is a software designed to secretly access a computer system without the owner's informed consent. 

EFFECTS OF VIRUSES ON COMPUTERS

1. Windows does not start properly or may not start at all.
2. Windows may keep on re-booting.
3. The computer runs very slowly. Additionally, the computer takes longer than expected to start.
4. You receive out-of-memory error messages even though the computer has sufficient RAM.
5. Programs that used to run stop responding frequently.
6. You cannot start Windows Task Manager.
7. Antivirus software indicates that a computer virus is present.
8. Duplicate folders may be present on your computer.

How to protect your computer against viruses

To protect your computer against viruses, the following steps should be followed by anyone using a computer:

1. Make sure your computer firewall is turned on. (Start, control panel, security centre, firewall)
2. Keep the computer operating system up-to-date. (Start, control panel, security centre, Automatic updates)
3. Install an antivirus sofware and keep on updating it regularly.
4. Use updated antispyware software on the computer.

Some antivirus softwares you must buy but we have others that are freeware. Because they are freeware it doesn't mean they are not good. If regularly updated, they can protect your computer and its data and save you from a day of frustrations.

You can download avira for free from this site: http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/AntiVir-Personal-Edition-Download-6527.html

To learn more about computers, you can check out my Hubs: http://hubpages.com/_pkk/profile/Patkay

The Motherboard Components

Many people are computer users, meaning they don't know the working of their computers. Most of us are actually used to the mouse and the keyboard. But there is need for us to know about the other computer parts. That is why i have created a hub with detailed information about the computer motherboard.

You can follow this link to access more information:- http://hubpages.com/_pkk/hub/the-motherboard-components

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS (A BIGINNERS' GUIDE)

Introduction to Computers
(A Beginner's Guide)

What is a PC?

 Perhaps you have heard the term P.C and you don't know what it really stands for, now this is the know. The name PC is an acronym for Personal computer. The term PC refers to Personal Computer, the kind of a computer designed to be used by one person at a time. The first personal computer was invented by IBM back in 1981.

The components that make up a computer can be classified according to their functionality. Some of the components are used for (entering data) input, processing, storage and others for output purposes. Therefore you can define a computer as an electronic device that can accept data, process the data, store, and produce an output.
Fig 1:- Showing major parts of a PC.

Fig 2:- Computers in a class.
To read more about computers click here >>>
http://hubpages.com/hub/computer-types

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TODAY

We are living in the Information Technology era and if you are new in the Information Technology field, you don't have to worry or compare yourself to IT gurus. All you have to do is to read wide and do a lot of research work. It takes time and commitment to make it in the IT field.

In my blog I will be enlightening my followers with some computer tricks in the IT sector, so it can do you good to be following my blog even if you feel that you know much about computers.

The IT field keeps on changing thus it is important for everyone to keep abreast with the latest technology.

HOW TO FORMAT A FLASHDISK USING MSDOS

FORMATTING A FLASH DISK

Sometimes you might try formatting your flash disk using 'my computer option' where you right click on its drive letter and select format and the process fails. You don't have to worry you can try the DOS way. Be sure to back up your data before you format your flash disk, otherwise you will end up loosing your important data.

PROCEDURE

1. Connect your flash disk to one of the USB ports of your PC.
2. Double click on my computer on your desktop.
3. Locate the drive letter of your flash disk drive - it will be under the "devices with removable storage".
4. After noting down the drive letter of your flash disk e.g. "F", click on start button, then click on run.
5. In the dialogue box that appears, type "CMD" of course without the quotes. (That command takes you to DOS screen.)
6. While in DOS, type the following command in the DOS prompt:- Format F:
7. Press enter and you will get a message "insert new disk for drive F: (If your flash disk is in F) and press ENTER when ready.
8. Once you press enter formatting starts which should go to 100%.
9. You can input a volume label which is basically the name of your flash disk.
10. Or you enter for none meaning you don't give your flash disk a name.
11. Now you can start using your flash disk.

Winstar Technologies

Winstar Technologies
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