Computer virus and its danger

I recently visited a forum where a question was asked about the danger of virus infection and since its one of my area of specialization I took it upon myself that it will definitely be the first topic of my first blog.So I'm going to do my best to detail its (Virus) effect out.

Computer virus are programmes that are purposely design and it migrate from one computer system to another disturbing the smooth operations of the computer system.Though small, but has the capacity of corrupting your system,deleting the data on your computer ,complete erasure of your hard disk content and it can also spread itself to other computers through your e-mail programmes (especially through e-mail attachments).
It is advisable not to open attachment without knowing the source and when the source is detected it is always safer to scan with an antivirus before opening.
Virus can also come into your computer system by disguising as an attachments of video files,audio,greeting cards,funny image or through downloaded programmes/files from the Internet.They can be hidden in a programme you download,unseen software or other files.Therefore it is very necessary to keep your computer current and installing antivirus tools in order to keep your computer free from this software programme that has caused many problem to systems and untold hardship to entrepreneurs.

Furthermore you'll need to keep yourself abreast of the recent threats to computing in the world of today through identification and adoption of few basic rules while you surf on the Internet,receive e-mail attachment,download files e.t.c.Avoid getting your system infected with virus,how it got there and its type is not as important as removing and preventing future occurrence because once your computer system get infected it start developing some malfunctions automagically e.g. Slow in running,hard disk or modem start an overtime working and you'll start seeing programmes starting automatically and unexpected messages coming up sometimes.

Though there are numerous malicious viruses presently but the top threats now are:

• Trojan:Js/Agent.FA
• worm:win 32/Roron.AA@mm and
• worm:win 32/conficker.B

Now, I will ask you some questions and if your answers are "Yes","Yes" and "Yes"then your system is infected with virus.Here are the questions below:

1. Are you getting an unexpected messages?
2. is your modem or hard disk working overtime?
3. is your computer running very slowly?
4. Is any programme starting automatically?

Suggestions on its removal

Though manual removal is not recommended but a full -system scan by using an up-to-date antivirus product in order to detect and remove any threat and spyware based in your your computer system.Microsoft online scanner can do this job fast and easy (you can visit http://safety.live.com/),I have used it before and can attest to it suitability and its also free.Other top recommended antivirus and spyware are Listed below:

• The shield Deluxe 2009-Antivirus And Antispyware
• Bit defender Antivirus 2009
• CA Antivirus Plus 2009
• McAfee virus scan plus 2009
• Webroot Antivirus with Antispyware 6.0
• Norton Antivirus 2009 e.t.c

The list are endless but this are the top rated ones.

Preventive steps against computer virus infections

1. Never trust an attachment file's icon.You may be fooled/deceived ,as worms mostly disguise using icons that are replica to icons of text,archive files or picture to deceive users.
2. If you receive an e-mail message that you think is strange from a known friend or relative check with the person before you actually open it.
3. Always disconnect your network or modem cable whenever you're not using your computer.
4. Beware of double file extensions like NAME.BMP.EXE or NAME.TXT.VBS.Never open such attachment as they as threats to your computer systems.
5. Always do a regular backups especially files you can't afford to lose or those that will b difficult to replace e.g. address books,important e-mails,bookmarks,documents e.t.c.It is advisable you regularly do backup for your entire system.
6. Do not open e-mail attachment bearing file extensions SHS,PIF or VBS,normal attachment seldom use them except viruses and worms.
7. Beware of online reception of attachment from strangers in online chat systems like ICQ,AOL instant messenger or IRC.
8. Avoid the usage of floppies to exchange information between computers.In fact its an obsolete means of information storage.
9. Install an antivirus and antispyware and also make sure you update continuously when such update is out.

I hope this has been helpful,but in case you have additional questions you can please use the add a comment button.This will go a long way in spurring me to do more better,

Success to you all.