What is a Computer Virus?

Most people think of viruses as little “bugs” that cause us and our computers to “get sick.” In very basic terms, this is true. But to really understand what a computer virus is we should find out a little more.

In fact, everything that makes a computer operate is a software program of some sort. Whether we want an operating system (Windows, Linux, Mac OS), an application for writing or playing music, or a simple program that lets us change our desktop wallpaper, we need software.

What is software? It’s the step-by-step instructions that tell our box of plastic, wires and glass what to do. Computer viruses are software programs too. But these are unwanted instructions that don’t do anything positive for the computer user. They are created to move from one computer or storage device to another and, like the viruses that make the human body sick, computer viruses keep the equipment from working the way it should.

Someone, somewhere, writes programming instructions that can make a mess of the information on your hard drive or even remove it completely! Some viruses work by travelling along with your email messages to infect other computers. Many of these only work when an attachment is actually opened on other computers. That’s why it is important to have email filters and security software.

The most dangerous viruses might even masquerade as something interesting and harmless, such as a poem or electronic greeting card. Computer users should also be very careful not to download and open information from the Web/Internet without knowing the source. This is, in fact, one of the primary ways that virus creators get their work into other computers.

There are plenty of methods for preventing viruses from infecting a computer. You can install a reliable, well-known protection program such as Norton, MacAfee, or one of the many low-cost/free programs. But make sure you do your homework first so that you know what you are getting. A virus-protection program that sounds wonderful may do little or nothing to help you. It also pays to be informed. Read about computer viruses, new applications for your computer etc. and focus on how all of this can work to keep your computer safe and working efficiently.

Now that we have a good overview of what a virus is and can do, we should also understand what a virus is not! Most definitions of “computer virus” say that they can replicate (copy themselves) as a standard way of growing and infecting computers.

It pays to be familiar with the terms “malware” and “spyware” too. These don’t reproduce as a virus does. A computer virus spreads from one computer to a second computer if the original is taken into that second location. Viruses are written in “executable” code so they move over an internal network or the Internet. Viruses, malware, spyware, worms etc. all cause trouble for computer users. This can be very serious for businesses. A computer virus is slightly different from other problem software, in an insidious way.