Computer Viruses

A computer virus is a performable code that, when run by someone, infects or attaches itself to other executable code in a computer in an effort to reproduce itself. Some computer viruses are able to erase files and lock up entire systems; others merely infect code. A computer virus infection should never go untreated.

There are many varieties of viruses:

File Infectors- These viruses attach themselves to regular programs, such as COM or EXE files under DOS. As a result, they are refreshed each time the infected program is run.

Cluster Infectors- These viruses do not actually attach themselves to programs, but modify the system so that they are run prior to other programs.

Macro Viruses- These viruses infect word processing documents so that when an infected document is opened, the virus, written in a specific product's macro language, can spread.

System Infectors- These viruses store themselves in the portion of disks used for code to boot the computer. They are invoked whenever the disk is used to boot the system.

It is always a good idea to check and remove any floppies that might be in the drives before booting your machine. It is also a good habit to regularly scan your system and disks for viruses. There are several reputable resources, and anti-virus software packages, that will help you guard against a computer virus infection.

You should also be careful of internet hoaxes, which circulate through e-mail and electronic conferences, and be sure to watch for Microsoft Word Macro Viruses.