Threats » Viruses

What is a Virus?

A virus is a form of computer software developed with intention of infecting a system and replicating itself within that system. It is commonly developed to affect the operation of a computer and spread through that system or move into other systems connected to it. Viruses can be spread through multiple systems and this occurs far more easily since the advent of the internet than previous media such as floppy disc. In some cases millions of systems can be infected. Viruses can be extremely harmful to the integrity of a system and in some cases can permanently render the system useless.

Which ZoneAlarm Product is best to combat a Virus?

The ZoneAlarm Antivirus application is the best way to protect your computer(s) from the harmful effects of viruses. The award- winning ZoneAlarm Antivirus software offers premier protection against any threat you may encounter. It features the most up-to-date virus protection available on the market. The ZoneAlarm Antivirus MailSafe feature will protect all of your important email correspondence and prevent viruses entering your computer in spam emails. ZoneAlarm Antivirus also offers superior protection for your wireless networks ensuring your system remains safe impenetrable to virus threats.

What is the purpose of a Virus?

The purpose of most viruses is to alter the user experience on a system. Most viruses are designed to cause system failures and are often developed with intention of creating chaos by infecting multiple computers. They are different to other forms of malicious software such as spyware as they do not monitor or collect data and have no intention of enabling identity theft or computer fraud.

A short history of Viruses

Computer viruses have been in existence for nearly 40 years. The first virus was written in the early 1970s and spread via an early form internet operating at the time. The first virus with potential to infect the computer systems of the general public was written in 1981. This virus and many others were initially written to prevent pirating of software. However many viruses began to be programmed with malicious intent around the same time. As computers started to become connected through networks and the internet viruses began to spread far more rapidly. Many viruses had devastating effects as the internet gained popularity and have become significantly more sophisticated.

Characteristics of a Virus

The key feature of viruses is their ability to replicate themselves once they have entered into a system. They operate in the similar way to a biological virus. In order for a virus to spread it requires a host to transmit the infection they cannot replicate without this and are completely ineffective.

A user may observe noticeable changes once a virus has infected their system or it may be able to operate covertly when altering and destroying data. Once a virus has begun replication it is often difficult to control its spread. Many sophisticated viruses can quickly spread through an entire computer and their effects can be irreversible.

Viruses enter computer systems by piggybacking on other software and will infect the system once the software is installed or used. Viruses can enter a system when a user downloads a program or data that has been infected. They can also come in the form of an email virus attached or contained within spam. This has become an increasingly popular method of infection. Once a virus enters the system it can also interact with other viruses to create a combined virus different from the two original forms. These new viruses can be even difficult to control than the ‘parent’ virus.

Eliminating/Controlling Viruses

There are methods which can be employed to limit the effects viruses can have on your system. Regularly conducting back-ups of data on system before a virus takes hold will give you the best chance ensuring your information is retrievable. If a virus does infect your computer the only way to remove it usually involves a complicated and inconvenient process of reinstalling your entire operating system.

The most effective way to prevent and remove viruses is to install anti-virus software. This software is common place today and is easily obtainable. It is almost impossible to avoid viruses if some form of anti-virus software is not installed on your system. This software will protect you from the harmful effects of viruses and ensure your data remains safe.