Virus
A virus is any type of software that embeds itself into your computer and can then replicate itself by infecting other computers through a network, Internet connection or removable media such as CD, usb thumb drive or floppy disk. Though the term is often confused or mistakenly used to mean other types of spyware or general malware, a virus is malicious software that actually copies itself to other computers and infects them.
Though they can be transmitted by the physcial "sneaker net" (carried from pc to pc via disk or USB drive), they are most often transmitted via e-mail.
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Though by definition a virus must have a reproductive function, it is often used to refer to other types of malware such as trojan horses, rookits, etc. that do not replicate themselves. A host computer must first be infected, possibly by a regular, manual hack attempt, or it could be infected by payload carried by another application such as a trojan horse or other spyware.
A virus only needs one host computer to start its infestation process to other computers, since replication is one of the main functions. A host PC is infected, and then the virus may send itself out to every person on the host computer's email address book. Every recipient of the email who doesn't use virus protection is at risk of infection. Those that are newly infected in turn become new virus hosts, which then replicate to more computers, again possibly found from the new host's email address book. The cycle then continues.
We suggest using a capable virus scanner and remover regularly. These applications can even run in the background to alert you of any incoming virus before it has the chance to deploy its infection or replication process. If you suspect you have a virus on your computer, get started with our step-by-step spyware remover software guide right away.
Virus News
Experts say Iran has "neutralized" Stuxnet virus (Reuters) - Iranian engineers have succeeded in neutralizing and purging the computer virus known as Stuxnet from their country's nuclear machinery, European and U.S. officials and private experts have told Reuters. The malicious code, whose precise origin and authorship remain unconfirmed, made its way as early as 2009 into equipment controlling centrifuges Iran is using to enrich uranium ...
Money-stealing computer virus poses as police message Police in the United Kingdom have issued a warning to computer users not to fall for a money-stealing computer virus that impersonates... well, the police.
Experts Agree Iran Likely Disabled Crippling Stuxnet Computer Virus Engineers in Iran have successfully neutralized and removed the Stuxnet computer virus from the nation’s nuclear equipment, Reuters reports, citing unidentified U.S. and European officials.