Unusual or undocumented error messages.Cause a computer to make strange noises, make music, clicking noises, or beeps.Increase disk access times or make the computer always busy.Cause system to hang or freeze randomly.Disable ports such as LPT or COM ports.Cause hardware problems such as keyboard keys not working, printer issues, modem issues, etc.Modify the order of execution for example, cause COM files to start before EXE files.Create logical partitions or partitions decrease in size.Decrease the speed of the computer, causing the system to run slow or be low on resources.Access a non-existing drive, causing error messages like: "Invalid drive specification.".Randomly overwrites sectors on the hard drive.
Cause various error messages in files or on programs.Delete some or all files without consent.However, realize many of these symptoms can also be caused by another computer-related issue and not a virus. For example, a non-resident virus can infect a specific file, and when accessed, it can spread to other files, corrupting those files and making them unreadable.īelow are different issues the computer may exhibit when infected with a virus. Almost all computer viruses only damage the data contained on the computer and do not physically harm the computer or its hardware. Most computer viruses delete data, overwrite information, display messages, and add itself to other files on the computer. What a virus does to a computer depends on the type of virus. Is this file infected with spyware, virus, or other malware?.While this method can locate some viruses, it doesn't determine the exact virus you may or may not have and is not recommended. How do I scan or check for computer viruses?Īlternatively, a user can look at various aspects of the computer and detect possible signs indicating a virus is on the computer.How do I remove a virus and malware from my computer?.What are the currently available antivirus programs?.The recommended method of detecting and cleaning the computer from any computer viruses or other malware is an antivirus or antimalware protection program. Once installed on a computer, an antivirus monitors, detects, and cleans any computer viruses by looking for virus signatures. You can protect your computer from viruses by installing an antivirus protection program. How does a computer get infected with a virus or spyware?.Once downloaded, copied, or otherwise acquired, if the infected program is executed, it can potentially affect anything that a computer can access. When a virus is made, it's often distributed through shareware, pirated software, e-mail, P2P programs, or other programs where users share data. There are many ways a computer can become infected with a computer virus or other malware.
What is the full form of "virus," or what is it short for?.What are the advantages and disadvantages of viruses?.What is the difference between malware and a virus?.What was the first computer virus ever created?.When was the term "virus" first coined?.Can a virus infect a CD, DVD, or another disc?.Can a virus physically damage my computer?.Which operating systems are susceptible to viruses?.