A computer virus is a malicious code that is designed to replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. The purpose of a virus is to cause harm to your computer’s operating system, programs, or data. It can even spread from one person’s computer to another via email, instant messaging, or other applications.
Viruses can be classified into two main categories: boot-sector viruses and file-infecting viruses. Boot-sector viruses are designed to infect the master boot record, which is responsible for loading the operating system. File-infecting viruses are designed to infect individual files on your computer.
It’s important to understand how to detect a computer virus so that you can protect your computer from potential harm. The most common signs of a virus on your computer include slow performance, pop-up ads, and abnormal system behaviour. You may also notice strange files added to your computer that you didn’t put there yourself.
If you suspect your computer has been infected with a virus, you can use anti-virus software to scan your system and detect any malicious code. This software is designed to detect and remove malicious code, as well as repair any damage it may have caused.
You can also use a reputable online virus scanner to check your computer for viruses. These tools scan your computer for suspicious files, then alert you if any malicious code is found.
Another way to detect a virus is to check for unusual system behaviour. If your computer is suddenly running slowly and crashing, it’s likely a sign that there’s a virus on your system.
Finally, you can also use a rootkit scanner to check for rootkits, which are malicious programs designed to hide themselves on your system. Rootkits can be difficult to detect, so a rootkit scanner can help you find any malicious code that may have been installed on your computer.
By understanding what a computer virus is and how to detect it, you can help protect your computer from malicious code and keep your data safe.
