Online Computer Repair - Archive for the 'About Malware' Category
The computer is a wonderful modern convenience, but it isn’t without it’s traps. Those who surf the internet or use portable media such as diskettes and flash drives open themselves up to malicious programs known as viruses, spyware, and trojans. These programs are one of the leading causes of computer repair today, and cause many inexperienced computer users to rack up unnecessary computer repair fees. As such, it’s important to know about these malicious pieces of software (known as “Malware”).
A computer virus is a small, unwanted piece of software which interferes with the proper software of the computer, similar to the way that biological viruses interfere with living creatures and tissue. It is most commonly acquired by visiting websites or opening e-mails that are designed to infect computers. It may also be spread by removeable media such as flash drives or CD-ROMs which have become infected, but this method is less common. Viruses can cause irreperable damage to computer software and some can even damage hardware. As such, even mild infections may force computer repair.
Spyware does not damage your computer but it may compromise your passwords or open the door to identity theft. Spyware is generally picked up when one is visiting seedy or disreputable websites, and most spyware victims are those who gave into their own greed or base desires. Spyware gets it’s name because it observes you and reports back to a central location, and it may steal your passwords or credit card number. Many cases of Spyware can be detected and eliminated by online computer repair services.
Trojans are programs which pretend to be other programs, and may even appear to be legitimate applications. They get their name from the famous Trojan Horse, which appeared benevolent but was actually filled with soldiers. Trojans can cause all sorts of damage, and may incur computer repairs or even give your financial information to criminals.
Because of the presence of such malware, regular computer repair is important. There are many online computer repair services and many free and paid software services that keep you protected from malware. The key is to find the one which fits your needs and budget. It also helps to not open e-mail from people you do not know, and do not run applications whose purpose you do not know. The cost of anti-malware software pales in comparison to the cost of computer repairs or cleaning up after bad case of identity theft!
