What is a Computer Virus? Free Antivirus Software

A computer virus is a type of malware, the distinguishing feature of which is its self-replication - it copies itself to any medium that is connected to the computer.

Computer viruses are so-called because, by analogy with real viruses, they are able to reproduce themselves. After the virus infects your computer, it spreads itself in this way. When infected with a virus, your computer may start to run slower and may be interrupted.

There are three main ways in which your computer can become infected with a computer virus.

First, the computer can become infected through removable media such as USB sticks. If you insert a USB flash drive or disk obtained from unknown sources into your computer, then it may contain a virus.

Sometimes hackers leave infected flash drives or disks on people's desktops or in public places, such as cafes, in order to spread a computer virus in this way. People who share USB drives can also transfer files from an infected computer to an uninfected one using this method.

Another way to infect your computer with a virus is to download the virus from the Internet.

If you download software or applications to your computer, be sure to get them from trusted sources such as Google Play or Apple's App Store. Don't download anything from pop-ups or websites you don't know about.

The third possible way to infect your computer with a virus is by opening an attachment or clicking on a link in a spam message that you received by mail.

If you receive email messages from a sender you don't know or trust, do not open those messages. When opening such a message, do not open any attachments or click on links.

Signs that you have a virus on your computer

There are several signs that a virus has started up on your computer.

First, you should be alerted if your computer starts to slow down. If the tasks take longer than usual, then your computer may be infected.

Secondly, be careful when suspicious applications or programs that you do not know about appear on your computer. If you notice that an application or program appears on your computer that you did not download, be careful.

It is advisable to remove all programs on your computer that you do not know, and then run a scan in antivirus or Internet Security class device to check your computer for threats. If pop-ups appear when you close your browser, this is a sure sign that your computer is infected with a virus. If you notice this, take action immediately to remove the virus. To do this, follow the instructions given above.

Another sign of a possible virus infection on your computer is the strange behavior of applications or programs. If programs begin to terminate abnormally for some unknown reason, then a virus may have started on your computer.

Finally, the infected computer may start to overheat. If you notice this, check your computer for viruses by running an antivirus or an Internet Security class solution.

How can a computer get a virus via email?

Your computer can become infected with a virus via email, but only if you open an attachment in a spam message or click on a link in such a message.

Your computer cannot be infected just because you receive spam in the mail. When you receive such messages, mark them as spam or junk, and be sure to erase them. Most email service providers (such as Gmail) automate this process, but if any unwanted messages do leak out, manually mark them as spam and don't open them.

How to protect your computer from viruses

Here are the main ways that you can protect your computer from viruses:

Use an antivirus or an Internet Security class solution such as Total Security. To protect your Android mobile device, consider Internet Security for Android.

Review user reviews of applications and software products.

Before downloading applications and software, read the description from the developers.

Download apps and software only from trusted sites.

Check how many times apps and software products have been downloaded. The more downloads the better.

Check the permissions that apps and programs are asking for. How justified are they?

Never click on unverified links in spam, mail, and unfamiliar websites.

Do not open attachments in spam emails.

Keep your software, applications, and operating system up to date.

When using public Wi-Fi networks, use a secure VPN connection, such as  Secure Connection.

Never connect unknown USB flash drives to your computer, do not insert unknown disks.

Don't put yourself at risk of infection. Protect your computer with free antivirus total Security.