Computer Virus Types: What they do
What computer virus types mean and do to your
computer

Have you ever had a program or your operating system telling
you your computer is infected, and you have no idea what it does?
Here's a short guide!
(click read
more)
What they all have in comon is that their a pain in the
(bucket) and they may alone or together take up storage
and slow your computer. Not all are harmfull , actually most
aren't. So don't panic if you think you have one.
The most activly "virus" today is hoax or scam's. Fals programs
or popus that will tell you your infected to lead you to a
purchase. Allways google the viruses you think you have and only
buy known antivirus software at your local store or well known
websites.
How do you spot and remove the
virus?
The best way is to have updated OS, Webbrowser and
antivirus/Firewall software. Not only Windows OS get viruses. And
not only computers. Phones and Tab's may also get them. An
experienced user may notice somethings wrong if the computer do
things it shouldent or run slow. Also others may tell you you've
sent out messages or email whitout your will.
You could see what software running on your computer(Windows) by
clicking right mousebutton on your startbar and choosing
taskmanager then hoover to the sub-bar "prosesses". Google the
names you do not recognize.
Also by clicking start ->run/search: "msconfig" you may access
a window where you may check what programs startup with your
computer under the sub-bar "Boot".
Instead of removing one by one i usually keep my personal files
somewhere else and run a reinstall/recovery on my computer once
in a while. More efficient and easyer prosess.
Adware
Adware is software inside another software or files directly on
your computer displaying advertisement in loads of ways. These
programs is not harmfull standing alone, but they might come with
other types of viruses and the advertisement could leade to scam
or viruses.
Malware/Pestware
This is a type of virus constructed to harm your system or open
"doors" for hackers to access your computer.
Spam
Spam consist of a huge types of programs. This is software
created to mass spread automaticly from it's host by forum, mail,
social network and all other thinkable places. They are very
annoying becouse it sends to friends of yours that might trust
you and access what you send. Also spam may be repeatedly ads or
something else poping up.
Spyware
Spyware is small programs that hide on your computer feeding on
specific information and sending it to the creator. These might
be hard to track down. The information taken could be anything
from what you like(to advertise) or your personal information or
webhistory, mail's etc.
Worm
Worm's is one of the badasses out there. Its created to spread as
far as possible as fast as possible. Most also do damage to your
computer but not all.
It may duplicate itself on your computer or to any contact you
have online.
It feeds on your internet bandwith and computer speed. Some also
deactivate your antivirus software. Some of the worlds "biggest"
viruses were Worm's.
Trojan
Trojan is the viruses most harmfull out there. They are a mix
between Worm and Spyware. They exist only to hide, damage and
make other programs go out of function. Some of the world
"biggest" viruses were Trojan's. They may hide in your computer
for a specific time or date before activating itself.
Trashware
Trashware is not a type of virus. This is software allready
included in Windows OS and computer brands. They take up storage
and are usualy demo or trial versions. They might act like ads
and take you to a specific webpages, or they might lead you to a
purchase of some product.
Foistware
Foistware is software or applications that comes with another
program. Example: If downloading Java on Adobe's pages it comes
with Google Toolbar. Don't accept everything under an
installation. Also what may fall under this category is software
installed that want you to register online. You won't get up the
close button or X button untill you force "cancel/next/apply"
etc. several times. An example is Norton Antivirus.
Keylogger
Keylogger usualy comes with a Worm or Trojan. This program
records every button you klick in a logg and send this to the
creators. They may use this information to access all your online
membership accounts or spy on your personal intrests. Very hard
to find as it usualy hides in the regisrty far away from the
virus it arrived with.
Funware
Funware is not a virus. However it's constructed for the ublic to
install or send to anyone they like to let the senders control
the recievers computer, access their files, wrinting in their
names in chats/social networks or open the CD-tray etc.
Rootkit
Open's your computer for hackers to access your files.
Crimeware
Crimeware may be alot of types. These kinds of viruses is created
to use their host's to do crimes. They might use your computer to
send scams/ads or using your computer to break into other systems
or stealing accounts or access bank accounts. Crimeware usualy
operates automaticly.
Scareware/Scamware/Rogueware
Annoying popus, false messages, lying ads..
These kinds deactivate, damage or delete your antivirus, telling
you your computer is full or errors or viruses and suggest you
buy their software. They may also install other types of viruses
or simulate viruses.
They will pop webpages that may look like a Windows window, or
popups on your screen. Even tough you klick the X, Yes, No or
Later etc. it will allways install software, simulate viruses or
lead you to a purchase. They are easy to find and spot, but may
be very hard to remove. Every week i see new types liek these.
Examples is registry cleaner, pc booster or any software with
silly names.
I am working on a article about diffrent types of antivirus
software. I will compare them all with price and test them all by
breaking into my own computers and placing diffrent types of
viruses. Keep yourself updated!
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