What is a virus?
A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without the permission or knowledge of the owner. The term “virus” is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware, adware, and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability. A true virus can only spread from one computer to another (in some form of executable code) when its host is taken to the target computer, or carried on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, DVD, or USB drive.What is Malware?
Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner’s informed consent. The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code. The term “computer virus” is sometimes used as a catch-all phrase to include all types of malware, including true viruses.
What is spyware?
Spyware is a type of malware that is installed surreptitiously on personal computers to collect information about the user, the computer, or the browsing habits without informed consent.
What is Adware?
Adware or advertising-supported software is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertisements to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. Some types of adware are also spyware and can be classified as privacy-invasive software.
How do I protect myself from viruses?
If you are browsing the internet and downloading files, you are always susceptible to obtaining some harmful infections. The best way to prevent infecting your files is to have an up-to-date antivirus program installed on your machine prior to internet connectivity. Once installed, keep your virus definitions up to date and only download files from reputable sources.
Where do I find my computer model number?
On a laptop, there will be a sticker on the bottom with the model number, serial number, and other pertinent data.
On a desktop, there will be a make, model, and other information listed on the front of the computer tower.
What do I do if my computer is infected with a virus or isn’t running like it should be?
Contact a professional immediately to prevent spread of the virus and to remove the virus and any files associated with the harmful software.
What is RAM?
Random-access memory (usually known by its acronym, RAM) is a form of computer data storage. Today, it takes the form of integrated circuits that allow stored data to be accessed in any order (i.e., at random). The word random thus refers to the fact that any piece of data can be returned in a constant time, regardless of its physical location and whether or not it is related to the previous piece of data.