Virus map

The above charts show the regional distribution of viruses worldwide. Virus count represents number of infected files and the percentage shows relative prevalence in each region compared to worldwide statistics for each measuring period.The charts display information about actual virus infections detected by HouseCall, an on-line virus scanner for PCs.

				Computer virus information

A virus is a small piece of software that attaches itself to 'real' software programs (executable code). Each time you launch the real program, the virus is also launched. The virus may then spread and attach itself to other programs and wreak havoc on your system.

The most widespread virus is an email virus. An email virus spreads through email attachments. It usually spreads by mailing itself to everyone within the email program's address book. It tricks the email recipient into believing the message was sent from someone they know.

Although this type of virus rapidly spreads, you can't get it simply by reading a plain text email. However, you can execute the virus by clicking on an encoded message that contains embedded executable code such as JavaScript within an HTML email message, or an executable file attachment.

Another type of program that is often thought of as a virus is a 'Trojan horse' program. However, it is not a virus. It is simply a computer program that acts like it's something it's not. For example, you may download a program that you think is a computer game. However, when you run the program, it may delete files on your hard drive. Trojan horses cannot automatically replicate themselves.

Another widespread program is known as a worm. A worm is actually a small piece of software that travels through vulnerable computer networks with security holes. The worm scans the network in search of other computers with security holes. It copies itself to each system it finds.

Although viruses can infect any type of executable code such as EXE files or DOC files, most media files such as GIF, JPG, BMP, MP3, WAV, AVI, MOV and TXT files are generally safe.

Although viruses can wreak havoc, computer virus hoaxes can also be damaging. Virus hoaxes may cause Internet users to begin to ignore all virus warnings. This can be harmful, as they are then left vulnerable to 'real' virus warnings.

In addition, many virus hoaxes also include a 'fix' that instructs the user to delete a certain file from their system. However, the file the hoax says is a virus is actually an important file needed by your computer.

Never follow the advice within an email 'virus alert' instructing you to remove a virus from your system without first verifying its validity.

Visit Symantec to search their virus encyclopedia:
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/vinfodb.html/

You can also search McAfee's virus database here:
http://www.mcafee.com/anti-virus/default.asp

You can protect your computer by taking a few precautionary steps:

1) Purchase a quality virus protection software and keep it updated.

McAfee http://www.mcafee.com

Norton http://www.symantec.com

Please note, the above programs (especially Norton) have been known to cause problems with some operating systems. Although there isn't any particular pattern, caution should be exercised. I use McAfee online virus scan and haven't had any problems.

2) If you're using Microsoft programs, make sure that the "Macro Virus Protection" is enabled. Never run a macro within a document unless you know exactly what it does.

3) Never open an email attachment unless you're absolutely sure where it came from and what it is.

4) Avoid downloading software programs from sources you're not familiar with. If you do download a program, make sure you scan the file with your anti-virus software prior to installing.