There are many ways your computer can become infected with a virus or other malware (bad software). Anytime your computer comes in contact with files it did not create, you could be at risk.  Viruses and other malware can be installed from any form of media including CD or DVD, floppy disks, flash drives, and (most commonly) the Internet.

Internet-based viruses often infect a computer through a web page. A malicious page will attempt to trick visitors into downloading the virus by disguising it as an antivirus or other helpful program, a video or audio codec, a free game, or a vast number of similar enticements. Some viruses can infect a computer through the Internet connection without any interaction from the user. This is why it is very important to have safeguards in place such as a good antivirus program and a firewall.

Other common avenues of infection include:

• email attachments (especially when an attached file is not expected or the email is of an unknown origin)
• Peer-to-peer file sharing (It’s basically a roll of the dice to begin with. The odds can increase slightly in your favor as you find people to share with that have a “reputation” to uphold.)
• Fake download buttons on legitimate download pages
• Bundled junk software in otherwise decent programs
• Infected music or video files
• Infected advertisements

There are so many different forms of malware in existence that computer owners and users are forced to arm themselves with several forms of protection and take steps towards preventing infection constantly. To try to teach someone how not to become infected is not an easy task, but there are some relatively easy steps that can be taken to help minimize the risk of infection such as keeping your operating system and installed software updated.

BOTTOM LINE: An inexpensive review by a technician is a great way to know about problems as they arise. If you believe you may have a virus or other bad software installed on your computer, call the help desk. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse. A true virus can reproduce until it runs out of room to do so. At that point your computer might not even start up.