tatianaG-computer+virsues

= = What is a __ COMPUTER VIRUS ?__ A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer. 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.What makes computer viruses different however is the fact that they are designed to copy themselves throughout your computer's memory or hard drive; or even across the internet



Computer viruses can spread from computer to computer by infecting files on a network file system or a file system that is accessed by another computer.

Here are a few ways to prevent getting viruses: Here is a software that prevents computer viruses: [|http://antivirus.norton.com/norton/ps/1up_ca_fr_360t2.html?om_sem_cid=hho_sem_sy:us:ggl:en:e|kw0000007642|6343819396&om_sem_site=]
 * 1) Make sure your operating system is up to date
 * 2) Make sure your web browser is up to date
 * 3) Be careful what attachments you open
 * 4) Consider using "Limited" accounts wherever possible

What is **__ Encryption? __** The process of transforming information using an algorithm to make it unreadable to anyone except those possessing special knowledge, usually referred to as key. In many contexts, the word encryption also refers to the reverse process, decryption which is to make the encrypted information readable again (i.e. to make it unencrypted).



Information such as:
 * Credit-card information
 * Social Security numbers
 * Private correspondence
 * Personal details
 * Sensitive company information
 * Bank-account information ­

can be found by computer hackers. A simple but straightforward security method is to only keep sensitive information on removable storage media like portable flash memory drives or external hard drives.

Computer encryption is based on the science of cryptography, which has been used as long as people want to keep information secret. Before the digital age, the biggest users of cryptography were governments, particularly for military purposes How to prevent computer encryption:
 * 1) Create a secure, encrypted internet connection
 * 2) Install a two-way firewall on your computer such as ZoneAlarm, McAfee or Norton Antivirus
 * 3) Check which files and folders are currently being "shared" in your operating system.
 * 4) Download and install encryption software that allows you to secure your sensitive files and folders with stringent passwords and encryption rules.
 * 5) Consider installing a software program that will shield your IP address from computer hackers.
 * 6) Create backups of sensitive information on a separate hard disk or USB flash drive.

" Dealing With Computer Viruses in Windows." //Top Windows Tutorials - Free Windows Tutorials for Everybody//. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2011. <http://www.top-windows-tutori

Tyson, Jeff. "HowStuffWorks "Security Encryption Systems"." //Howstuffworks "Computer"//. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2011. <http://computer.howstuffworks