Why Is It Called a Virus?

Why are some malicious programs called a virus?  What is a malicious program?  So many customers have asked me this one, “Why do people create viruses?”

Viruses are malicious programs that can reproduce themselves.  They spread through a network or, more rapidly, over the Internet.  They also transfer themselves with portable media like CD’s, DVD’s and Flash Drives.  Most hide in attachments that innocent victims send by email when they continue the ‘cute’ forward to friends and family.  I say innocent because the individual that sends you a funny or thought provoking attachment has no idea a virus is hiding inside.

If you insist on opening attachments sent by friends of family, I recommend a good Internet Security Antivirus program like Kaspersky.  If you spend most of your time surfing the Internet, this one is worth the extra expense.  Here is a link to get a 3-user Kaspersky Internet Security.  Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 3-User

A malicious program is an unwelcomed program that causes major irritation to the user.  It can slow your computer down to a crawl, cause your computer to restart itself, or freeze and cause you to lose important work.

Just a note.  This is not the time to go looking for a good antivirus program.  Antivirus programs are not designed to remove a stubborn virus.  They only prevent a virus!  Obviously, some perform better than others do.

I share a good analogy from Tam, a salesperson at Office Depot in my area.  “Antivirus programs are like a seat belt; they protect you during an accident but do no good to undo the accident!”

Why do people create viruses?  I will resist the annoying answer ‘because they can’ and focus on another reason.  There is no monetary value to the culprit.  There is only national notoriety, a sense of malicious accomplishment and chance for revenge.  Revenge?  Yes, revenge.

Most of the major viruses aim themselves toward Microsoft!  For whatever reason, big money, success, or the conniving way success may have been achieved, Microsoft remains the target.

When your computer operating system seems too far-gone to repair, retailers have an answer that will cost you money.

Return tomorrow for a tip on how to avoid these viruses and how you can undo a virus that is wrecking havoc on your machine.

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The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?