| Computers are very detailed machines that | | | | There are many programs available and they are |
| function by set rules, codes and languages. | | | | a must-have for an individual's personal computer |
| Everything follows a pattern and schedule in order | | | | and certainly for that of a business. Strong |
| to operate efficiently. Computer viruses can | | | | measures must be taken to prevent viruses |
| affect the cosmetics of a computer such as the | | | | within a company, as one infected computer is |
| screen and display appearances or the simple | | | | opening the door to the entire network, putting |
| functions such as the way the keyboard operates | | | | clients, customers and even employees at risk. |
| or the functionality of the drives. Some of these | | | | Businesses should understand that the condition of |
| symptoms may seem to be only a minor | | | | their system is susceptible to change with every |
| inconvenience, but when you see these signs you | | | | employee that signs into the network. Training |
| should wonder what may have caused the | | | | should be instituted to prevent damage by |
| change and what else may be going on that you | | | | teaching employees how to determine what is |
| can't see. Other symptoms can include loss of | | | | safe use of the system, how to update their |
| files, decrease in memory space, slow operation | | | | protection programs and how to know if |
| and damaged programs. | | | | something is questionable and when to bring it to |
| The writer of the virus determines how they will | | | | the attention of the IT department. It is always |
| infect the system as well as what they want the | | | | helpful to set up the virus protection programs to |
| virus to do. In most cases, a virus will perform | | | | run automatically and the individual systems or the |
| damage to the host system, and may do this | | | | network as a whole can be set to automatically |
| while performing another function such as | | | | update the programs that are install along with |
| retrieving information, and then spread to the | | | | fixes and patches as needed. In addition to |
| remainder of the network. | | | | anti-virus programs a filter may also help to block |
| A computer virus is similar to a medical virus in | | | | viruses. |
| that it often occurs even when precautions were | | | | While the anti-virus is placed inside the firewall, a |
| taken to prevent it. Particularly malicious viruses | | | | filter is placed on the outside and closer to the |
| steal information and data, which may be | | | | server. Users may be limited as far as what can |
| confidential. This may be customer or client | | | | be received and may not be able to open |
| information of a personal nature whether medical, | | | | attachments. This will undoubtedly create an |
| financial or some other form. It may be company | | | | inconvenience, though it is in the best interest of |
| information specific to employee's records, user | | | | the company and will save money by eliminating |
| names and passwords or other functions of the | | | | loss of business if a shutdown is needed to |
| business. Information may simultaneously be | | | | correct a problem. A virus usually spreads very |
| erased. It can pick up information from any other | | | | quickly and for a large company this can be |
| computer in the network. It can locate other | | | | costly. Prevention is always the least costly way |
| users and obtain their information. | | | | to reduce the risk of virus. |