Common Computer Virus Myths

By Nick Samuel

With today’s technology, computers are like cars. They are like cars because only a few people really understand how they work and how to fix them. Computer viruses are a good example of this as many people don’t fully understand them. If anything goes wrong with their computer then they must have a virus. This article is going to take a look at some of the biggest myths there are when it comes to viruses.

The first myth that a lot of people seem to have is that if their computer has stopped working then it must have a virus on it. While this certainly could be true, it is not true in all cases. The reason for this is simple. Viruses need a working computer to continue to spread. If the computer doesn’t work then the viruses can’t spread.

The next myth is that if a person has some anti-virus software, then they are protected from viruses. This just isn’t the case. The reason for this is that there are always new viruses being made and if you don’t constantly update your software then you are going to get infected. Make sure to keep your software up to date.

Some people think that viruses can damage the hardware. This again is false for the most part. It goes back to having a working computer. The virus wants a computer that is running. A dead computer does not benefit anyone. Not to mention it is far easier to damage software than hardware, so why choose the harder route?

Some fear that pictures and data files hide viruses. This also isn’t the case. The reason for this is that computer pictures are data files and they need certain programs to be read. Most of the viruses today hide inside computer programs not the data files. This is because data files aren’t executable (which is necessary for the virus to work).

I am not sure how this one started but some conspiracy theorists believe that the anti-viral software companies are the ones that create the viruses. They believe they do this so that they can make more money off of their customers. This couldn’t be further from the truth. These companies base their reputations on being the good guys and even the slightest hint of them doing something like this would make the business go under. They have their hands full targeting the viruses that others make so they don’t have the time to make themselves.

Nick Samuel is quite the computer nerd. Not only is he interested in computers but he is knowledgeable in dogs, relationships, and working out. Check out his latest website on womens leather jackets and on dog training advice