Computer+Viruses+and+Spyware

The use of a computer combined with the internet will increase the risk of exposing your computer to a Virus or Spyware. It is inevitable. At one point or another every computer has had a virus or a spyware program installed without the knowledge of the user. Computer viruses and spyware programs can be very dangerous to the computer and to the user. Before we explain more about computer viruses and spyware programs lets discuss what they are. According to Princeton.edu, a computer virus is a software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs on the same computer. According to Princeton.edu, a spyware program is computer software that obtains information from a user's computer without the user's knowledge or consent. Computer Virus · Slow Down Computers · Causes Computer Crashes · Corrupting Files · Display message, sound or picture · Erasing Data · Erasing Hard Drive · Can Spread to other Computers Spyware · Monitors activity · Records users keystrokes, internet history, private/personal information. · Saves user Information · Transmits collected information to its creator. Computer Virus · Erases information. · Waste your time restoring your system Spyware · Collects usernames and passwords · Banking websites and records · Collected by dangerous people. · Steal identities · Steal money The best way to protect your computer and yourself from these programs is to use a virus and spyware removing software. These programs can either be purchased or downloaded for free from reputable sites. Both programs have their benefits, in either free or purchased; it is based on user preference. Both programs are easy to install and use. Another way to make sure your computer is covered for future infections is to have the most up to date information on the viruses and spyware programs. Most antiviral software and anti-spyware programs have an automatic update option to insure that your computer is protected. It is wise to do a manual update every week due to the number of viruses and spyware programs created each week.
 * __ Computer Virus: __**
 * __ Spyware Program: __**
 * __ What do they really do? __**
 * __ Why are they dangerous? __**
 * __ How to protect your computer and yourself. __**

Computer virus
 * __ What should the penalty be for a creator of such programs? __**
 * ** Spyware
 * Jail time for spyware creators.
 * Restitution for damages
 * Banned from using computer
 * Community service/outreach
 * Community service/outreach
 * Banned from using computer
 * Restitution for damages
 * Possible jail time depending on damage caused

· Remain calm · Get the attention of an adult · If the computer unusable, you will go to an available one or share Other cool sites to read over regarding computer viruses and spyware programs: [] [] [] [|www.download.com]
 * __ What should I do if I discover the computer is acting different? __**