There are quite many myths and misconceptions about computer viruses and malware in general. But there are also facts behind any myth regarding malicious software. So, in this post I'm going to put into view a few myths and the reality behind each one of them.
Myth: I have an antivirus, no malware can affect my computer now.
Fact: Wrong. With an antivirus program your machine will indeed be much safer from malware threats, however not completely safe. There are clever viruses out there that can go around many antivirus programs or firewalls, especially if your antivirus isn't up to date. So, even if you have an antivirus, extra care when web surfing or downloading programs or attachments is recommended.
Myth: There are computer viruses that can damage hardware.
Fact: Generally, not. However, there are viruses that aim for the BIOS being able to delete it completely. Or there are viruses that can repeat a certain task over and over again until they really wear out your hard drive, for example. But viruses that will make your computer explode or something like that, exist only in movies.
Myth: Got many errors, must be a virus.
Fact: Yes and no. Files of various programs can be corrupted in many ways, you can download them corrupted or the program simply isn't installed properly. So, if your computer throws a lot of errors, it doesn't mean you have a virus. On the other hand, some viruses restrict the access or running of certain software, or the running of certain applications, to cover their tracks or to prevent from being deleted. So, it's rather hard to tell if the errors you're experiencing are caused by a virus or not, until you scan your machine.
Myth: I'm a Mac user, I'm safe from malware.
Fact: There are quite a few malware threats for Mac OS X. Of course way fewer than for Windows, but they're there. So, if you're using a Mac, there's good reason for you to also install an antivirus. Also, keep in mind that many viruses or other malware for Windows don't manifest on Macs, but can also be spread on other Windows-based computers from a Mac.
Mtyh: Reinstalling Windows can remove a virus.
Fact: Indeed if you format and reinstall Windows, the virus will be erased, but many people simply get it back when they copy their files stored as for backup. So, if you're going to reinstall Windows, make sure you scan all your old files that you want to copy once again on your computer, to make sure the virus isn't hiding in one of them.
Myth: I have an antivirus, no malware can affect my computer now.
Fact: Wrong. With an antivirus program your machine will indeed be much safer from malware threats, however not completely safe. There are clever viruses out there that can go around many antivirus programs or firewalls, especially if your antivirus isn't up to date. So, even if you have an antivirus, extra care when web surfing or downloading programs or attachments is recommended.
Myth: There are computer viruses that can damage hardware.
Fact: Generally, not. However, there are viruses that aim for the BIOS being able to delete it completely. Or there are viruses that can repeat a certain task over and over again until they really wear out your hard drive, for example. But viruses that will make your computer explode or something like that, exist only in movies.
Myth: Got many errors, must be a virus.
Fact: Yes and no. Files of various programs can be corrupted in many ways, you can download them corrupted or the program simply isn't installed properly. So, if your computer throws a lot of errors, it doesn't mean you have a virus. On the other hand, some viruses restrict the access or running of certain software, or the running of certain applications, to cover their tracks or to prevent from being deleted. So, it's rather hard to tell if the errors you're experiencing are caused by a virus or not, until you scan your machine.
Myth: I'm a Mac user, I'm safe from malware.
Fact: There are quite a few malware threats for Mac OS X. Of course way fewer than for Windows, but they're there. So, if you're using a Mac, there's good reason for you to also install an antivirus. Also, keep in mind that many viruses or other malware for Windows don't manifest on Macs, but can also be spread on other Windows-based computers from a Mac.
Mtyh: Reinstalling Windows can remove a virus.
Fact: Indeed if you format and reinstall Windows, the virus will be erased, but many people simply get it back when they copy their files stored as for backup. So, if you're going to reinstall Windows, make sure you scan all your old files that you want to copy once again on your computer, to make sure the virus isn't hiding in one of them.
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