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.

First of all, the term "virus" is often used to describe other types of malware, like trojans, worms, rootkits etc., which can cause confusion. There's quite a difference between viruses, trojans, worms and other types of malware.
So, in this post I'm going to put into view the differences between a computer virus and a trojan horse, the most common types of malware that nowadays computer users have to deal with.

About Computer Viruses...

First of all, a computer virus is called a virus, because their multiplication and action is similar to the animal kingdom viruses. A natural virus needs to attach to a living cell's DNA, to change it, to be able to multiply, usually resulting in damage to the living organism it has infected. Similarly, a computer virus needs to attach itself to a certain file of a program (usually to the .exe file), and will start to function and/or multiply when that particular program is run.

Viruses are usually used for sabotage, to delete files, damage programs, prevent a certain computer to operate properly or completely. Or, certain viruses are used as a hoax, without doing any damage to any program or the computer.

A virus usually infects a computer by direct download of files or by accessing malicious web pages, from a computer with a minimal security system. Some are easy to trace and remove, some require the whole reinstallation of the operating system.

About Computer Trojan Horses...

Trojan horses are somewhat similar to viruses, when it comes to the way they can infect a computer. However they don't need to attach to a certain file, rather than that, they create their own spot into your computer. Trojans are typically disguised as useful software, or hidden among the files of certain programs which the user downloads and installs. This way the trojan settles in.

Although various trojans can be used for sabotage, most of them are spyware, meant to steal data from the user's computer and send it to a remote server, from where it can be picked up an processed. Some trojans can even give full control of a user's computer to a different user.

Most trojans are rather difficult to detect and function quietly in the background, that's why it's always a good idea to install an antivirus.

And when it comes to antivirus programs, there are many out there, but not so many for Mac OS X. But since nowadays the numbers of viruses that also attack Mac OS X is increasing, I've got myself an antivirus as well. It's called MacKeepr, it's actually not bad, I'm quite happy with it and its Mac-friendly interface. You can find more about it, here: What is MacKeeper

Kaspersky Security for Mac

One of the top antivirus programs for Mac OS X, it has everything an antivirus should have. Offers protection against all types of malware, and it also has a parental control function. Has an easy-to-use interface, Mac-style, and as a Mac user almost anyone should feel at home with this antivirus. The only downside that I've found related to this antivirus is that sometimes it slows the computer down, not very much though, especially when you open pages stuffed with JavaScripts and links.

Avast

Along with top-notch protection against viruses, trojans, spyware, keyloggers and other malware that can infect your Mac, avast! also provides a few other nice features. One of them is an e-mail scanner, another one is an on-access scanner, and another one would be an on-demand scanner. avast! also has a free version, so you can get that if you want and see if you like its interface and its performance.

Avira

Avira is also one of the antiviruses that most Mac users like. It's quite a quiet antivirus, works silently in background, never slows your computer and has a free version. Although the free version is great to have, especially if you don't go frequently to the "back alleys of the internets", the full version offers quite a few nice additional functions. The only thing I don't like about Avira is that every now and then presents you with an advertising pop-up which you just have to close. Other than that, it's tip-top.

MacKeeper

Although many people have given Mackeeper a bad name, I've never had any problems with it. And first of all, it's been built especially for Macs, working well with your browser. It's also a nice antivirus, and along with the quality protection that it offers also provides a function to delete a whole program or app infected with a virus, or just the virus itself, which makes it somewhat more flexible. It also has a clean-cache function, so with the click of a button you can easily get rid of all the crap accumulated in your computer, like cookies, or file residues that have remained in from accessing various sites.

By the way, the order I've put these antiviruses in this post has nothing to do with their quality. They're all great, so if you want an extra protection for your Mac, you can give any of these a check.