99

RATE

How does a computer receive a virus?

Kenbo: How does that virus actually kill your computer?

Kenbo's Avatar

3 years ago

Answers

  • Iscariot
  • -  1043 pts
  • -  (3 years ago)

http://questional.com/question.php?fn=view&id=213

As discussed there, there are a few different types of viruses, and they do different things. Some run executable which damage files and/or slow down processing speeds, both of which are very harmful in different ways.

As far as receiving one, it used to be that you had to plant it on a computer via an outside source, such as a data disk, but with the internet and clever coding, it could be as simple as stumbling onto the wrong site and having it autodownload into your harddrive.

It must be downloaded one way or another. Most are hidden in files that would appear to be appealing.

  • god
  • -  4827 pts
  • -  (2 years ago)

You download it, or someone hacks you and uploads it.

 

What is Questional?

We interview experts, scientists, and public figures in tech & science as well as community Q & A!

Asking questions and getting answers is what we do.

Subscribe via RSS Subscribe via Email

Recent Literature

Smartphones for the 2011 Holiday Season

With Christmas coming up, Questional.com compares a few of the newest smartphones - the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, the iPhone 4S, and Motorola Droid 4. Which one do you want to...

Jean-Michel Claverie

Jean-Michel Claverie, French scientist extraordinaire, was kind enough to give Questional this interview. Claverie, one of the discoverers of megavirus chilensis, is a pio...

More Tech Toys for the 2011 Holiday Season

Still looking for that unique gift? Questional covers more tech toys for the holiday season. Everything from cuddly pathogens to flying machines, electronic bugs and mind gam...

Tech Toys for the 2011 Holiday Season

Don't buy another iTunes gift card for that office buddy - get a little creative this year. There are some very cool albeit a little quirky tech toys for that hard...

Dear Santa - A Few Holiday 2011 Gadgets I'd Enjoy

Dear Santa,
This year's holiday season is sure to be full of fun gadgets and toys for the tech-savvy, so I thought I'd review a few of my personal favorites...

Request For Interview

Questional is always on the lookout for great interviewees.

If you're a professional, an expert, or feel like your interview would be a great read to our guests + members we want to hear from you! - Contact Us