What is a Virus? A computer virus is like a little program that can copy and paste itself onto other computers and infect them, getting rid of documents and precious possessions. A proper virus would spread through each computer by the user sub-consciously sending links or messages to other people using the internet, or carried on a floppy-disk, USB, or CD.

What damage can a Virus do? A virus can spread through your computer and effect your files and precious photos or documents by deleting some or maybe all of them. They can stop you from seeing things that are yours and make your computer work slower than normal.

Different types of Viruses Most people refer any type of virus to ‘computer virus’ which is what they are, but its not exactly true. Malware is also called a computer virus, but it does not have the same reproductive effect. Malware includes viruses such as computer worms, Trojan horses, and adware, but its mostly root-kits and spyware. A worm can use security vulnerabilities to spread itself automatically to other computers through networks, while a Trojan horse can appear to be harmless, but hides horrible functions.

How can you stop getting a virus? To get rid of viruses you can get anti-virus software, w is what most people do. It detects and eliminates and virus found in your computer. You can also use system restore which restores and refreshes files and documents to the previous check-point.

Disadvantages of anti-virus software It can be a very long and quite tiring process, and if you are unable to understand what it may be asking or saying, you may need to call a computer technician.

What is Hacking? A hacker is a person who breaks into computers and their networks, for profit or challenge. Once in your documents and files, they can do what they like, to changing your password, or deleting your files, or changing open information about your self.

What damage can hackers do? Hackers can do anything once they are in your computer. Changing your password is a common thing to do when hacking, so the owner is not able to get in their computer. Hackers can get people into situations, like ing your friends, co-workers or family, sending mean or angry messages. Hackers can delete your documents and files, including your precious possessions, like family photos etc.

How can you stop Hackers hacking you? You can do many things to stop hackers hacking you, such as firewalls, passwords, and codes that only you know and only you can remember.

Backups; why is it important? It is important to backup your work in case you do unfortunately get hacked or get ambushed by horrible viruses that could easily effect or damage your work. It can take ages to get all that work and all those possessions back after having viruses, and it can take ages to get into your computer and documents again, so why take the risk?

Backups; what should you backup your work to? When buying a new computer or laptop you should always remember backing up your work and information. There are plenty of ways to do it, such as: taking screen shots, using firewall, complex passwords, personal USB’s, CD’s and DVD’s.

Where to keep backed up work and information? When your worked is all backed up and information is safe, you need to keep it all together somewhere safe, such as: a safe at home or at work, in your wallet/bag, anywhere you trust is safe.

How can you keep the data safe? To keep everything completely safe and backed up, you still should be sure your precious items and work data is safe. To do this, you can use firewalls, complex passwords, and anti-software.