Computer Malware is a term given to all forms of Computer Software designed specifically to damage or disrupt a computer system. There are a number of types of program that can be considered Computer Malware.

What is a Computer Virus?
A Computer Virus is a program written to run on a victim computer without the permission or knowledge of the user. A virus must meet two criteria:

•  The 'virus' should be able to execute itself. The virus will often place its own code in the path of execution of another program.

•  The 'virus' must be able to replicate itself. For example, it may replace other executable files with a copy of a virus infected file. Viruses can infect desktop computers and network servers alike.

Computer viruses can be programmed to perform many actions, for instance some viruses have destructive payloads such as deleting files or formatting of hard disks. Some viruses do not have any destructive payloads, they quite simply replicate themselves, some make themselves known by displaying messages pop-ups. (You are the 999 visitor click here to claim) or playing audio.

In computer security terminology, a virus is a piece of program code that, like a biological virus, which makes copies of itself and spreads by attaching itself to a host, often damaging the host in the process. The host is another computer program, often a computer operating system, which then infects the applications that are transferred to other computers

There are five recognized types of Computer Virus:
* File Infectors: File infectors infect executable program files. These viruses will normally infect executable files such as .doc and .exe files, however these files could infect other forms of executable code such as .sys and .vxd files. From the later (.doc = document file; .exe = executable files; .sys = system file and .vxd = Value-added Driver) Many of these viruses become memory resident when run, once resident in memory the virus will infect any non-infected executable that the system runs. There are many examples of File infector viruses such as Jerusalem or W32/ElKern-C.

* Boot Sector Infectors: Boot Sector viruses infect the system areas of a disks. That is they infect the element known as a boot record on a floppy or hard disk. All hard disks (including disks containing only data). Boot Sector Infector contains a small program in the boot record that can be run when ever the computer starts up. its attach themselves to this area of the disk and will execute when the machine is started up from the infected disk. They always memory resident in nature, most were written for DOS. However, all PCs, regardless of the operating system, are potential targets of this type of virus. However the effects could lead system stability.
 
* Master Boot Record Infectors: Master Boot Record infectors are memory resident viruses that infect disks in the same manner as Boot Sector Infectors. The main difference between these two virus types is where the virus code is located. Master boot record infectors normally save a legitimate copy of the master boot record in a different location. Some examples of Master Boot Record infectors includes AntiExe, and Unashamed. If a Master Boot Record virus infects a Windows NT system it will not usually boot,

* Multi-Partite viruses: Multi-Partite (also known as Poly-Partite) viruses can infect both Boot Records and Executable Program files. These can be particularly difficult to repair. If the boot area is cleaned, but the files are not, the boot area will be quickly re-infected. The same holds true for cleaning infected files. If the virus is not removed from the boot area, any files that you have cleaned will be re-infected. Examples of multi-partite viruses include Emperor, Anthrax and Tequilla.

* Macro viruses: These types of viruses infect other types of file files. These have become the most common and have cost corporations the most money and time trying to repair. With the advent of Visual Basic scripting within Microsoft's Office 97 suite, a macro virus can be written that not only infects data files, but also can infect other files as well. There are many examples of macro viruses include W97M.Melissa, VBS.LoveLet and WM97.Marker.

What is a Trojan horse?
Trojan Horses are impostors; they are executable files that claim to be something desirable but, in fact, are malicious. A very important distinction from true viruses is that they do not replicate themselves, as viruses do. Trojans do contain malicious code, that, when triggered, cause loss, or even theft, of data. In order for a Trojan Horse to spread, you must, in effect, invite one onto a system for example, by opening an email attachment or accepting a file sent request. Examples of Trojans include Troj.Subseven, Troj.Netbus and Troj.PWS-AV.

What is a Worm?
A Worm is program that can replicate itself from system to system without the use of a host file. This is in contrast to a virus, which requires the spreading of an infected host file. Worms will generally exist another host file, often Word or Excel documents. There is a difference between how worms and viruses use the host file. Usually the worm will release a document that already has the "worm" macro inside the document. The entire document will travel from computer to computer, so the entire document should be considered the worm. Examples include VBS.Kakworm, W32.Klez-H and W32.SirCam.

What is a Virus Hoax?
A Virus hoax is message that almost always is sent by email that amounts to little more than a chain letter. Some of the common phrases used in these virus hoaxes are:
* If you receive an email titled [email virus hoax name here], do not open it!
* Delete it immediately!
* It contains the [hoax name] virus.
* It will delete everything on your hard drive and [extreme and improbable danger specified here].
* This virus was announced today by [reputable organization name here].
* Forward this warning to everyone you know!
Hackers use hoax, after creating fake login pages such as yahoo and htmail to get access to others email and passwords be aware and keep your data secure

Anti virus
A utility that searches a hard disk for viruses and removes or skips any threads that are found. Most antivirus programs include an auto-update feature that enables the program to download profiles of new viruses so that it can check for the new viruses as soon as they are discovered. Keep your anti virus up-to-date I receive a number of phone calls with regards to anti virus which one is the best ?
Many free program offered free online runs within a number of defined days.. The best way to keep your computer safe is to keep the anti virus  updated..

Firewall
The main purpose of a firewall is to control access to or from a computer for security purposes. A firewall is a software program, hardware device, or a combination of both that monitors the information coming through the Internet connection into your computer. The firewall will only let information in that you asked for. A firewall will also monitor information going out from your computer to the internet. It will only let information out that you say can go out.

A true firewall will stop that malicious software from getting into your computer and notify you there is a problem so you can clean it up. Software programs like Comodo and ZoneAlarm are true firewalls application that can help minimized the risk in virus and other malicious activities.

Try ZoneAlarm ForceField or ZoneAlaram Extreme Security!!!
ForceField is built on powerful virtualisation technology that catches unwelcome spyware downloads in a virtual so they never hit your PC
Just like the name sound ForceField uses a powerful virtualisation engine and over eight active safety features to protect your computer as you bank, shop and surf the internet. ForceField works automatically, just have it install and it will take care of the rest

Features of ZoneAlarm ForceField
Protection activities:
* Roam through any web page and see how ForceField is protecting you
* Site Status: check to see if the site you visiting is safe.
* Private Browser: Open a private browser windows site discreetly, without leaving any record on ya computer. once you closed the browser bye bye cookies.
.    Parental Control:  control prevent users watching or viewing unrated web site..