Is all malicious software considered viral?
In the UK, a coat and jacket have very different characteristics, whereas in the US, a coat and jacket are the same thing. Malware and computer viruses are the same thing in today’s broad definition. In fact, they are not the same thing. Viruses are able to self-replicate, but not all malicious software (malware) does this. Malware is understood to cover any piece of software that was created with malicious intentions. The mesh of meaning is believed to be for the sake of simplicity. If my computer keeps freezing, I want to fix it, not argue over the definition of what is making it run slowly. Stop my computer from running slow, and I will be happy.
Trojan Horses Are Tricky
The trojan horse computer virus looks just like a real program, and as you might expect, tricks a ton of people every day. Before being downloaded they take the appearance of popular programs like Photoshop and wait to be downloaded, only for the user to have a not-so-nice surprise waiting for them upon execution. Just like the real Trojan Horse, disguising as being friendly is the easiest way for a virus to get on a computer. After all, what is easier than showing them the front door? Today, browsers like Chrome and Firefox try to prevent you from going to shady sites by throwing up a notice when they see a website as suspicious.
What To Do About Trojan Viruses
Why is my computer freezing at startup, you say? Viruses, including that of the trojan variety, could very well be the problem. The creators of malware want nothing more than to screw with you. It often does not even have to be damaging to your computer. It just makes the computer run slow and occasionally cause you to have to restart your PC. Downloading free or buying Antivirus software is the best form of protection you can get if you want to keep your data safe. It sits right up there with not being stupid and downloading suspicious content just for a free copy of Photoshop. Antispyware is nearly just as important. Spyware can often take information from you and cause your computer to slow down.
A computer running slow often can be a sign of a virus inhabiting your computer. With the combination of proper protection and a smart computer user, the perfect slow computer solution will not even be needed because the virus never will have made it on the computer in the first place. Do not let the bad guys win — stay informed.