Computer viruses are executable programs capable of self replicating and self

modifying in the system with the motive of disrupting its operation. The viruses may
multiply in your machine’s storage area, memory or network. Note that everything
about computer viruses is unauthorized. Their entry into your machine is rampant
and their execution and obstructing the computer’s functioning is also absolutely
against your will. The impact of these viruses is varying on your system, ranging
from simple to complex depending upon the degree of harm they cause to your
computer. The ensuing discussion briefly touches few impacts and symptoms of
computer viruses.

Consequences of computer virus. Key outcomes of viral infection in your system

are:

- Programs. Some viruses may impair your certain computer programs and
applications. As a result, you may not be able to access the software or operate it
smoothly. Sometimes the infected programs may yield inaccurate output; printer
may not work properly, etc.
- Files. There are viruses that may modify, corrupt or delete files in your machine
owing to which you may not be able to access them. If the files happen to be system
or program files then your machine’s activity may be affected and your computer
may even crash.
- Hard disk. Some viruses may attack the data present on your computer’s hard disk,
resulting in its crash. You may need to reformat the disk in such cases.
- Operational impact. Some viruses may not apparently harm your system’s integrity
and may limit themselves to displaying text messages, images, audio and video.
They however, consume your machine’s memory which slows down the system
significantly.
- Reinstall. Some computer viruses are designed in the gravest way possible. They
cannot be uninstalled easily from your system and some reinstall themselves even
after they have been removed. It therefore becomes all the more crucial that you
have effective and updated anti-virus software instituted on your system. Antivirus
removes and checks the entry of all the viruses, including those trying to reinstall, it
can detect in your machine.
- Hardware. No computer viruses are capable of damaging your hardware yet. They
just work on all the files and data of your system, make them useless and disable
them.

Symptoms of computer virus in your machine. The viral symptoms in your system
may include but are not limited to:

- Speed. Your system may slow down under the influence of viruses as they consume
your system’s memory for their execution.
- Operation. Computer may hang frequently or may display erratic error messages.
- Booting. Your system may suddenly restart and at times may not load properly. In
few cases, you may not be able to access your disk drives.
- Applications. Viruses may modify, damage or delete your program files and system
files because of which applications on your system may not be able to work
appropriately.
- Peripherals. Some viruses may impact device driver software in your computer
resulting in the relevant operational issues. For example, disturbed software setting
for printer may impair its function.
- Display. At times your computer’s display may be deformed and you may notice
altered images of dialog boxes and menus.