What is a Computer Virus?

Welcome Delta Sigma Pi

  • Accessibility
  • Sales:

    Home:

    1-800-426-7235

    Business:

    1-866-426-0911

    Chat Now >

    Visit Sales Support Page >


    Order Support:

    Order Lookup >

    Visit Order Support Page >

    Technical Support >

Lenovo
All
  • All
  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Workstations
  • Monitors
  • PC Accessories & Electronics
  • Tablets
  • Servers & Storage
  • Servers Accessories
  • Sign In / Create Account
    My Lenovo Account
    Keep track of your wishlist, orders, and rewards all in one place
    Sign In / Create Account
    Welcome Back!
    Access your order, subscriptions, saved carts, rewards balance, and profile
    View My Account
    Orders
    View & track your orders
    Rewards
    Earn & redeem Rewards
    Profile
    Edit name, password, and account settings
    Wishlist
    Manage a wishlist of your favorite products
    Products
    Manage your devices, accessories
    Product Registration
    Register your product and/or update your warranty dates
    Sign Out
  • My Lenovo Rewards
  • Cart
  • Products
  • Solutions
  • Services
  • Support
  • About Lenovo
  • Deals
  • Student
  • Gaming
  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Workstations
  • Accessories
  • Software
  • Monitors
  • Tablets
  • Servers & Storage
  • Home & Office
  • AI
  • Deals
TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
DISCONTINUED
Temporary Unavailable
Cooming Soon!
. Additional units will be charged at the non-eCoupon price. Purchase additional now
We're sorry, the maximum quantity you are able to buy at this amazing eCoupon price is
Sign in or Create an Account to Save Your Cart!
Sign in or Create an Account to Join Rewards
View Cart
Remove
Your cart is empty! Don’t miss out on the latest products and savings — find your next favorite laptop, PC, or accessory today.
item(s) in cart
Some items in your cart are no longer available. Please visit cart for more details.
has been deleted
Please review your cart as items have changed.
of
Contains Add-ons
Subtotal
Proceed to Checkout
Yes
No
Popular Searches
What are you looking for today ?
Trending
Recent Searches
Items
All
Cancel
Top Suggestions
View All >
Starting at
  • Black Friday in July! Limited-time Doorbusters + Buy more, Save more!  Shop Now >

  • My Lenovo Rewards! Earn 3%-9% in rewards and get free expedited delivery on select products. Join for Free >

  • Buy online, pick up select products at Best Buy. Shop Pick Up >

  • Lease-to-own today with Katapult. Get started with an initial lease payment as low as $1! * Learn More >

Home > Glossary > What is a Computer Virus?
Glossary Hero
Learn More
StarStar

Annual Sale

Lenovo Laptop SaleLenovo Laptop Sale

Laptop Deals

Desktop DealsDesktop Deals

Desktop Deals

Workstation DealsWorkstation Deals

Workstation Deals

StoreStore

Pick Up Today at Best Buy

ControllerController

Gaming PC & Accessory Deals

MouseMouse

PC Accessories & Electronics Deals

MonitorMonitor

Monitor Deals

Tablet and phoneTablet and phone

Tablets & Phones Deals

ServerServer

Server & Storage Deals

Discount tagDiscount tag

Clearance Sale


What is a Computer Virus?

A computer virus is a malicious software program that infects your computer without your knowledge or consent. It can replicate itself and spread to other computers through different methods, such as emails, downloads, or removable drives.

How do Computer Viruses work?

Computer viruses work by attaching themselves to legitimate programs or files on your computer and then modifying them to include the virus code. When you open the infected file or program, the virus activates and starts spreading to other files and programs on your system.

What are the most common types of Computer Viruses?

Some of the most common types of computer viruses include Trojan horses, worms, ransomware, spyware, adware, and rootkits. Each type has its own unique characteristics and ways of infecting your system.

What are some signs that my computer may be infected with a virus?

Some signs that your computer may be infected with a virus include slow performance, frequent crashes or freezes, pop-ups or ads appearing on your screen without warning, unfamiliar icons or programs appearing on your desktop, and unusual activity on your network.

How can I protect my computer from viruses?

To protect your computer from viruses, you should install antivirus software and keep it updated regularly. You should also avoid opening suspicious emails or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Additionally, you can use a firewall to block unauthorized access to your network.

Why do people create Computer Viruses?

People create computer viruses for various reasons: some do it for fun or as a challenge; others do it for financial gain by stealing personal information or selling malware; and some use viruses for political purposes as a form of cyber warfare.

What should I do if my computer is infected with a virus?

If you suspect that your computer is infected with a virus, you should disconnect it from the internet immediately to prevent further damage. Then run an antivirus scan to detect and remove any malware on your system.

How can I prevent infecting others with Computer Viruses?

To prevent infecting others with computer viruses, you should avoid sharing files or programs that may contain malware. You should also warn others about suspicious emails or links they may receive from you.

What's the future of Computer Virus protection?

As technology advances so does hackers' techniques in creating advanced malwares hence there will always be new threats however AI powered anti-virus software's will continue improve in detecting these threats as well as provide better solutions in mitigating these attacks while also providing proactive measures against them.

How do I know if my antivirus software is working properly?

You can check if your antivirus software is working properly by running a scan on your system and reviewing the results. Your software should detect any malware on your system and remove it or quarantine it to prevent further damage.

Can I get infected with a virus just by visiting a website?

Yes, you can get infected with a virus just by visiting a website that has been compromised by hackers. This is known as a drive-by download, where malware is downloaded onto your system without your knowledge or consent.

How do hackers create Computer Viruses?

Hackers create computer viruses using programming languages such as C++ or assembly language. They use different techniques such as code injection, polymorphism, and encryption to evade detection from antivirus software.

What are some common misconceptions about Computer Viruses?

Some common misconceptions about computer viruses include that they only affect Windows systems (when in fact, other devices can also be affected), that they are always spread through email attachments (when in fact there are many other ways they can spread), and that all antivirus software provides complete protection (when in fact no software is foolproof).

What should I do if my antivirus software detects a virus but can't remove it?

If your antivirus software detects a virus but can't remove it, you may need to seek help from a professional IT technician who has experience dealing with malware infections. They may be able to manually remove the virus or suggest other solutions for removing it.

Can I recover files lost due to a virus infection?

It depends on the severity of the infection and what type of files were lost. In some cases, you may be able to recover lost files using data recovery tools or services. However, in more severe cases where the virus has encrypted your files with ransomware, recovery may not be possible without paying the ransom (which is not recommended).

How often should I update my antivirus software?

You should update your antivirus software at least once per week to ensure that you have the latest virus definitions and protection against new threats.

Is it safe to download free antivirus software online?

Not all free antivirus software online is safe as some might contain malware themselves rather than protecting against them hence it's important to ensure that you download from trusted sources only.

What's next after antivirus software?

Antivirus software will continue improving while providing better security measures. However, we will see an increase in AI powered cybersecurity solutions which will aim at providing proactive measures rather than reactive ones against cyber-attacks.

How do I report malicious activity to authorities?

To report malicious activity such as hacking attempts or distribution of illegal content online, you should contact local law enforcement agencies or cybercrime reporting centers like IC3.gov who work closely with authorities worldwide.

How do I know if my computer has been hacked?

There are several signs that your computer may have been hacked, including changes to your system settings, unfamiliar programs or icons appearing on your desktop, strange pop-ups or ads, and unauthorized access to your accounts or files.

Can Computer Viruses affect mobile devices?

Yes, mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets can also be infected with viruses. Malware can infect these devices through apps downloaded from untrusted sources or by clicking on malicious links in emails or text messages.

What is the difference between a virus and malware?

A virus is a type of malware that replicates itself and spreads to other computers or systems. Malware is a broader term that refers to any malicious software designed to harm your computer or steal personal information.

How can I tell if an email attachment is safe to download?

You should avoid downloading email attachments from unknown senders or ones you were not expecting even from known senders unless you were certain it was sent by them. If you must download an attachment, make sure you scan it with antivirus software's before opening it.

What is the future of Cybersecurity?

The future of cybersecurity will continue to evolve as technology advances and hackers become more sophisticated in their attacks. We will see an increase in AI-powered security solutions that use machine learning algorithms to detect and prevent cyber threats in real-time. Additionally, there will be more emphasis on user education and awareness as a key component of cybersecurity defense strategies.

Looking for a Great Deal?
Shop Lenovo.com for great deals on A+ Education PCs, Accessories, Bundles and more.
Shop Deals Now

  • Legion 7i Gen 9 (16″ Intel) Gaming Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,699.99
    Learn More
  • ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition (15ʺ Intel) Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,127.97
    Learn More
  • Yoga Book 9i (13” Intel)
    Starting at
    $1,999.99
    Learn More
  • Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (14″ Intel) Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,439.99
    Learn More
  • ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 (16″ Intel) Mobile Workstation
    Starting at
    $1,871.22
    Learn More
  • Shop
    • Student Deals
    • K-12 Student Laptops
    • Student Accessories
    • Laptops by Major
    Education resource
    Explore
    • What is STEM?
    • Best Laptops for College
    • Student & Teacher Discounts
    • Lenovo Sustainability Programs
    Education carry case

    Stem Articles
    See All STEM Articles
    • Online STEM Education

    • STEM Career Tips & Resources

    • Women in STEM

    • STEM Educator Training

    • STEM Grants & Funding

    • STEM Education: Coding for Kids

    • STEM Education: Robotics

    • STEM Education: Biotechnology

    • STEM Education: Sustainability

    • STEM Education: AI & ML

    While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this glossary is provided for reference purposes only and may contain errors or inaccuracies. It serves as a general resource for understanding commonly used terms and concepts. For precise information or assistance regarding our products, we recommend visiting our dedicated support site, where our team is readily available to address any questions or concerns you may have.

    Why Lenovo?

    Go Greener with Leno...

    Lenovo is committed to Smarter Climate Action with lower energy laptops, use of sustainable materials and packaging, and available CO2 Offset Services.
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Get It Now, Pay For ...

    Lenovo has multiple financing option: the Lenovo Credit Card, installment plans, and lease-to-own financing op...
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Productivity & Peace of Mind

    Stay productive with Premium Care Plus - 24/7 priority support and coverage against accidental damage. Power through your day with our Smart Performance and extended battery solutions.
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Fast & Secure

    Get the most from your laptop with Lenovo’s state-of-the-art Smart Performance, delivering powerful, all-in-on...
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Assistance and Suppo...

    Chat with a trained professional who can help you find the right products, place or check on an order, or setup your Education laptop.
    Contact Us
    pastel background
    Enter email to receive Lenovo marketing and promotional emails. Review our Privacy Statement for more details.
    Please enter the correct email address!
    Email address is required
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Instagram
    Select Country / Region:
    Country
    AndroidIOS

    About Lenovo

    • Our Company
    • News
    • Investors Relations
    • Compliance
    • ESG
    • Product Recycling
    • Product Security
    • Product Recalls
    • Executive Briefing Center
    • Lenovo Cares
    • Careers
    • Formula 1 Partnership

    Products & Services

    • Laptops & Ultrabooks
    • Smarter AI for You
    • Desktop Computers
    • Workstations
    • Gaming
    • Tablets
    • Servers, Storage, & Networking
    • Accessories & Software
    • Services & Warranty
    • Product FAQs
    • Outlet
    • Deals
    • Lenovo Coupons
    • Cloud Security Software
    • Windows 11 Upgrade

    Resources

    • Legion Gaming Community
    • Lenovo EDU Community
    • Lenovo Pro Community
    • Lenovo Pro for Business
    • My Lenovo Rewards
    • Lenovo Financing
    • Lenovo Trade-in
    • Affiliate Program
    • Affinity Program
    • Employee Purchase Program
    • Lenovo Partner Hub
    • Laptop Buying Guide
    • Where to Buy
    • Glossary

    Customer Support

    • Contact Us
    • Policy FAQs
    • Return Policy
    • Shipping Information
    • Order Lookup
    • Register a Product
    • Replacement Parts
    • Technical Support
    • Forums
    • Provide Feedback
    © 2025 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
    PrivacyCookie Consent ToolSite MapTerms of UseExternal Submission PolicySales terms and conditionsAnti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
    Compare  ()
    x
    Call

    Need Help? Call: 

    1-800-426-7235
    Select Your Store
    Add items to your cart?
    We've noticed that you've entered a different store. Do you want to add these items to your cart in the new store?
    No Yes. Add in Lenovo Pro

    close_icon

    Sign up and receive up to $100
    off your next purchase.
    Click here for offer details
    Are you shopping for a business?

    No, Thanks

    Click here for offer details
    *Offer valid for new subscribers only. Not valid on previous purchases.
    Lenovo Privacy Policy
    Thanks for signing up!
    You should receive an email from us within the next 2 hours
    *Offer valid for new subscribers only. Not valid on previous purchases.
    Lenovo Privacy Policy
    An error occurred while submitting your request.
    Please try again later.