What is a computer virus and what does it do?

We don’t expect the average individual to go for an LCD projector for home use. Even though we travel around making presentations to groups, we don’t own our own (yet). Nonetheless.

If you really want sophistication, one product (Viewstation) actually has a voice-tracking camera, which turns to you when you speak, projects a video of you speaking, and broadcasts the same over the Internet, live. That’s for really BIG audiences.

Many companies make LCD projectors. You can find more about them on the Internet (just put in front of the company name and .com after the company name) for: Eiki, Lightware, Epson, Panasonic, and InFocus. Two other companies are Proxima and Sharp. The least expensive are Lightware (my office uses the Lightware VP800s and we are very satisfied).

Summary: According to Confucius, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” In teaching, this is often true. Depending on the equipment you’re using, you may only be getting a dozen words from your picture. With a little attention to the right software and hardware, your picture might be worth ten thousand words. Remember, image is everything.

Now, what you need to know about viruses and how to keep your system safe. Be prepared. Know your enemy. Call in the reinforcements. These three strategies are all you need in the battle against computer viruses. Here’s how to build a virtual fortress around your PC.

Q. What is a virus?
A. A computer virus may be loosely defined as a program code that replicates itself on execution and creates undesirable effects. Some anti-virus software vendors say that a computer virus is any program that replicates itself. Others contend that a virus can be any ill-intentioned program. In the absence of a precise definition, there is a consensus in one area: The likelihood that your PC will be hit by a virus increases immeasurably if you access the Internet, swap software with friends, exchange files via E-mail or are hooked up to a network.

Q. What does a virus do?
A. Virtually every virus tries to do one thing. First: Spread to other programs and data files on your hard disk. When you boot up from an infected disk, open an infected file or run an infected program, the virus’s code is copied into your PC’s memory. From there, the code usually attempts to attach itself to other files. The rogue code may also alter data-file contents, cause program crashes, display annoying screen messages, degrade system performance or even destroy all of your disk files. There are even viruses that can detect your E-mail program, and then compose and send messages with infected attachments.

Q. Can a virus damage hardware?
A. The simple answer is no, not directly. Theoretically, your hardware could be affected by a virus that exerts unusual stress on your system by doing something like accessing the hard disk continuously or switching your video card to unsupported settings. Realistically, however, the risk of hardware damage from a virus is minimal.