Virus Question

[ScotsGirl]

In my house there are 4 computers, my one, my sisters, my dads and a shared one. The internet access in my house is networked.
The shared one doesnt get used very much (actually, hardly ever) so it doesnt get updated much.

So i was just wondering, could it get a virus, even when its turned off? (we have broadband so i dont know if that means it always connected to the net, even when its turned off or what... :? ) Or is it just when its turned on?
Is it best just to update it when I turn it on?

Ooh and also, is there a chance that it could pass on any viruses across the network to other computers in the house if it were to get one?

Sorry, I know im an idiot :oops: lol :P and sorry if this doesnt make any sense :oops: ...if it doesnt then just say and ill try and explain in a slightly less dumbass way LOL! :D

:D
xxx

[Triple7]

Okay. Let's see if I can understand what you're saying.

You shouldn't get a virus if your shared computer isn't on. Hackers and viruses can't get to what's not there, but they can get to your network if it's online. I would guess that viruses can possibly spread across a network of computers.

[Kiros]

Ok, I think I know what you're saying :)

No, you cannot get a virus when you computer is turned off, however, your network is going through LAN and the BIOS have an option called WOL (Wake On LAN). If this is enabled, something like a network ping could boot your computer up. So really, your internet is always on, but it's not always communicating back and forth with your computer.

And yes, update it! Some people think updating doesn't do much, but really it optimizes certain functions, secures some holes, and adds features, so you should try and update it as much as possible.

And also yes, it is possible for a computer to spread viruses to another one on the network, but only if the virus instructs the computer to do so (most viruses aren't this complex though).

If you're concerned with viruses, I strongly suggest you get a good antivirus, as it's an investment for your computer's health and reliability. Try and pickup the latest version (I think 2006) of Norton AntiVirus. In my opinion, it's the best on the market :)

[ScotsGirl]

Oh ok, thanks so much you guys! :D

And one more question....sorry :oops:
Does that mean that as soon as the shared computer is turned on then it can get a virus right away if its not properly updated or the antivirus software is out of date?

Sorry about this, but thankyou for answering! :D

:D
xxx

[Skhorpion]

yes it can if its on the net and not properly protected

also i doubt WOL is enabled on the computer unless you turned it on yourself

[Kiros]

If a trojan is trying to access your computer, then it can if you don't protect against it. However, if you update your OS to Windows SP2, a free firewall will be included, so that will protect against most trojans.

also i doubt WOL is enabled on the computer unless you turned it on yourself

And, Lynne, don't be sorry for asking questions! I love answering them :)

[ScotsGirl]

Oh ok thanks so much guys! :D
And LOL! :D ok Kiros :D hehe

Oh and I dont think that I would have turned on WOL :? ...at least not on purpose :shock: LOL! :P
Anyway, I think Ill be using that comp. more so ill be able to keep it updated more :D

Thanks again! :D
xxx

[Skhorpion]

lol you will know if you turned it on

not exactly an easy thing to do by yourself if your not really good with computers

[Kiros]

Eh, besides that, if the computer hasn't turned on by itself before, then it's definitely not on :P

Glad to help, Lynne :)