Spam, Scams, Viruses! What are they?

And how to avoid them

Your thoughts (9)

Dear Ms. Tech,

Can you explain to me what a computer virus is? Is a virus the same as spam? I’m not sure what they mean. I just know they are both bad! Sincerely,

Girl in Makurdi

Dear Girl in Makurdi,

A computer virus can get into our phones or computers. It is just like when a sickness enters the body. Nobody wants a computer virus. It can make our devices do things we did not ask for. It can even send out emails in our names! Viruses can make your device shut down. This can make us lose things like pictures, music or games.

Viruses are passed from phone to phone (or computer to computer). We can get this virus when we open files or links. Avoid opening files and links from people you do not know. Be careful when using Bluetooth to receive files. Make sure the person sending the file has no virus on his/her device. Ask him/her if they use anti-virus software to protect their phones.

We can also install anti-virus software for our phones. Look for anti-virus software in your phone’s app store. Examples are Google Play or the Opera app store if you use the Opera mini browser.

If you receive something from a friend that you don’t think he or she would usually send, be careful. His or her account could be infected. Ask your friend if he or she sent it before clicking on it.

Viruses can cause our social media or email accounts to send “spam” to our friends. Spam is unwanted messages sent to many people. I am sure we don’t want to send such messages to all our friends!

So it’s important to be sure about a link before clicking. If your mobile or computer starts acting strange, take it to an expert (such as one at a technical shop) as soon as possible!

Love, Ms. Tech

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Your thoughts

Hey Jasperlee! We removed this message because you added your personal information

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

big i send text messages to u dat i need ur help

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Morenikeji! This is a false accusation. You cannot send a text message to big sister because you do not in any way have a contact number. We will appreciate if you stop sending multiple messages at the same time. Ask a question and you will get a respond at the right time. We hope this helps

buh u r nt responding y

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Morenikeji! You haven't asked a question but you keep coming back commenting on all the stories asking for a reply. Please ask your question and you will be replied to. Spamming is not allowed on this platform. Thanks

It really helps thanks so much

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

where do virus originate from

March 20, 2022, 7:57 p.m.

I am new here hope i am well come

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

Latest Reply

I have a friend that is dating two boys and she called one money friend and d she really love the order boy and i have told her to let d money bf go if she really love her bf but she said she don't no how to do it not because that d boy she really love don't give her money but she cannot do without fashion and i don't really no what to tell my childhood girlfriend...