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Computer Virus Guide

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Computer Virus
Computer Virus

What is a Computer Virus?

A computer virus is a programme or a set of computer programs designed to damage, harm or alter the way a computer operates, without the knowledge or consent of the user.

There are huge numbers of computer viruses carrying varying degrees of risk. Some of these viruses are extremely malicious and can delete or damage useful files and programmess. Few others are less destructive, but prove debilitating by jamming resources, causing systems to crash with consequent loss of data. Some viruses hit as soon as they reach a machine and signs of infection can be observed immediately. Others can remain hidden until getting activated by a future event.

There are two types of computer of a virus:

1. Self executing computer virus: These are those viruses that attach itself to another programme on a computer and get activated when the program is used.

2. Self-replicating computer virus: These are Computer Viruses that spread from machine to machine and across networks. This virus usually copies itself to other programme on a computer.

Some of the most common computer viruses are: MyDoom, Bugbear, Klez, Lovebug, Melissa, Bubbleboy, Code Red, Nimda



Computer Virus

Types of computer virus

There are a large number of viruses; they fall under following 3 main types:

1. Macro viruses: These viruses feature within standard applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel to perform unexpected tasks. They can insert unwanted words, phrases or even pictures or figures.

2. File viruses: These viruses normally affect programme files and are mainly transferred by disc including cd, pen drive, floppy discs, file transfer or e-mail attachments.

3. Boot sector viruses: These infect those parts of a computer that are used to boot or start the computer. They affect mainly floppy disc and the hard disc. The virus gets activated as soon as the computer starts.


Computer Worm
Computer Worm

What is a computer worm?

A worm is a programme that can multiply very easily and quickly and spread throughout a computer system. It usually hides within files such as a MS-Word Document File, and multiplies or spreads those files through any available network connections including e-mail.

These worms often drain resources such as the computer memory and network access. They can also delete or damage data.


Trojan horse
Trojan horse

What is a Trojan horse?

A Trojan horse is a malicious computer programme that can cause loss, damage or even theft of data.

The main difference between a Trojan horse and a virus is that a Trojan horse cannot replicate itself whereas a computer virus can multiply itself. Trojan horse can spread only if somebody wants to spread it through an e-mail attachment or internet download.

Types of Trojan horses: Remote Access Trojans, Data Sending Trojans, Destructive Trojans, Proxy Trojans, FTP Trojans, security software disabler Trojans, denial-of-service attack (DoS) Trojans.

Symptoms of Trojan horse in a computer:
  • Making configuration changes.
  • Causing online payment triggers.
  • Affecting security information.
  • Providing unauthorized access paths through backdoors and trapdoors.

How are viruses transmitted?

Computer virus can get transmitted through:

  • E-mails or e-mail attachments
  • Internet downloads
  • Internet pages / websites
  • Storage devices including, CD, Floppy, Pen Drive etc.

Characteristics of a computer virus:

Some of the most common characteristics of a computer virus are:

  • Sudden decline in speed and performance of the computer.
  • Loss of files or data
  • Displaying unknown and uncommon messages or even playing a tune.
  • Loss of hard disc partition.
  • Unauthorized release of files normally via e-mail.

Summary

If you see any of the above symptoms in your computer, chances are that you computer is infected with a virus, worm or Trojan. Computers used to communicate via a network, Internet or e-mail are most prone to getting infected with a virus. Always use am authentic antivirus to prevent virus infection and loss of valuable data.

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