Computer Viruses

A computing device computer virus is an illegal and potentially damaging computer class designed to infect other softw are product by attaching itself to any software it contacts. In many cases, virus programs are designed to damage computer formations maliciously by destroying or subvert data. If the infected software is transferred to or accessed by another computer system, the virus spreads to the other system. Viruses have become a serious problem in recent years, and currently, thousands of known virus programs exist (Reed 85-102).Three types of viruses are a strike welkin viruses, file virus, and Trojan horse cavalry virus. A call down sector virus infects the boot program utilise to start the system. When the infected boot program executes, the virus is loaded into the computers memory. Once a virus is in memory, it can spread to any floppy dish antenna inserted into the computer. A file virus inserts virus code into program files. The virus then spreads to any pro gram that accesses the infected file. A Trojan horse virus (named after the Greek myth) hides within or is designed to numerate like a legitimate program.Some viruses interrupt processing by frost a computer system temporarily and then displaying sounds or messages. opposite viruses contain time bomb calorimeters or logic bombs. A time bomb is a program that performs an activity on a particular date. A logic bomb is a program that performs an activity when a indisputable action occurs, such as an employee being terminated. A worm, which is similar to a virus, copies itself repeatedly until no memory or disk space remains. To happen upon computer viruses, antivirus programs have been developed.Besides the detecting of the viruses, antivirus programs also have utilities to remove or repair infected programs or files. Some damaged files cannot be repaired and must be replaced with uninfected backup files. The table below outlines some techniques used to protect computer systems. T able Techniques for Virus Protection and transcription ministration Using Virus Protection Software Backing Up Your System Install virus protection software on every computer system.Develop a regular program for copying and storing important data and program files. Before use, scan every floppy disk with a virus scan program to check for viruses. Implement a backup plan and adhere to its guidelines. Check all programs downloaded from the Internet or bulletin boards for viruses. corroborate backup copies of files in fireproof safes or vaults or off-site If your system becomes virus infected and you have questions, contact the National Computer protective cover Association (NCSA) for low-cost assistance (Elmhurst, 6 Nov. 1998).