Ruvimbo Ashley Dhliwayo

Introduction to Computer Applications in Quantity Surveying

The Computer World
COMPUTER VIRUSES

What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is a peace of malicious program which is able to affect the normal
operation of a computer system. The computer virus is an executable file designed to
replicate itself and avoid detection. Types of viruses may include the following

File viruses

Boot sector viruses

Multipartite viruses

Macro viruses

Viruses are often rewritten and adjusted so that they will not be detected. That is the reason
why anti-virus software need to be upgraded continuously so that it will be able to detect new
viruses. Computer viruses can be rewritten for all platforms, including Windows and UNIX.
The Computer virus passes from computer to computer just like a biological virus passes
from person to person.

Should we be really worried about computer viruses? Most viruses are comparatively
harmless and may be present for years with no noticeable effect; some, however may cause
random damage to data files or attempt to destroy files and disks. Even benign viruses cause
trouble by taking up disc space or main memory and use up CPU processing time. When the
virus strikes, the results range from merely annoying screen displays to disastrous and
extensive data corruption. There is no such thing as a completely harmless virus, although the
impact can range from benign, displaying unexpected messages or simply slowing computers
down to catastrophic.

I
Ruvimbo Ashley Dhliwayo
Introduction to Computer Applications in Quantity Surveying
The Computer World

COMPUTER VIRUSES

What is a computer virus?

A
Computer virus is a peace of malicious program which is able to affect the normal
operation of a computer system. The computer virus is an executable file designed
to replicate itself and avoid detection. Types of Viruses may include the following

 File Viruses
 Boot sector Viruses
 Multipartite Viruses
 Macro Viruses

Viruses are often rewritten and adjusted so Viruses can be rewritten for all platforms,
that they will not be detected. That is the including Windows and UNIX. The
reason why anti-virus software need to be Computer virus passes from computer to
upgraded continuously so that it will be computer just like a biological virus passes
able to detect new Viruses. Computer from person to person.

Should we be really worried about computer Viruses? Most Viruses are comparatively
harmless and may be present for years with no noticeable effect; some, however may cause
random damage to data files or attempt to destroy files and disks. Even benign Viruses cause
trouble by taking up disc space or main memory and use up CPU processing time. When the
virus strikes, the results range from merely annoying screen displays to disastrous and
extensive data corruption. There is no such thing as a completely harmless virus, although the
impact can range from benign, displaying unexpected messages or simply slowing computers
down to catastrophic.

II