COMPUTER VIRUSES

 
Definition: A Computer Virus is a program that infects computer files and makes them do something
unexpected or damaging.
 
How does it work?
Apart from physical threats, the main damage to software is probably that of viruses. A copy of the
virus program is usually inserted into a computer file and when the file is used, it is first loaded into
memory (RAM) after which other files become infected. Viruses were first written as practical
jokes, but is all too common now for them to be written by people who wish to cause malicious
damage to information systems. Because of the virus’s ability to copy itself, the scale of the damage
can be serious and widespread.
 
How are viruses spread?
1. Sending infected files via e-mail
2. From a Diskette or USB Flash Drive containing an infected file
3. Downloading programs and files from the Internet
4. Infected CD-ROMs
 
 TYPES OF VIRUSES 
1. Those that infect program files - the virus code is attached to program files and when the
program is loaded, the virus is loaded as well. 
 
2. Those that infect system or boot files - the boot file is a small program that tells the computer
how to load the rest of the operating system. When this file gets infected, the virus is loaded into
memory and is able to run when the computer is on.
 
3. Macro Viruses - these are written in a macro language which is associated with an application
such a Microsoft Word.  The macro virus is carried by a document file and is executed when the
document is opened.  Over half of the known viruses are macro viruses spread by e-mail attachments.

PREVENTING VIRUSES
Most systems use antivirus software to guard against damage of viruses. The software can scan
through the memory and disks to a computer to detect the presence of any viruses. It can remove
them in a process that is sometimes called disinfecting. When choosing antivirus software, it is
important to compare speeds of checking and buy a package that is suitable for your system.

1. Install anti-virus software such as: Norton, McAfee, AVG, Avast etc.
2. Turn on program virus protection
3. Try to know the origin of each program or file you use
4. Never open an e-mail with an attachment which contains file extensions such as EXE, COM, VBS
etc.
 
Users of any computer system can take regular precautions against the threat of viruses:
 Obtain software from reliable source
 If you buy second-hand software, scan it for viruses first
 Make regular back-up copies of work
 Write-protect external disks that relate to the operating system or that contain data that must
not be altered. Files can also be protected by passwords. It is important to note that files that
have been protected by passwords are no longer protected if you, as the legitimate user, enter
the password and open the file.
 Run antivirus software at regular intervals. Most systems are set up for the software to run
automatically when a computer is switched on.
 Be wary of downloading software form bulletin boards.
 Be suspicious of all software distributed free of charge.

 
WHAT IS A WORM? 
Definition: A worm is another electronic threat.  Unlike a virus, it does not require a host program in
order to be transmitted.
 
Worms can be transmitted via e-mail and are capable of copying themselves into memory.  Mass
mailing worms can create infected e-mail messages and send them to addresses saved on the infected
computer.  An example include  w32/netsk.b@mm is a mass mailing worm which e-mails itself to
addresses and tries to copy itself onto networks.