COMPUTER VIRUS

Introduction/ Types of Mode of Symptoms How to Anti-Virus

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 CO MP UT E R
V I RU S

Introduction
Generally, virus means infection that changes the behaviour of the
system. The nature of a computer virus is very similar to the virus
that affects human beings, so it is called a virus.
A computer virus is a parasitic program written intentionally to enter a
computer without the user’s permission or knowledge. The word parasitic
means replicating itself
TYPES OF COMPUTER VIRUS

1. Boot sector virus:

The boot sector loads the remaining portion of the operating
system into the memory. It is impossible for a computer to load
the OS without a boot sector. A boot sector virus usually infects
the computer by altering the boot sector program

2. Application or File Infected virus:

A file-infecting virus is one of the most common types of virus.
Typically, it infects files with .exe or .com extensions.
 A P P L I C AT I O N O R F I L E I N F E C T E D V I R U S
A R E : D I V I D E D I N T O T W O C AT E G O R I E S

a. Multipartite Virus: These viruses are having multiple features that can
infect both application programs and boot sectors.

b. Macro Virus: A macro virus is a virus that is written in a macro language, a

language built into a software application such as a word processor.

c. Stealth Virus: It is the most destructive virus. It does not give information
about its presence. It infects program files and boot record. This type of virus
is very difficult to detect by the operating system and anti-virus.
3. System Infector Virus: System infector virus is a destructive virus which
infects/ destroys/ corrupts the system files of operation system such as
IO. SYS, COMMAND.COM, MSDOS.SYS, etc.

4. Message Carrying Virus: These viruses display interesting

messages, pictures and dialogs which interrupt the user’s work. These
viruses do not infect the program and system
MODES OF TRANSMISSION

Viruses are transmitted from one computer to another through

different media. Some of the media are:

• Via email.

• Via downloaded files from Internet.

• Via an exchange of data from other computers.

• Through physical media.

• Through local area network.
 S Y M P TO M S O F C O M P U T E R
VIRUS
Virus acts as a parasite to the system file so it affects the system of the computer. Some of the
common effects of virus are:

• Computer gets extremely slow.

• Runs unnecessary files automatically.
• Mismatches the files.
• Captures the RAM memory.
• Changes the mouse cursor automatically.
• Changes the background automatically.
• Leads to malfunctioning of the system.
How to Protect from Computer Virus
Generally, we use anti-virus programs to remove viruses which are already in our computer
system and also to prevent them from entering into the system. But, new viruses are being
introduced all the time, and our AVG software must be able to constantly update itself
automatically (generally via the Internet). Some of the measures that help to prevent
computer system from being infected by computer viruses are listed below:
• Don't open email attachments unless you are sure it is safe.
• You should use only legal software in order to prevent your system from virus.
• Buy software only from proven source.
• Do not use external pen drive and other external drives, without scanning it.
• Change your password frequently. • Prevent access to unauthorized users.
• Run Regularly Scheduled Scans with Your Anti-Virus Software.