COMPUTER VIRUS:

Potentially damaging
computer program
designed to infect other
software or files by
attaching itself to the
software or files with
which it comes in contact.
What is a virus?

A virus is illegal computer code

that can do such things as alter
programs or destroy data. Also,
the virus can copy itself onto
programs, thereby spreading its
damaging effects.
How do viruses spread?
 A piece of software that has a virus
attached to it is called a host program.
 Usually the virus is spread when the host
program is shared.
 If the host program is copied, the virus
also is copied.
 It infects software with which it comes
into contact.
Types of Electronic Infections:

 Viruses
 E-mail Viruses
 Worms
 Trojan Horses
Why are viruses not detected
immediately?

People who copy and keep

the host software are unaware
that the virus exists, because
the virus is designed to hide
from computer users for
weeks or even months.
When does a virus attack?

A virus usually attacks at the specific times

or dates determined by the person who
wrote the virus code. When the
predetermined time or date registers on the
internal clock of the computer, the virus
attacks. Sometimes the virus code will
leave a message letting you know that the
virus has done its damage.
People Create Viruses:

 Same psychology that drives

vandals and arsonists.
 Thrill of watching things blow up.
 Bragging rights or the thrill of
doing it.
Preventing Virus Problems

 Back up essential files

 Delete e-mail file attachments
 Prepare an emergency
system boot disk
 Block Word macro viruses
Helpful Hints to Avoid Viruses

 Obtain software only from trusted sources.

 Use a safe Web browser and e-mail client.
 Install anti-virus software, and keep it update.
 Scan all newly-obtained disks, programs, and
files.
 Install a firewall program, especially if on cable
or DSL.
Some popular anti-virus programs:

 McAfee
 Norton Utilities
 Inoculan
 F-Secure
 Internet Guard Dog
 PC-cillin

by dahiya taj