computer viruses
TRANSCRIPT
Computer viruses
Efforts by :- Aagman Saini
A computer is a software program that has the ability to make copies of itself , and attach itself to programs or files. It may or may not be
destructive. Viruses are written programs that are intended to run on computer systems without user’s knowledge.
Most viruses stay active in the memory until you turn off the computer. When you do so, the virus is removed from the computer’s memory, but not from the file(s) or the disk it has infected. So, the next time you use your computer the virus program is activated again. It may then attach itself to more programs and/or files.
Computer viruses
Different viruses can do different things. It can do the following:-
It can infect executable program files such as word processors, spread sheets, & operating systems.
It can infect disks by attaching itself to special programs on the hard disks, called boot records. these are the programs that the computer uses to start itself up.
What does a computer virus do?
When you experience strange behaviour on your screen, it is possible that a virus has infected your computer. It may corrupt or damage the files, programs, & data.
Warning signals
If we group the viruses by their target, we can divide them in the following ways:- Program viruses Boot viruses Macro viruses Malware Worms Trojan horses Spyware spam
Types of computer viruses
Program viruses infect program files, which have extensions like .com, .exe, .DLL, etc..
The virus becomes active when executive files are executed. Examples of program viruses are:-Alien.298, umbrella.3173, Sunday, Amoeba. A.
Program viruses
Boot viruses infect the boot records of hard disks & floppy disks. They are considered more dangerous than program viruses. Examples of boot viruses are:- disk killer, devil.941,Eek (b)
Boot viruses
A macro virus is a set of commands written by the user to be executed later. For example, if you execute a set of commands often in MS Excel or MS Word, you can save than a set of commands as a macro. A macro virus uses the macro language for its program. These viruses infect data file. These viruses spread rapidly, as users share infected files. Eg. Concept & Nuclear.
Macro viruses
Malware is short for malicious software. The word refers to any program that infiltrates and harms a computer without the users consent. Malware is a general term that includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, and spam. Malware can slow down computers and networks; it can be annoying, or it can be actively destructive.
Malware
A computer worm is a program capable of reproducing and spreading itself to another computer system, usually by means of a computer network. Worms spread without any human action, and thus differs from viruses. Viruses spread only when the user does something like running an infected program or attaching an infected file. A worm e-mails copies of itself to other computers. Eg. ILOVEYOU, Sircam.
Worms
Trojan horse is a program that appears useful, but is actually a programmed to pass the user’s data to someone else. Trojan horses attempt to steal and pass on confidential information like passwords and credit card numbers. They do not reproduce by infecting other files or by self – replicating like viruses and worms.
When a Trojan horse is activated, it typically changes existing desktop icons or creates new ones. It may also delete important items. Its main aim is to steel sensitive information stored on the infected computer. Eg. Beast, Zeus, Subseven
Trojan horses
Spyware refers to computer programs that secretly gather information about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties. They are also called spybots or tracking software. Spyware is often installed without user’s consent when:
The user downloads something from the internet.
The user clicks on something in a popup window that appears while browsing.
The biggest problem with spyware is that it can steal your information and misuse your computer.
Spyware
Spam refers to unsolicited, unwanted e-mail. It may carry advertisements or serve as a means of spreading malware like viruses and worms. Some ways of avoiding spam are:
Do not give your e-mail address to unknown people.
Delete spam mails without reading them.
Spam
Here are some basic rules to avoid virus definitions:
Restrict access to your system, both offline & online.
Only allow trustworthy users to use the system.
Never use an unknown disk.
Install & use antivirus software & keep it updated
Scan files you download from internet
Keep your programs & data on separate disks, if possible.
Preventing virus infections
Antivirus software refers to applications designed to detect & remove viruses from computer systems. However, certain types of viruses are difficult to remove & files damaged may be lost forever. Whenever the computer starts up, the antivirus software starts automatically & keeps check on every file . If it detects a virus it tries to remove it.
Anti virus software
Virus definition are the database of viruses that antivirus software scans for. This database needs to be updated regularly, because new viruses are being developed & released all the time if it is not updated antivirus software will not know about new viruses & will not be able to catch them.
Updating virus definitions
Virus definition are the database of viruses that antivirus software scans for. This database needs to be updated regularly, because new viruses are being developed & released all the time if it is not updated antivirus software will not know about new viruses & will not be able to catch them.
Free antivirus software
Nowadays, free antiviruses programs like AVG & Avast are becoming popular. they are easy to install & use & it runs efficiently in the background. Updates happen automatically.