Preview

Definition of Computer Virus

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1201 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Definition of Computer Virus
WHAT IS COMPUTER VIRUS

A computer virus is a computer program that can replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. The term "virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware, including but not limited to adware and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability. A true virus can spread from one computer to another (in some form of executable code) when its host is taken to the target computer; for instance because a user sent it over a network or the Internet, or carried it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, DVD, or USB drive.
Viruses can increase their chances of spreading to other computers by infecting files on a network file system or a file system that is accessed by another computer.

HOW DOES COMPUTER VIRUS AFFECT YOUR COMPUTER

Though they're not a living thing like you and me, computers can get "sick" from viruses, too.
A computer virus is a software program designed to replicate itself and spread to other machines. In most cases, the program is "malicious," meaning its purpose is to cause the computer malfunction in some way
In general usage, the term "computer virus" includes all forms of "malware," or malicious software.

KINDS OF COMPUTER VIRUSES
Famous computer viruses
1. ILOVEYOU - (2000) One of the most widespread and rapidly spreading viruses ever, the ILOVEYOU virus spread via e-mail, posing as an executable attachment sent by a friend from the target's contact list.
2. Code Red - (2001) IIS on Windows servers were the target of this virus. It also launched denial of service (DoS) attacks.

3. Nimda - (2001) Nimda used seemingly every possible method to spread, and was very effective at doing so. Nimda is notable for being one of the fastest spreading and most widespread viruses ever.
4. Melissa - (1999) The Melissa virus is notable because it is a Word macro virus. It cleverly spread via e-mails sent to contacts from the infected users' address books.
5.

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Satisfactory Essays

    13) What worm was released in 2001 and primarily defaced web sites? C) Code Red…

    • 284 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    It205 Capstone Question

    • 633 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Malicious software, referred to as malware, can contain a variety of threats, from data loss to system failures. There are several types of worms, viruses, Trojan horses and spyware, which can be delivered in a variety of ways. Computer viruses are a type of software or executable file that attaches itself to other programs to be uses. Viruses can cause system failures, rewrite hard drives, or destroy files and programs. Worms are similar to viruses, but are independent programs, rather that attaching to others. Viruses have a tendency to spread more rapidly over networks and through e-mail. Trojan horses are based off their namesake, in which they appear to benign types of programs, but when executed can introduce malware into your system. Spyware is programing that can track computer use. Forms of…

    • 633 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    The CNC Machinist: Quiz

    • 7255 Words
    • 53 Pages

    A virus is software that is written with malicious intent to cause annoyance or damage. Question options:…

    • 7255 Words
    • 53 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Module 4 Blank Study Guide

    • 2907 Words
    • 12 Pages

    1. How does the spreading of a computer virus compare to the spreading of human viruses?…

    • 2907 Words
    • 12 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Viruses have been around for a long time, and can render a system useless if not dealt with. New, more destructive viruses and worms are being unleashed exponentially. Reports indicate that 50 percent more virus attacks were launched in 2003 than the prior year. The January-March 2004 Mydoom virus outbreaks were the biggest the Internet has encountered to date.…

    • 358 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    A virus is a small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of other organisms. A virus is a small parasite that cannot reproduce by itself. Once it infects a susceptible cell, however, a virus can direct the cell to produce many more viruses. Viruses can infect all types of life forms, such as animals and plants to microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea.…

    • 1508 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    anatomy and physiology

    • 746 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Why did the metabolic rates differ between the normal rat and the surgically altered rats? How well did the results compare with your prediction? ___…

    • 746 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Better Essays

    Computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer. The term ‘computer virus’ is sometimes used as a catch-all phrase to include all types of malware, including true viruses.…

    • 932 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Ais Ch. 11

    • 910 Words
    • 4 Pages

    4. Tiny pieces of programming code that install themselves on an infected computer called a Zombie and transmit data back to the hackers’ computer without awareness of the Zombie computer user…

    • 910 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    When it comes to viruses and the types that get put onto your computer there are many of them. For example: the Trojan Horse, it is put into your computer by saying it is good for file converting or cleaning a system out, when it is really putting bad programs into your computer along with spyware and other potentially harmful programs. Just like when you go into your email and you see an…

    • 783 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    A virus is a small capsule that contains DNA or RNA, viruses, unlike bacteria are not self sufficient and need a host in order to reproduce I.E a human body.…

    • 1131 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    progress check 1

    • 711 Words
    • 3 Pages

    A computer virus is programmed to raid and attack existing computer programs. The virus is sent by an e-mail or activated through a download. The virus program then infects the whole computer system. The virus attaches itself to other programs in the computer and copies itself. Some computer viruses are terrible; they erase files or lock up systems. Viruses must not go untreated.…

    • 711 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Virus is a toxin or poison. It is a microscopic organism consisting of genetic material. They cannot reproduce without a host cell. When it gets this host cell, it takes over its functions. The cells then continue to reproduce, and reproduces more viral protein. Several human diseases are caused by viruses which include:- smallpox, measles, the common cold, chickenpox, hepatitis, HIV, cold sores, shingles to name but a few. Viruses can spread from person to person, and by exchange of salvia, coughing, sneezing.…

    • 883 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    • A COMPUTER VIRUS is a computer program that attaches itself to another computer program (known as the host program) and attempts to spread itself to other computers when files are exchanged. • Creating and disseminating computer viruses is one of the most widespread types of cybercrimes. Tens of thousands of new viruses or modified versions of old viruses are released each year. • Viruses normally attempt to hide within the code of a host program to avoid detection. Viruses, by definition, have a method to spread themselves. • Any computing device such as a smartphone, notebook, netbook, or iPad can be infected with a virus. Even your car, which now contains embedded computer systems, could catch a virus, especially if it connects to the Internet for software updates.…

    • 5495 Words
    • 157 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    A computer virus attaches itself to a program or file enabling it to spread from one computer to another, leaving infections as it travels. Like a human virus, a computer virus can range in severity: some may cause only mildly annoying effects while others can damage your hardware, software or files. Almost all viruses are attached to an executable file, which means the virus may exist on your computer but it actually cannot infect your computer unless you run or open the malicious program. It is important to note that a virus cannot be spread without a human action, (such as running an infected program) to keep it going.…

    • 787 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays

Related Topics