Computer Viruses

The World of Computer Viruses

The term “Virus” used for Programs that Infect Computers, describe the functions that the Program performs. The Computer Virus, just like its Biological Counterpart can replicate itself, and it is capable of spreading from one Computer to another. However, the similarities end there.

In Computer Parlance, a Computer Virus is a Program, just like any other program. The difference between a Virus and other Programs lies in its purpose. While Programs are generally written to help or aid or to substitute human effort, a Virus Program is often written with a malicious intent to adversely affect the Files, why even the System itself, of the naive User.

Viruses today have increased multifold. It is difficult to keep Track of the various Viruses that keep proliferating by the day. It is also difficult to generalize, since each Virus is distinct in the way they affect, the way they get executed, not to mention the way they spread. So perforce, it is not possible to encompass every type of Computer Virus in a single Article. Therefore, a broad introduction to the world of Computer Viruses has been attempted. Here are listed some of the most commen type of Computer Viruses:

Types of Different Computerviruses:

Boot Sector Viruses are Viruses that alter the Boot Sector, the Sector, which enables the Computer to Boot, that is, to start. As they normally hide in the Boot Sector they are called Boot Sector Viruses.

A Companion Virus is a Virus that attacks MS-DOS.

An E-mail Virus is a Virus which uses E-mail messages as a mode of transmission.

A Logic Bomb contains Code, that gets activated only if certain conditions that trigger it are met.

A Time Bomb is a variant of a Logic bomb, which is set to get activated on a particular date and/or time.

A Macro Virus is a Virus often written in the scripting languages( C, C++ etc) infects Documents and Spreadsheets.

A Worm uses Computer Networks and Security Flaws to Replicate. Worms are Programs that Replicate themselves from System to System without the use of a Host File. Whereas Viruses, require a Host in order to Replicate.

Trojan Horses are also Malicious Programs, but with this difference:

A Trojan Horse, unlike a Virus does not Replicate itself.

Trojan Horses have many purposes:

To destroy and delete Files on the User’s System.

To copy all cached Passwords and send them to specific Mail address.

To access any Personal information about the user such as Credit Card numbers, Passwords, and important Financial documents.

How to prevent Virus Infections:

It may be seen from the above lists that Viruses or their variants use a Lacuna or Loophole in the System to propogate.

So here are some Tips to help you prevent Virus Attacks :

Avoid using Floppies. Most Viruses are spread through this Media.

If your System is connected to the Internet, have both Personal Firewalls and Network Firewalls to prevent unsolicited material from reaching your System.

Have an Anti-Virus Software installed on your System, to tackle Viruses that could have crept into your System.

Keep updating the Anti-Virus Software on a frequent basis since new strains of Computer Viruses are being identified.

Like Biological Viruses, Computer Viruses keep proliferating at an alarming rate Attacking Systems day in and day out. Anti-virus Software Companies are struggling to keep pace with the deluge. As things stand today, the struggle would seem to go on endlessly far beyond the foreseeable future – forever, for it is not just another War -- a War between the Good and the Bad on the Internet.

Return from Computer Viruses - to - Hidden Dangers Homepage