Computer Viruses Essay, Research Paper
A computer virus is a program that attaches itself to, overwrites and/or otherwise replaces another program in order to reproduce itself without the knowledge of the computer user. Generally, the first thing a virus does is attach itself to other executable files in such a way that the virus code is in effect when the infected files are run. Viruses may be written to multiply, to damage other programs, or to alter certain data.
A computer virus is nothing more than a computer program that is coded to remain hidden in your computer. The virus takes advantage of the operating system to copy itself onto other files or disks. When a new disk is inserted into an infected computer, the virus then copies itself onto files on that disk. When an infected disk is inserted into another computer, the virus then copies itself onto files on that computer?s hard drive. The cycle continues as long as files are shared between computers.
Booting your computer with an infected floppy disk is one of the most common was of catching a virus. Downloading a file from the Internet or an online service is another common way of catching a computer virus. Most reputable Internet sites and online services now scan all their files for viruses but that still does not guarantee that all their files will be virus free. You can also catch computer viruses from E-mail attachments. While you can not catch a virus from simply reading an E-mail message, viruses can be spread through programs or office application files that may be sent as attachments to E-mails. Always save and scan any E-mail attachment for viruses before opening the attachment.
The most important thing you should do to protect your system and your data is to install a reputable anti-virus program on your computer. There are many companies that currently provide this type of software and many of them offer free downloadable trial versions from their web sites. All anti-virus software have different options or settings that you can select to optimize its scanning properties. Many anti-virus programs now also offer the ability to automatically scan any file you download from the Internet or any file that you may receive as an attachment to an E-mail.
In order for your anti-virus software to remain effective, you must update it regularly for the simple fact that there are new viruses being introduced at an alarming rate. All anti-virus software companies offer regular updates to combat these new viruses. Some offer these updates free from the internet once you purchase their software, and some charge a fee for their updates. This is something to consider as you shop around for your anti-virus software. No anti-virus software is 100% effective. Therefore, any anti-virus protection strategy should also include regular back-ups of your data. This won?t prevent any viruses but it will reduce your computer?s down time if you ever catch one.
Here are some indications that you may have a computer virus.
Programs take longer and longer to load.
Hard drive runs even when you are not accessing it.
Files appear on your computer with strange names that you don?t recognize.
Strange graphics appear on your computer monitor.
Your conventional memory is less than it used to be.
Programs act strange or erratically.
This is not to say that your computer has a virus if it displays one of these symptoms. There may be some other problem causing the behaviour. The above examples are just some common indicators of a virus.
Computer viruses are not always responsible for the damage of computers. Damage to hardware, such as Keyboards and monitors are not caused by viruses. Though you may experience strange behaviors such as screen distortion or characters not appearing when typed, a virus has, in fact, merely affected the
programs that control the display or keyboard. Not even your disks themselves are physically damaged, just what’s stored on them. Viruses can only infect files and corrupt data.
Although schools are not seriously targeted for viruses, every precaution should be considered to ensure that the risk of getting a virus is minimal. I have proposed a virus policy which ensures that the risk of getting a computer virus will be minimal.
Getting authorisation from teachers to load files from home for educational purposes.
Scanning disks while being accompanied by a teacher.
No downloading and uploading programs onto the computers from the Internet or disks.
Use computers and the Internet solely for educational purposes.
While very few people have actually seen a computer virus, they are real and they are here to stay. As the software companies develop new and improved methods to combat viruses, new viruses appear to defeat them. In conclusion, one fact remains. If you are on of the millions of computer users surfing the Internet or uploading files from disks, you need to be aware of the threat of computer viruses and protect yourself accordingly.
** B I B L I O G R A P H Y **
Symantec Corporation, (2000), Norton AntiVirus (v 5.01.01)
CNET Corporation,(2000), (WWW), ?All you need to know about computer viruses?,
www.cnet, (accessed 14 September 2000)
Camilleri, W.L., (2000), (WWW), ?Computer Viruses?, CHASS,
chass.utoronto.ca/chass/virues.html, (accessed 11 September 2000)
Другие работы по теме:
Descriptive Essay About A Comp Essay Research
Paper The Computer A computer is a very unique machine. It has many different parts and a lot of different noises. Some parts are hot, and some are cold. Computers have many different sounds that they make. Depending on the sound it makes, it could have a problem. When your computer beeps at you. It normally means that an error has occurred and that it needs to be fixed.
Computer Education Essay Research Paper Back to
Computer Education Essay, Research Paper Back to the 1940s, the modern electronic computer was developed at U.S. universities; however, in the year, there was no computer education yet. It needed more 10 years to have computer education. The period of the computer revolution was 1950 in the U.S.. Computer education began in the middle of the 1950s with an organized body of knowledge.
What Would You Like A Computer To
Do For You Essay, Research Paper The first computer was invented almost 25 years ago. Since then, various improvements have been made to the computer. Recently, the internet was invented. This made a vast impact on our lives. As you can see, computers are an important part of our lives. We rely heavily on computers to do many everyday tasks for us and we cannot do without them.
Computer Essay Research Paper Computer is useful
Computer Essay, Research Paper Computer is useful for finding the information. As long as the Internet is installed in the computer, the people can be able to what they want to find. Of course, they have to waste the time for doing. Acquiring the information, they feel that it is valuable. Renctly years, the number of people is increased by using computer.
Computer Literacy Essay Research Paper Everywhere you
Computer Literacy Essay, Research Paper Everywhere you look you see some sort of computer. There everywhere from schools, to the grocery store checkout line, movie theatres and even in the shirt pockets of some businessmen. Back about ten years ago it was a chore to find someone with a computer, and the Internet please what good is that.
John Vincent Atanasoff Essay Research Paper John
John Vincent Atanasoff Essay, Research Paper John Vincent Atanasoff inventor of the electronic computer In any scienctific field, there needs to be a person with the vision to define the future. John Vincent Atanasoff was a genius with such a vision. He developed the first electronic digital computer that has dramatically changed our lives.
Computer Engineering Essay Research Paper Since birds
Computer Engineering Essay, Research Paper Since birds could fly and fish could swim there has always been questions, problems, and answers. This it what I am interested in. The questions and more importantly the answers. I have been seeking answers all my life. The one question I have always had is How do things work.
Being A Smart Consumers Essay Research Paper
Being a Smart Consumers Ryan Romme When deciding to buy a computer it is a very important decision. First decide that range of money you are willing to spend. Then research the many different companies and the product they have to offer. Then after deciding the company to purchase the computer the next step is to price watch.
Untitled Essay Research Paper A hacker is
Untitled Essay, Research Paper A hacker is a person obsessed with computers. At the heart of the obsession is a drive master the computer. The classic hacker was simply a
Another Computer Essay Essay Research Paper The
Another Computer Essay Essay, Research Paper The Computer Underground. The beginning of the electronic communication revolution that started with the public use of telephones to the emergence
Printer Technology Essay Research Paper Since the
Printer Technology Essay, Research Paper Since the introduction of computers into our society, there have been countless advancements in this technology. One of the most frequently used output devices in the computer system is the printer. Like all other components of the computer, this piece of equipment has been developed and improved over time.
Computer Net Crime Essay Research Paper Computer
Computer Net Crime Essay, Research Paper Computer crimes are terrorism of the present day. Everything from Website attacks, viruses, and cyber sex. People have even been charged for rape over the internet. Government computers have been an easy target for hackers for decades. According to Defense Information Systems Agency s data, the military may have experienced about 250,000 attacks in 1995 with 2/3 s of the intrusions being successful.
Another Hole In The Wall Essay Research
Paper ANOTHER HOLE IN THE WALL Opinion: This was a very interesting article because it seems that everybody That owns a computer has the fear of hackers and viruses. It’s a big issue
Computer Scientist Essay Research Paper The title
Computer Scientist Essay, Research Paper The title computer scientist can be applied to a wide range of computer professionals who usually design computers and the software that runs them, develop information technologies, and develop and adapt principles for applying computers to new uses. Computer scientists perform many of the same duties as other computer professionals, but their jobs are distinguished by the higher level of theoretical expertise and innovation they apply to complex problems and the creation or application of new technology.
Essay On Hacking Essay Research Paper Essay
Essay On Hacking Essay, Research Paper Essay On Hacking by Philip Smith A topic that i know very well is computers and computer hacking. Computers seem very complicated and very hard to learn, but, if given time a
Landscaping Essay Research Paper Computer Hacking BasicsComputer
Landscaping Essay, Research Paper Computer Hacking Basics Computer hacking is very popular. With every thing on the Internet having to cost something. Someone will try to hack that database and retrieve free information. As every on knows but doesn?t take very seriously is that hacking is illegal. Hacking is anywhere from hacking in to the school data base and change your grades to make a stop light change with a special clicker.
Computer Gave Technology A Bo Essay
, Research Paper The computer has come a long way since it was first invented, which put the power of technology in the spotlight. Through the years there have been many advances with the help of computers. Advances in which have been of great help.
Virii Essay Research Paper Viruses are
Virii Essay, Research Paper Viruses are not truly alive. They are much smaller and less complex than cells. Most viruses multiply exclusively inside living host cells. Viruses
Windows 30 Essay Research Paper Windows 30
Windows 3.0 Essay, Research Paper Windows 3.0 With window’s 3.0, you can unleash the power of your 286 or 386 computer’s protected mode. Unlike earlier releases that made you purchase separate versions
Computer Crime 3 Essay Research Paper Ever
Computer Crime 3 Essay, Research Paper Ever since I got my first computer. I have enjoyed working on them. I have learned a tremendous amount of trouble shooting. With my recent computer I have come across computer crime. I got interested in hacking, prhreaking, and salami slicing. But before I go to far, I need to learn more about it like the consequences? One question in mind is what crimes are their and what kind of things you can do with them? I would like to find out why people do thesis things? I would also like to learn the laws against all computer crime?
Computer Viruses Essay Research Paper Anna L
Computer Viruses Essay, Research Paper Anna L. Porter Professor J. Brown Information Systems 201 December 1, 1998 Computer Viruses A computer virus is an illegal and potentially damaging computer program designed to infect other software by attaching itself to any software it contacts. In many cases, virus programs are designed to damage computer systems maliciously by destroying or corrupting data.
A Look Into The Computer Virus Essay
, Research Paper A Look Into The Computer Virus by, Michael Ross Engineering 201.02 January 22, 1997 Most of us swap disks with friends and browse the Net looking for downloads.
The Computer Mouse Essay Research Paper The
The Computer Mouse Essay, Research Paper The Computer Mouse The computer mouse is a common pointing device, popularized by its inclusion as standard equipment with the Apple Macintosh. With the rise in
How To Maintain A Computer System Essay
, Research Paper How to Maintain A Computer System Start a notebook that includes information on your system. This notebook should be a single source of information about your entire system, both hardware
Computer Violence Essay Research Paper Violent Computer
Computer Violence Essay, Research Paper Violent Computer Games A lot of adults say violent computer games make you violent. I disagree. When you are mad you can take out your anger while playing that game. Lots of kids I know have violent computer games and none of them are violent. Pretty much everything in this world has violence in it.