Computer Viruses

             In recent years, the explosion in the use of networks and the Internet has created a new avenue for computer viruses to spread at a rapid rate. Earlier viruses used executable files and would typically be no more than an annoyance by displaying harmless phrases. The latest viruses are much more sophisticated and able to cause extensive and irreparable damage to files. Some viruses are able to spread themselves to other computers on the Internet or network causing widespread damage to many systems.
             What is a computer virus? A virus is a piece of software designed and written to adversely affect your computer by altering the way it works without your knowledge or permission. In more technical terms, a virus is a segment of program code that attaches itself to one of your executable files and spreads systematically from one file to another. Computer viruses do not spontaneously generate. They must be written and have a specific purpose. A computer virus (virus) is a program that invades computer systems and performs a variety of damaging tasks after a "trigger" event occurs. The "trigger" event can be as simple as starting up a word processing program or opening an e-mail attachment from an e-mail client program. Serious viruses damage the boot sector of the hard drive or alter key system files so that the computer will be unable to boot-up on the next restart.
             How does it work? A computer virus is a program designed to replicate and spread on its own, preferably without your knowing of its existence. Computer viruses spread by attaching themselves to another program (such as your word processing or spreadsheet programs) or to the boot sector of a diskette. When an infected file is executed, or the computer is started from an infected disk, the virus itself is executed. Often, it lurks in memory, waiting to infect the next program that is run, or the next disk that is accessed. In addition, many viruses also perform...

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Computer Viruses. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 17:58, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/103418.html