Because of the publicity that viruses have received, it is easy to blame any computer problem on a virus. The following are not likely to be caused by a virus or other malicious code:
- Hardware problems. There are no viruses that can physically damage computer hardware, such as chips, boards, and monitors.
- The computer beeps at startup with no screen display. This is usually caused by a hardware problem during the boot process. Consult your computer documentation for the meaning of the beep codes. Read the rest of this entry »
What is a Virus Hoax
July 30th, 2008 admin Posted in Definition No Comments »
Virus hoaxes are messages, almost always sent by email, that amount to little more than chain letters. Some of the common phrases used in these hoaxes are:
- If you receive an email titled [email virus hoax name here], do not open it!
- Delete it immediately!
- It contains the [hoax name] virus.
- It will delete everything on your hard drive and [extreme and improbable danger specified here]. Read the rest of this entry »
What is a Worm
July 30th, 2008 admin Posted in Definition No Comments »
Worms are programs that replicate themselves from system to system without the use of a host file. This is in contrast to viruses, which requires the spreading of an infected host file. Although worms generally exist inside of other files, often Word or Excel documents, there is a difference between how worms and viruses use the host file. Usually the worm will release a Read the rest of this entry »
What is a Trojan Horse
July 30th, 2008 admin Posted in Definition No Comments »
Trojan Horses are impostors–files that claim to be something desirable but, in fact, are malicious. A very important distinction between Trojan horse programs and true viruses is that they do not replicate themselves. Trojans contain malicious code that when triggered cause loss, or even Read the rest of this entry »
What is a Computer Virus
July 30th, 2008 admin Posted in Definition No Comments »
A computer virus is a small program written to alter the way a computer operates, without the permission or knowledge of the user. A virus must meet two criteria:
- It must execute itself. It will often place its own code in the path of execution of another program.
- It must replicate itself. For example, it may replace other executable files with a copy of the virus infected file. Viruses can infect desktop computers and network servers alike.