Computer Viruses :: essays research papers

Computer VirusesA virus is a program that copies itself without the intimacy of the computeruser. Typic entirelyy, a virus spreads from one computer to another by adding itselfto an existing piece of executable statute so that it is executed when its hostcode is discharge. If a virus if found, you shouldnt panic or be in a hurry, andyou should work systematically. Dont rushA Viruse may be classified by its method acting of concealment (hiding). Some arecalled stealth viruses because of the way that they hide themselves, and somepolymorphic because of the way they change themselves to avoid scanners fromdetecting them.The most common motley relates to the sort of executable code which thevirus attaches itself to. These are Partition Viruses Boot Viruses File Viruses Overwriting VirusesAs well as replicating, a virus may leave a Damage routine.There is also a set of programs that are related to viruses by virtue of theirintentions, appearances, or users likely reactions. For e xample Droppers Failed viruses Packagers Trojans Jokes Test filesTHE terms ROUTINEDamage is defined as something that you would prefer not to have happened. It ismeasured by the amount of time it takes to reverse the damage.Trivial damage happens when all you have to do is get rid of the virus. Theremay be some audio or visual effect often there is no effect at all.Minor damage occurs when you have to replace some or all of your executablefiles from clean backups, or by re-installing. Remember to run FindVirus againafterwards.Moderate damage is do when a virus trashes the hard disk, scrambles the FAT,or low-level formats the drive. This is recoverable from your last backup. Ifyou take backups every day you lose, on average, half a days work.Major damage is done by a virus that gradually corrupts data files, so that youare unaware of what is happening. When you discover the problem, these adulteratefiles are also backed up, and you might have to restore a very old backup to g etvalid data.Severe damage is done by a virus that gradually corrupts data files, but youcannot see the corruption (there is no simple way of knowing whether the data isgood or bad). And, of course, your backups have the same problem.Unlimited damage is done by a virus that gives a third party access to yournetwork, by stealing the supervisor password. The damage is then done by thethird party, who has control of the network.