Computer virus and types. 9 Common Types of Computer Viruses 2022-10-21

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A computer virus is a type of malicious software that is designed to replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. It can infect a computer in a variety of ways, such as being downloaded from the Internet, being included in an email attachment, or being transferred through a network connection. Once a computer is infected with a virus, it can cause various problems, ranging from minor annoyances to serious damage.

There are several types of computer viruses, each with its own characteristics and behaviors. Some common types of viruses include:

  1. Resident viruses: These viruses reside in the computer's memory and are activated every time the infected program is run. They can infect other programs and files on the computer, as well as replicate themselves to other computers through networks or removable media.

  2. Direct action viruses: These viruses are activated when the infected file is run, and they typically only infect files in the same directory or folder as the infected file. They do not replicate themselves and are usually not resident in the computer's memory.

  3. Boot sector viruses: These viruses infect the boot sector of a computer's hard drive, which is responsible for starting the operating system when the computer is turned on. They can cause the computer to crash or prevent it from booting up altogether.

  4. Macro viruses: These viruses infect documents and spread through macro language commands, which are commonly used in word processing and spreadsheet software. They can be transmitted through email attachments or by opening infected documents.

  5. Polymorphic viruses: These viruses can change their code or appearance each time they are run, making them difficult to detect and remove. They can also infect other programs and files on the computer, as well as replicate themselves to other computers.

To protect against computer viruses, it is important to keep the operating system and antivirus software up to date, avoid downloading files from untrusted sources, and be cautious when opening email attachments or clicking on links in emails or online. It is also a good idea to create regular backups of important data to protect against loss due to a virus infection.

What are Computer Viruses?

computer virus and types

The main source of this virus are games and word processors. It is popularly known as a non-resident virus. Always keep your operating system updated and stop using end-of-life versions e. A computer virus is a malicious program that performs terrible activities on any computer device. Computer viruses are standard programs; only instead of offering useful resources, these programs can damage your device.

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What is a Computer Virus And How To Deal With Them

computer virus and types

In essence, a resident virus can function all on its own. A virus, as noted, is specifically a kind of virus used indiscriminately to refer to all types of malware, but we'll be using the more restricted sense in this article. There are plenty of free services to start you on your exploration: Remove computer virus Once a virus is installed on your computer, the process of removing it is similar to that of removing any other kind of malware—but that isn't easy. Lecture Notes in Computer Science. These viruses are loaded with the loading of that particular infected file. The main cause of this virus are games and word processors.

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What Is a Computer Virus? Types, Examples & More

computer virus and types

It resulted in a denial of service on some internet hosts as well as a significant slowdown in overall internet traffic. Some of these programs seek to cause as much damage as possible to the endpoint devices they infect, like altering software programs or corrupting data. A computer virus is a type of malicious software, or malware, that spreads between computers and causes damage to data and software. They typically attach to an executable host file, resulting in the execution of their viral code when a file is opened. Foundations of Computer Security. Web Scripting Virus This sneaky virus disguises itself in the coding of links, ads, images, videos, and site code.

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Computer Virus Notes

computer virus and types

This code infects a file or program and if it grows massively, it may ultimately result in the crashing of the device. Examples of Computer Virus The web contains millions of computer viruses, but only a few have gained popularity and infect record numbers of machines. Technically, it is not a virus because it cannot infect files but can be hugely damaging to computer users, who often will not be able to restore their homepage or search engine. Creeper Though Creeper viruses are not dreadful viruses, they can self replicate. A computer virus is a program which can harm our device and files and infect them for no further use.


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9 Common Types of Computer Viruses

computer virus and types

Computer Viruses and Data Protection, pp. They are embedded in a computer system and contain both fast and slow infectors that can affect a computer's programs and files quickly or slowly over time. Boot Sector This boot sector virus came into existence when the floppy disk drive was the primary source for booting the system. Computer viruses aim to disrupt systems, cause major operational issues, and result in data loss and leakage. That doesn't mean viruses aren't out there, however—so be careful what code you execute.

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What is Computer Virus?

computer virus and types

One common method is via a What Is a Computer Worm? Encrypted Virus The encrypted virus can be a bit scary as it involves the destruction of encrypting important and intimate documents and files. Retrieved June 21, 2012. Virus creators focus their attention on Windows machines because they have a large attack surface and wide installed base. Digital Contagions: A Media Archaeology of Computer Viruses. You are responsible for backing up your data to prevent data loss. If the virus does require a host program, it won't become active until the program is launched.

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Computer viruses explained: Definition, types, and examples

computer virus and types

While it has no malicious intent, it does tend to slow down computers and networks. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Addison-Wesley. Resident Virus A resident virus makes its home on your computer and can infect any file on your system, even without executing a program. Doctors can usually diagnose a virus based on symptoms exhibited by the body. Anna Kournikova was a computer virus that spread across the globe in February 2001 via the internet. These viruses are hidden in the memory and are hard to find and removed from the system.


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Types of Computer Virus

computer virus and types

Major competitive exams in the country comprise Computer Knowledge as an integral part of the syllabus and questions based on virus and anti-virus can also be expected in these exams. Tucson, Arizona 85717: American Eagle Publications, Inc. Thus, given below are a few sample computer virus questions and answers for the assistance of aspirants. At the time, the ''ILOVEYOU'' virus became so widespread that it was one of the most destructive computer viruses to date. It debuted in October 2001.

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Computer virus

computer virus and types

But there are certain indications which can help you analyse that a device is virus-hit. It largely affects files with. Global System Integrator GSI and Managed Service Provider MSP Partners Learn about our global consulting and services partners that deliver fully managed and integrated solutions. It often spreads rapidly, and it can cause widespread damage to other software programs inside a device. If the virus could attach itself to a piece of software during installation, it can get into the deepest levels of the computer and remain there undetected. PDF from the original on 2016-04-19. Government exam aspirants can check the links given below for the detailed section-wise syllabus for the other subjects apart from Computer Awareness: How To Protect Your Computer from Virus? The code then spreads via networks, drives, file-sharing programs, or infected email attachments from the document or software to which it is attached.

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Computer Virus Types & Examples

computer virus and types

The giant black book of computer viruses. Mydoom, the world's fastest-spreading mass mailer worm, also made its debut in January 2004. Some programs can sneak onto the system and avoid detection even for experienced computer users with licensed software programs. Dealing With Electronic Vandalism. Worm, ILOVEYOU, SQL Slammer, Stuxnet, CryptoLocker, Tinba, Welchia, and Shlayer are some examples of computer viruses.

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