 | Anti
Virus
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A
Computer Virus is known by MANY names
A
virus
is a program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without
your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can also replicate
themselves, in which case they are called a worm. All computer viruses
are manmade. A simple virus that can make a copy of itself over and
over again is relatively easy to produce. Even such a simple virus is
dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring
the system to a halt. Other types of computer virus are a trojan horse,
worm, malware, spyware.
An
even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself
across networks and bypassing security systems. Since 1987, when a
virus infected ARPANET, a large network used by the Defense Department
and many universities, many antivirus programs have become available.
These programs periodically check your computer system for the
best-known types of viruses.
Some
people distinguish between general viruses and worms. A worm is a
special type of virus that can replicate itself and use memory, but
cannot attach itself to other programs.