What is a computer virus?
23 06 2004
Viruses are malicious programs that generally lie dormant in computers until triggered by a set date or other designated event. They also reproduce by replacing existing computer files with copies of the infected file.
They are transmitted concealed within files, frequently using file attachments to email messages.
The damage done by viruses can be very serious indeed. They can delete files of information, damage computer programs so that they malfunction or terminate, or delete information and programs held on hard disks.
Viruses often cause computers to slow down, perform erratically and crash. Frequently these are the first symptoms of a virus infection.
You have to watch out for virus hoaxes that are sent as emails, warning recipients to delete or change system information and urging them to pass the warning to everyone in their email address book. It acts as a chain letter with instructions which, if carried out, can result in many types of system problems.
‘Virus’ is also a generic term used to refer to Trojan Horses and worms that are distributed via the Internet.
See What is an Internet worm?
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