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# Computer Virus - Complete Information
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### What is Computer Virus?
Computer Virus is a type of software program that, like a biological virus, reproduces and
spreads itself. These programs are written in the intention of damaging data in a computer.
**VIRUS** - Stands for *Vital Information Resources Under Siege*
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### Knowledge Booster
**OBJECTIVES**
* About Computer Virus
* Types of Viruses
* Protect the Computer
* About AntiVirus Software
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### About Computer Virus
A computer virus is an executable program.
Computer viruses are small programs or scripts that can negatively affect the health of a
computer.
These malicious little programs can create files, move files, erase files, consume your
computer memory, and cause your computer not to function correctly.
Some viruses can duplicate themselves, attach themselves to programs, and travel across
networks.
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### How do Computer Viruses Spread?
Computer viruses spread by attaching themselves to other computer program files.
When you exchange a file or pendrive with a virus, the virus spreads from one computer to
another.
Opening an infected e-mail attachment is the most common way to get a virus.
Viruses can be transmitted by:
* Executing an infected program
* Opening infected files
* Booting a PC from an infected medium
* Through pirated software or shareware
* Opening infected e-mail attachments
* Over internet browsing
* Transferring data from floppy disks, flash drives (pen drives), etc.
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### Symptoms if Computer is Infected
* Stops responding or gets hanged often
* Becomes slow
* Opens unwanted sites unexpectedly
* Drives become inaccessible
* Data becomes hidden
**WARNING:** YOUR COMPUTER IS INFECTED
Network systems & applications may not work correctly.
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### What Virus Cannot Affect?
* Protected disks like CD-ROM, DVD-ROM
* Compressed files
* Computer hardware physically
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### Types of Computer Viruses
1. **Program Viruses**
Infect program files such as `.com`, `.exe`, `.sys`, `.dll`.
2. **Boot Sector Virus**
Infects the boot sector or master boot record of a hard disk.
3. **FAT Virus**
Attacks the File Allocation Table (FAT) causing damage to file location info.
4. **Worms**
Self-replicate and spread, often through emails and networks; do not attach to files.
5. **Trojan Horse**
Disguised as legitimate software; does not replicate.
6. **Logic Bombs**
Hidden in software; activates when certain conditions are met, damaging data.
7. **Spyware**
Secretly gathers user information (e.g., cookies, adware).
8. **Malware**
General term for malicious software including viruses, worms, trojans, spyware.
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### Examples and Effects of Each Virus Type
* **Program Virus:** CIH (Chernobyl) virus corrupts files and BIOS, making PC unbootable.
* **Boot Sector Virus:** Michelangelo virus activates on a date, erasing parts of hard disk.
* **FAT Virus:** Link Virus corrupts file and folder information.
* **Worm:** ILOVEYOU worm spreads via email, deletes files.
* **Trojan Horse:** Zeus Trojan steals banking credentials.
* **Logic Bomb:** Friday the 13th virus triggers on that date to delete files.
* **Spyware:** CoolWebSearch tracks browsing and installs pop-ups.
* **Malware:** Emotet spreads like worm and steals data.
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### Who Invented the Virus? First and Latest Virus Names
* The first computer virus: **Creeper** (1971), created by Bob Thomas.
* The first PC virus: **Brain** (1986), created by Basit and Amjad Farooq Alvi.
* Latest viruses (2024-2025): *Rhadamanthys* (info stealer), *Black Basta* (ransomware),
*RedLine Stealer* (data stealer).
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### How to Protect Your Computer
* Always keep firewall turned on
* Do not visit suspicious websites
* Keep automatic updates on for security patches
* Never open email attachments from unknown sources
* Avoid opening attachments even from known senders unless verified
* Avoid free games or gambling sites with high infection risk
* Do not download software or add-ons from untrusted sites
* Use pop-up blockers in browsers
* Keep Windows updated to close security holes
* Clear internet cache and browsing history regularly
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### Antivirus Software
Antivirus software scans and removes viruses from computers.
Its primary purpose is to protect computers and remove detected viruses.
Antivirus programs are available for Windows, Mac, and Unix systems.
Most viruses target Windows computers, so antivirus is especially important for Windows
users.
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### Popular Antivirus Programs
* Norton Antivirus
* Kaspersky Anti-Virus
* McAfee Secure
* AVG
* Quick Heal
* ESET NOD32
* Avast
* Avira
* Microsoft Security Essentials
* ZoneAlarm Antivirus
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### Essential Terms to Remember
1. **Computer Virus:** Small programs or scripts that harm your computer.
2. **Antivirus Software:** Utility software to scan and remove viruses.
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### Key Points Summary
* Viruses spread by attaching to program files or via removable drives.
* Program viruses infect `.exe`, `.com`, `.sys` files.
* Worms self-replicate and cause damage without attaching to files.
* Boot sector viruses affect hard disk boot sectors.
* Spyware collects personal information secretly.
* Malware is an umbrella term for all malicious software.
* Antivirus software helps protect and clean viruses.
The **first ever antivirus software** is called **"Reaper."**
* It was created in **1971** shortly after the first computer virus called **Creeper** appeared.
* **Reaper** was designed to detect and remove the Creeper virus from infected computers.
* Essentially, it was the very first program developed to combat a computer virus.
