Computer infections

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Computer Infections

Viruses, Email-Viruses, Trojan Horses And Worms

Programms harmfull to the computer. The term malicious code is defined as any program designed to disrupt the normal operation of computer. These malicious code, including viruses, worms, and Trojan horses , is created and unleashed by individuals referred to as “hackers” or crackers.

Computer virus

This page has information about the latest viruses, hoaxes and security alerts on the Internet. The information is provided free of charge by Trend Micro.

Programming code that was designed to do something usually counterproductive and occasionally destructive, whether through ignorance or malice. A virus makes copies of itself without any conscious human intervention. Some viruses do more than simply replicate themselves; they might display messages, install other software or files, delete software of files, or otherwise disrupt the normal operation of the machine. A virus requires the presence of some other program to replicate itself. Typically viruses spread by attaching themselves to programs and files. For example, the file formats for Microsoft word processor and spreadsheet programs allow the inclusion of programs called "macros" which can in some cases be a breeding ground for viruses. Computer Virus is a set of program instructions that attaches itself to a file, reproduces itself, and spreads to other files. Viruses spread because people distribute infected files by exchanging disks and CD’s, sending email attachments, exchanging music on file sharing network, and downloading software from the Web. Be cautious, and check the files with antvirus software before you copy or use them.

Trojan Horses

A trojan horse is a computer program that seems to perform one function while actually doing something else. Technically it is not a virus as it is not designed to make copies of themselves. These are notorious for stealing passwords, or it may erase your hard disk. Trojan horses have no way to replicate automatically.

Spyware

Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Also called adware.

Spyware differs from viruses and worms in that it does not usually self-replicate. Like many recent viruses, however, spyware – by design – exploits infected computers for commercial gain. Typical tactics furthering this goal include delivery of unsolicited pop-up advertisements; theft of personal information (including financial information such as credit card numbers); monitoring of Web-browsing activity for marketing purposes; or routing of HTTP requests to advertising sites. Ad-Aware Personal provides advanced protection from known data-mining, aggressive advertising, Trojans, dialers, malware, browser hijackers, and tracking components. This software is downloadable free of charge.

Worms

Unlike virus, which is designed to spread from file to file, a worm is designed to spread from computer to computer through networks. A worm is a small piece of software that uses computer networks and security holes to replicate itself. A copy of the worm scans the network for another machine that has a specific security hole. It copies itself to the new machine using the security hole, and then starts replicating from there, as well.

Adware

A program that typically displays advertising through pop-up or pop-under windows as you surf the Web. Adware is often hidden alongside other programs, and you may unknowingly install it when you download a program from the Internet or install software from disks. You usually need a specialized anti-adware or anti-spyware program to remove adware from your computer.

Anonymoty

Inability to identify a person from known information.

Anti-Spyware

A program that finds and removes spyware. Some anti-spyware programs can also find and remove other malware, like keyloggers, Trojan horses, worms, and more.

E-mail viruses

An e-mail virus moves around in e-mail messages, and usually replicates itself by automatically mailing itself to dozens of people in the victim's e-mail address book.

How to protect your computer

These are the three steps you can take to prevent your computer from infected.

Use antivirus software on every computing device you own.
Use software patches and operating system service packs up to date.
Do not open suspicious email attachments.

Antivirus software is a set of utility programs that can look for and eradicate viruses, trojan horses, and worms. These essential software is available for handheld computers, personal computers, and servers. Popular antivirus software for personal computers include mcafee virusscan, norton antivirus, and f-secure antivirus.