Computer Viruses: Symptoms and Prevention

Computer Virus Overview

• Primary purpose is to replicate and spread to other computers, often causing harm to system files and data.
• Symptoms of a virus-infected computer may include slow performance, frequent crashes, and unexpected pop-ups.

Malware Definition

• Malware, short for malicious software, is designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise a computer system.

Virus Types and Locations

• Boot sector viruses reside in the boot sector of storage devices, affecting the startup process.
• Program file viruses attach themselves to executable files, manipulating the code to execute malicious actions.

Malware Intentions

• The primary intention of malware is to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems and data.
• Certain viruses activate only when specific conditions are met, often known as condition-based or triggered viruses.

Specific Types of Malware

• Adware generates unwanted advertisements, often in the form of pop-ups, targeting users during their browsing experience.
• Scareware uses deceptive tactics to convince users that their system is infected, prompting them to purchase useless security software.
• Trojan horses disguise themselves as legitimate software but can facilitate unauthorized access and data theft.

Virus Propagation

• Email attachments are a common method of spreading viruses, often requiring the user to open a malicious file.
• Precautions before opening email attachments include running antivirus scans and ensuring the sender is trustworthy.

Spyware and Worm Behavior

• Spyware monitors user activity without their consent, collecting sensitive information such as login credentials.
• Worms are self-replicating malware that spread across networks without needing a host file, often consuming bandwidth and causing system slowdowns.

Test your knowledge about computer viruses and their effects on computer systems. Learn about the symptoms of virus infection and how to prevent them from spreading.