COMPUTER VIRUS

A computer virus is malicious code that replicates by copying itself to another program, computer boot sector or document and changes how a computer works. The virus requires someone to knowingly or unknowingly spread the infection without the knowledge or permission of a user or system administrator. In contrast, a computer worm is stand alone programming that does not need to copy itself to a host program or require human interaction to spread. Viruses and worms may also be referred to as malware.


A virus can be spread by opening an email attachment, clicking on an executable file, visiting an infected website or viewing an infected website advertisement. It can also be spread through infected removable storage devices, such USB drives. Once a virus has infected the host, it can infect other system software or resources, modify or disable core functions or applications, as well as copy, delete or encrypt data. Some viruses begin replicating as soon as they infect the host, while other viruses will lie dormant until a specific trigger causes malicious code to be executed by the device or system.


History of computer viruses (in shortly)
The first known computer virus was developed in 1971 by Robert Thomas, an engineer at BBN Technologies. Known as the "Creeper" virus, Thomas' experimental program infected mainframes on ARPANET, displaying the teletype message, "I'm the creeper: Catch me if you can."

prepared by IBRAHIM MCHUCHURI.