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Viruses vary
Today 'virus' is a term well-known to every computer
user, and many people who have never used a computer.
Even television reports and newspapers contain details
of the latest virus epidemics. In fact, virus
is a generic term, covering many different types
of malicious program: classic viruses, Internet and
email worms, Trojans, backdoors, and others.
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Viruses are harmful
Whatever its form, a virus is programmed to spread throughout
computers and networks by copying itself, almost always unnoticed
by the user. The virus payload, or effect, can be annoying, harmful,
or even criminal. A virus may be programmed simply to display a
humorous message on screen, or to erase all files on the computer,
or to steal and distribute confidential data.
Cyber-hysteria?
The first viruses appeared at the end of the 1960s, or the beginning
of the 1970s: opinions are divided. Their effect was relatively
limited, for the simple reason that the number of computer users was
much smaller than it is today. The increased use of computer
technology has led to virus scares becoming an almost everyday
occurrence. Some scares are hoaxes. However, real mass attacks have
become commonplace, and the consequences are serious, resulting
in financial loss for individuals and corporations alike.
The number of threats and frequency and speed of attacks is
increasing every day. Antivirus protection is therefore a priority
for anyone who uses a computer.
Useful links
The Kaspersky VirusList
The Wildlist Organisation Information on viruses spreading in the
wild
The Enemy Within A British newspaper's view of virus writers
How Computer Viruses Work
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