Internet Help

Viruses

A virus is program with the ability to replicate. Viruses can harm files and programs. Unlike a worm, a virus piggy backs on a program or boot sector. Once run, the virus is then applied, reproducing itself by attaching to other programs and files on the computer. Some e-mail viruses launch when you view the infected message in the preview pane.  Viruses can:

• Replicate, slow down your computer
• Attach to another program
• Delete important files or programs

Worms

Worms can replicate just like a virus.  However, worms do not piggy back on programs. Worms can cause harm to networks and computers through security vulnerabilities.

You can get a worm from using instant messaging  the Internet, IRC, File-sharing Networks, Wi-Fi hotspots and from a link or attachments in an e-mail. Unlike a virus, a worm looks for vulnerabilities in data packets.  Once a vulnerable computer is found, the worm copies itself to the vulnerable computer.  Worms can:

• Replicate, slow down your computer
• Install software remotely
• Generate additional network traffic

Trojans

A trojan is a program that claims to do one thing, but instead does something else. Trojans usually allow hackers to remotely execute commands on the victim's computer. Some trojans allow hackers to remotely access your computer. allowing full control of your computer screen, camera, and microphone. Trojans do not replicate. Trojans can:

• Release viruses, worms, and other forms of malicious software.

How Anti-virus works:

Anti-virus programs scan files on your computer.  It looks for patterns called signatures. If these patterns are found, anti-virus software compares the pattern to a database. 

If the pattern is found in the anti-virus database, the anti-virus program will clean, quarantine, and/or delete the infection. Viruses usually need to be removed from several files, directories, and/or from the Registry. Due to the complexity of these tasks, sometimes anti-virus programs cannot delete the virus that is found. Sometimes you need to download a specific removal tool to fix the problem.

Anti-virus software is a preventative measure.  This means, it works better if it is installed before your computer is infected. When installed, an Anti-virus program watches for virus like behaviors. It is important to keep Anti-virus software up to date.  Updates make it easier for Anti-virus software to identify new suspicious patterns.