Computer Viruses.

1. Summarize the definition of the following types of computer viruses in one sentence:

a) Worm: A worm is a program that makes copies of itself so it can spread throughout your computer.

b) Trojan horse: A program that contains a hidden function which causes it to appear to perform a valid function while it causes damage to other programs.

c) Spyware: A spyware is a software that can be downloaded on a computer without the users knowledge and collect personal data on them and their internet use while connected to the internet.

d) Rogue Security Software: A program that tricks users to spend money on it by saying it gets rid of Malware but instead of getting rid of the Malware it introduces it to the computer.

 

2. How do computer viruses get onto your computer?
 There are so many ways that computer viruses can get on your computer. Here are two:

     - Accepting without reading.

            This is one of the most common ways a computer becomes infected by a virus. It happens when a user accepts what he or she sees on the screen without reading the prompt or understand what it's asking.

     - Opening E-mail attachments.

            Another very common way people become infected with viruses and other spyware is by opening E-mail attachments, even when from a co-worker, friend, or family member. E-mail addresses can be faked and even when not faked your acquaintance may unsuspectingly be forwarding you an infected file.

     

 

3. How do you know you have a computer virus?

You can run a virus scan, or often times your computer will just randomly do one and tell you whether or not your computer is at risk. If you are having trouble getting online or you are seeing random pup-ups you might have a virus and it would be smart to check.

 

4. How do you avoid getting computer viruses?
Always make sure you use caution when browsing the internet, never open something that says it has a risk of virus. Also you can bye antivirus for your computer that will ensure you don't get one or they will let you know when you are doing something that poses a risk.

 

5.  What is an email virus and why is it dangerous?
Opening E-mail attachments.

            Another very common way people become infected with viruses and other spyware is by opening E-mail attachments, even when from a co-worker, friend, or family member. E-mail addresses can be faked and even when not faked your acquaintance may unsuspectingly be forwarding you an infected file

 

6. Who creates computer viruses and why?
Some people do it because they are paid to see if their anti-virus software is good enough to keep these viruses away. Many people will do it for fun and/or because they like the challenge as well as to be funny. There are also people who will do it to find out personal information on other people.

 

7. Name three respectable anti-virus computer software programs that you could use to help protect you against computer viruses?
AVG has a free anti-virus that works really well.
Microsoft security essentials.
WEBROOT is also supposed to be really nice.