VirusesIntroductionJust as humans are infected by ingested viral agents, so, too, are computersvulnerable to suspect data entered into the CPU. Suspect data is referred toas viruses. Left untreated, viruses seek and destroy data and may causeeventual collapse of the infected computer system.VirusesViruses are data parasites written and released into programs with theintention of creating mahem. These parasites seek data stored in hardwareand software (hosts) to infect or destroy. Some viruses infect every file,others infect only applications software, data files, or operating systemsoftware. Viruses duplicate and reproduce themselves into legitimate filesand may spread rapidly or sit in the system for months before attacking.Viruses may activate when you initially start or boot up the computer orimmediately upon entering the system.VirustransmissionCopying or erasing infected floppy disks, downloading data from infectedcomputer bulletin boards, or accessing programs or networks via modems areall ways of acquiring viruses.VirusidentificationSudden and unexplained pictures or messages appearing on the monitorscreen or the disappearance of programs and data may indicate the presenceof viruses. Investigate any unusual behavior in computer performance. Newviruses appear regularly and may take any shape or form.ViruseliminationAntivirus programs are software programs designed to detect and eliminateviruses. Some antivirus programs require activation each time you want theprogram to seek and destroy viruses. Other antivirus programs, called“terminate-and-stay resident (TSR)” programs, remain in ROM automaticallyactivating each time you boot up or insert disks into the computer. InstallingTSRs into the hard drive of the computer may interfere with softwareprograms already in memory. If this happens, removing the antivirusprogram should return the software to normal.Continued on next page8-12
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