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Line 1: − + − + − + − There are three main ways a virus is transmitted.+ − + − + − − − − A virus which infects networks is called a "worm". − − + − Configuring your email software so that it never runs attached programs is an easy way to stop email viruses. This should be the default setting, especially for corporate systems. + − Virus scanning software is available from Norton, Symantec and other companies. The software detects the virus and removes it from infected programs. + − − It is also prudent to avoid trying out free games and animations available on the Internet. Reputable software companies go to great lengths to ensure virus-free software, so stick to these. Or else, use a separate computer for trials. + − Discussion of the virus problem is sometimes hampered by the terminology used by purists, who distinguish between such varieties as "[[worm]]", "[[Trojan Horse]]", etc. But the generic term for unwanted software that infects your computer is "virus".+ + − + + +
→Methods of transmission: HTTP --> HTTPS, replaced: http://www.microsoft.com → https://www.microsoft.com
A '''computer virus''' is a piece of unauthorized software added to a computer which automatically spreads itself to other computers. Some viruses do malicious things, such as erasing files or copying sensitive information (like passwords and credit card numbers).
A '''computer virus''' is a piece of malicious [[computer]] [[software]] ([[malware]]) which attempts to copy itself into existing executable files on a computer. By doing this, the virus hijacks the file's execution. Computer viruses generally attempt to destroy software and operating systems, but usually not before spreading themselves to other devices.
==Process of transmission==
==Methods of transmission==
#Automatic replication: When an infected program is run, the virus also runs, searching the host computer for other programs to infect.
#By email: viruses (and other kinds of malware) are often transmitted as email attachments. In some cases, scripts within a message can also be used to infect a device, if the E-mail client program is not configured to ignore scripts.
#Misleading software: A "[[Trojan Horse (malware)|Trojan Horse]]" is a program which seems useful, but contains a virus or other malware. The main program may or may not perform as advertised, but the distributor knows it is infected. A Trojan Horse carried virus typically does not replicate itself but is spread when the user copies the program. In some cases, legitimate software may also be infected after release. Even though the software by itself is legitimate and safe, infected copies can be distributed to attack unsuspecting users.<ref name="MS What is virus">https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/safety/pc-security/virus-whatis.aspx</ref>
#Automatic replication. When you run an infected program, the virus also runs, searching your computer for other programs to infect.
#Instant messaging: A direct computer-to-computer link required for instant messaging can be misused to deliver a virus.<ref name="MS What is virus"/>
#By email. When email software is configured to run programs attached to messages, the virus asks your email software to send it to recipients in your address book.
#Misleading advertising. A "Trojan Horse" is a program which seems useful, but contains a virus. The main program may or not perform as advertised, but the distributor knows it is infected.
A Trojan Horse virus typically does not replicate itself but is spread when you copy the program.
==Anti-virus tactics==
==Anti-virus tactics==
Configuring email software so that it never runs attached programs or embedded scripts is an easy way to stop email-transmitted viruses. This should be the default setting, especially for corporate systems.
[[Anti-virus software|Virus scanning software]] is available from Norton, [[Symantec]] and other companies. This software detects known viruses and removes them from infected programs, messages, and systems.
Computer users should also be aware that free games and other such scripts available on the Internet can be risky to use. Reputable software companies go to great lengths to ensure virus-free software, so it is wise to stick with these whenever possible. Using a designated computer (or virtual system) is a safer way to experiment with such higher-risk internet services.
==Terminology==
==Terminology==
A virus is technically a type of software which acts very much like a [[Virus|biological virus]]; the term refers to a specific kind of malware which infects preexisting files. However, since virus attacks became well known before most other types malware attacks, many people use the term "virus" for any kind of malicious software. Although this is technically incorrect, it is common for someone to call anything unwanted, such as [[adware]], a virus.
==References==
{{reflist}}
==See also==
==External links==
*[http://www.howstuffworks.com/virus.htm "How Computer Viruses Work"]
*[http://www.howstuffworks.com/virus.htm "How Computer Viruses Work"]
[[Category:Malware]]