com the definition of the term "computer virus- is as follows "A computer program that is designed to replicate itself by copying itself into the other programs stored in a computer. It may be benign or have a negative effect, such as causing a program to operate incorrectly or corrupting a computer's memory-(www.dictionary.com). When asked, just about any computer user can demonstrate at least a little knowledge in regards to computer viruses. However, the majority, including myself may not know enough about viruses to keep our computers virus free. The purpose of this paper is to give a brief history of computer viruses and inform of the different kinds of viruses which we as computer users need to look out for, and determine what is currently being done to prevent more computer virus spreads.
When did it all begin? In the year 1986, which was the year when one of the first computer viruses was created in Pakistan. The first Virus was "known as the Brain Virus- the virus was known to "occupy unused space on the disk so that it could not be used. It was also the first "stealth" virus, meaning it tried to hide itself from detection- (http://www.exn.ca/nerds/20000504-55.cfm). Although, the website that gave me this information states that the Brain virus was the first ever created, it is not yet certain that it was.
We all know that viruses are like a type of infection that can seriously harm our computers, but how do they work? Well, according to one website I visited viruses are "a small piece of software that piggybacks on real programs. For example, a virus might attach itself to a program such as a spreadsheet program. Each time the spreadsheet program runs, the virus runs, too, and it has the chance to reproduce (by attaching to other programs) or wreak havoc- (http://computer.howstuffworks.com/virus1.htm). There are many varieties of viruses which is why one must always be informed in regards to viruses.
